First round clash set as Blazers face Rockets

Image Credit - Alex Beckett/Fallsway Marketing & Media

The Kamloops Blazers are set for a first round playoff matchup that needs no extra storyline.

The Blazers will take on the Kelowna Rockets in the opening round, renewing one of the league’s longest standing rivalries.

Kelowna enters the series as the fourth seed in the Western Conference after finishing the regular season with 85 points, while Kamloops comes in just behind in fifth with 75. On paper, it is a tight matchup. In reality, it is one that carries far more weight.

The Rockets are not just another opponent. They are the host of the upcoming Memorial Cup, already guaranteed a spot on the national stage. That adds a layer to this series that cannot be ignored. The Blazers have an opportunity to force Kelowna into an early playoff exit and leave them sitting and waiting for the Memorial Cup rather than building momentum through a deep run through the WHL postseason.

There is also no shortage of star power in this matchup.

J.P. Hurlbert and Tij Iginla will go head to head in a battle between two of the most exciting young prospects in hockey. Hurlbert put together an elite freshman season, finishing fourth in WHL scoring with 97 points. Iginla was not far behind, finishing sixth with 90 points of his own. Both players have the ability to take over a game, and their matchup could very well define the pace and outcome of this series.

The series opens in Kelowna before shifting back to Kamloops for Games 3 and 4.

Game 1: Kamloops at Kelowna, Friday March 27

Game 2: Kamloops at Kelowna, Saturday March 28

Game 3: Kelowna at Kamloops, Tuesday March 31

Game 4: Kelowna at Kamloops, Wednesday April 1

Game 5 if necessary: Kamloops at Kelowna, Friday April 3

Game 6 if necessary: Kelowna at Kamloops, Saturday April 4

Game 7 if necessary: Kamloops at Kelowna, Tuesday April 7