The Grande Prairie Storm will be kicking off their playoffs this weekend, hosting the Lloydminster Bobcats for the first pair of games in the first round.
The Storm finished the regular season with 38 wins and 17 losses, Finishing second in both the AJHL and division in points, behind Whitecourt.
Head coach of the Storm, Chris Schmidt is a league finalist for coach of the year, in just his second season with the team.
Looking into the first round, the Bobcats finished their season just three points behind Grande Prairie. Schmidt says that the best out of seven matchup will not be easy.
“Lloydminster is a very good team, they are three points behind us. It’s going to be a battle.”
The Storm obtained home-ice advantage for the first round, which will likely play a key factor into the matchup. The Storm played on home-ice 28 times this season, setting a franchise record with 24 home wins. A main factor into the home success may come from the fans, as the Bonnets Energy Centre led the league with the highest average attendance at 1433, per game.
“I think that is great that we were able string wins together at home. I think it’s great for the fans, they want to see a good game and want to see us compete, and I think for the most part we did a real good job of that.”
Schmidt says both him and the team feel good about their game going into Friday, especially playing in front of their fans.
“It’s been great all year with our fans, and I expect great attendance this weekend. It will be great for the guys, they love playing in front of the hometown crowd.” Schmidt said.
The best out of seven series will get underway on Friday, March 20 at the Bonnets Energy Centre.
