With Everett, Medicine Hat, and Prince Albert advancing to the next round of the playoffs, eyes are now set on the Penticton–Prince George matchup, now into its sixth game. As has been the case in their previous battles, this one didn’t come easy and, in fact, went to overtime. After the Cougars scored two over the first two periods, the Vees stormed back with two goals in the third to send the game to the extra frame. After an initial shot was saved by Joshua Ravensbergen, the rebound came out front and Jacob Kvasnicka fired it home just two minutes into overtime.
The Vees have been a Cinderella story. A first-year team, they won the BC Division and are now two series away from competing in the Memorial Cup. It will be a daunting task as they face the Everett Silvertips, this time on the road. The WHL matchups will feature no surprises, as the Prince Albert Raiders, number one in the Eastern Division, will host the Central Division–winning Medicine Hat Tigers, while the BC Division champs will travel to face the US Division winners and overall league leaders, the Everett Silvertips. Those games on the Victory+ app are bound to be strong matchups.
Out East in the Ontario Hockey League, one series has already started, with the Brantford Bulldogs holding a 1-0 lead over the Barrie Colts. The game seesawed a bit, with a scoreless first period. In the second, the Bulldogs scored, Barrie tied it, and then Brantford added two more, including an early third-period goal that made things look insurmountable. However, Barrie came back with two goals in just over two minutes, and the game looked headed for overtime. With just over a minute left, the Bulldogs scored, and despite Barrie pulling their goaltender for the extra attacker, it was for naught. Next up is Kitchener, who spent heavily at the trade deadline, facing the Windsor Spitfires.
The QMJHL has finally settled its final four after the Blainville-Boisbriand Armada took the series 4-2 against the Newfoundland Regiment with a 5-3 win. The Regiment saw a 2-0 lead evaporate as the Armada scored four straight goals. The Regiment added one with the extra attacker with less than a minute and a half to go, but they couldn’t find the equalizer. The Armada sealed it with an empty-net goal and will now face Moncton. The other semifinal will feature the Rouyn-Noranda Huskies and the Chicoutimi Saguenéens.
In Winterhawks news, the 2025–26 Business Award was given to Portland, the second time the organization has received the honor (the last was in 1993–94). The award was given due to the redevelopment of the VMC, increased ticket sales, merchandise growth, and more. With the Hawks out of the postseason, they are now gearing up for what should be an exciting 51st season starting in September.
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