The Penticton Valley First Vees and their much anticipated wait for the playoffs are finally over. After playing the sixty game regular season that saw them earn first place in the Interior Division and the coveted first round playoff bye, the Vees are now ready to get down to business.

Playoff hockey in the BCHL can be so exciting and at times can leave fans on the edge of their seats. I wouldn’t and fans shouldn’t expect much different come this year's playoffs when the Penticton Vees hit the ice Friday night against the Vernon Vipers.

Although I’ve never been real fond of throwing predictions out there, I will try to break down the Interior Conference and the power players who might be difference makers for their respective clubs.

Coaching: This is an element of the BCHL that is of the highest quality, and sometimes not given the credit that they so deserve. With Fred Harbinson here in Penticton, the Vees have one the best out there and one who demands respect and comes with a real passion for the game of hockey. The Vernon Vipers have a real good one in Mark Ferner. Although Fred Harbinson and Mark Ferner are classified as rookie coaches in the BCHL, with their experience in the hockey world they are not even close to being rookie coaches! Both came to the BCHL having taken much different routes to get were they are today and both indeed are veterans of the game. Ferner even had his cup of coffee in the NHL during his playing days, having played in 94 big league games. Another good coach is second year bench boss Mark Howell who is guiding the Westside Warriors for his second season. Howell did a fantastic job guiding the 2nd year Warriors to a second place finish with a 40 win season which trailed the Vees by just three points for first place in the Interior division. The coach who has the ability to keep his team disciplined and the coach who is able to keep his emotions in check should have the advantage and quite likely go the furthest in the playoffs.

Goal tending: On any championship team, whether we are talking about the BCHL or any other league, inevitably the buck usually stops at the young men who wear the glorified Jason masks. If ever there was a team who has an advantage in this department, it’s most likely the Vees and goalie Alex Evin.

Although Vees goaltender and regular season MVP Alex Evin continues to carry a lot of pressure on his shoulders, he has shown time after time he’s the real deal. He’s been the #1 guy in Penticton for most of the year, and deserves as much credit as he has been given to this point. Having a definite number one keeper is certainly an advantage to that of teams who don’t. As I look at other teams in the BCHL, there seems to be teams who are still searching for a number #1. I would suggest teams are further ahead anointing one guy rather than juggling two guys this late in the season.

Defence: Most fans will say the Vees have the much superior defence than that of their counterparts within the BCHL. The Vees do in fact have a real solid D core however the Westside Warriors and Vernon Vipers are no slouches themselves on the back end. With the upgrading the Vipers did at trade deadline, they are now solid on the back end and shouldn’t be overlooked. The Silverbacks also have a nice mix with the likes of Captain Michael Glacier, Damon Kipp and Matt Grassi. All things considered though, the Vees look tough to beat with seven very capable guys on the blue line. The veteran experience of Ryan Wagner, Nic Knudsen, Nathan Westover and Michael Hengen should be enough to carry the load for the Vees for whomever they end up playing against.

Forwards: There are many top end players who call the the Interior Division home this season. From the likes of bona fide sniper Hunter Bishop with the Vernon Vipers who sniped 57 goals in 60 regular season games. Westside Warriors deadline day acquisition Clinton Pettapiece will be another player to watch come playoff time. He finished this season just points behind the scoring leader Carlo Finucci with 98 points and as his 26 points in just 18 playoff games a year ago with the Cowichan Valley Capitals dictate, he performs come playoff time as well. Not to be outdone, the Vees have a few guys who are certain to light the lamp and have good playoffs as well. Don’t be to surprised if clutch performers Michael Guzzo, Kyle McMurphy complement the likes of Denver Manderson, Zac Dalpe and Brett Hextall to some post season success for the Vees.

Intangibles: This key word can and will most likely be the difference for who is to win or lose come playoff time. There are so many of these so called make or break it intangibles to mention, here's a few to ponder. Will the first round bye and two week break for the Vees be a benefit or detriment to them? Which teams will be more disciplined and stay away from the penalties and penalty box? Will home ice become a factor or will it matter where the games are played? Last and probably most important, which team will have the team chemistry required to advance to the Interior Finals?

Regardless of all of these factors mentioned, there will be a lot of battles won and lost at Penticton’s Memorial Arena starting Friday night. With the South Okanagan Events Center soon to be the new home of the Vees, this season will be the last season or playoff hockey played at the old barn on Power Street. It's time fans of Penticton get out in full force to watch some great hockey at the historic old barn and cheer on our Vees.