The Kyle Elks and Dinsmore Dynamos are knotted up after two games in the Sask Valley Hockey League's West Division Final. The league already has one-half of their league finals set after the Kenaston Blizzards swept the Davidson Cyclones in the East Division Final.
Each win has come from the home-side. Dinsmore won 6-4 in Game 1 back on February 18, and then Kyle claimed a 6-2 win in Game 2 on Wednesday night. Game 3 of the series is slated for Friday night back in Dinsmore at 8 PM, Game 4 goes Monday, and then Wednesday would be the date for the potential winner-take-all Game 5.
With Kenaston awaiting their finals opponent, the West series certainly has the eyes of the league. WestCentralOnline reached out to SVHL vice-president Murray Friend for a preview of what's left to come.
"Probably going to go the distance. I imagine there is no love lost there, you know?" quipped Friend.
In the heart of the Sask Valley, Friend knows each team well. The Kyle Elks are a veteran team, with a hall of fame past, as Friend talked more in-depth about the team down by the river.
"Kyle is the same old team they have been for the last six, seven years or whatever. Lots of talent comes out of that area, and it shows with provincial banners, and league titles and all that." shared Friend, who mentioned age might be the only thing that has changed for the team. "Lots of those players are starting to get into their 30s, running around with their own kids now. The dynamic of their team is starting to change a little bit, every team goes through it."
Switching gears to the Dynamos, who finished 5 points ahead of the Elks in the West Division standings, Friend commended their efforts as a young-up-and-coming team.
"They have a good product on the ice." said Friend before going into some noticeable players, such as leading scorer Matt Jones who had 44 regular season points in 16 games played. "Jones is lighting up the scoreboard this year, they got a good goaltender, got a bunch of guys back, added some players from U18 programs, and it's all falling into place."
It goes without saying, but Friday night's matchup is a big one. Puck drop will be at 8:00 PM from the AGT Memorial Arena in Dinsmore.