The Victoria Cougars face the Kerry Park Islanders this Thursday in a game that could very well be a preview of a first round playoff matchup.
Mark Van Helvoirt’s squad is 7-0-0-0 in the season series, having outscored the Islanders 44-7. The two teams met last Saturday with Victoria coming away with a 6-1 win. John Kretzschmar scored three goals and added one assist while goaltender Anthony Ciurro stopped 29 shots.
If the playoffs were to start today, the number one seed Cougars would face the number four seed Islanders in a best-of-seven series.
Already having clinched first place in the South Island Division, Victoria (38-5-1-1) has secured home ice advantage through the first two rounds of the playoffs. The Cougars can secure home ice advantage throughout the postseason if they win one of their final three games.
On the season, Nathan Looysen of Victoria has 40 goals and 61 assists for 101 points. He currently leads the VIJHL in scoring, 10 points ahead of teammate Cody Hodges.
The Islanders (21-23-2-0) are looking to move up in the South Island Division standings. But their push has taken a hit as of late, losing once to the last-place Saanich Braves and twice to the Westshore Wolves — a team they are trying to catch.
Game time is at 7 p.m. at the Archie Browning Sports Centre. Thursday also marks the final regular season home game for Victoria.