Central Hockey League post-season play begins Friday March 21st, with eight clubs clamoring to win the necessary 11 games to hoist the President’s Cup and guarantee an enjoyable off-season. With the current situation in the Middle East, the Central Hockey League has asked all teams and arenas to review their security protocol in event of possible hazards. Prior to each playoff game, a moment of silence will be held prior to the national anthem to honor the men and women of the armed forces.

Listed are previews of each of the four first round playoff match-ups, all played in best of five game formats. Live game scoring for all contests are available online through www.centralhockeyleague.com or www.pointstreak.com

Northern Conference Semi-Finals
Series “A”
Indianapolis Ice (1) vs Amarillo Gorillas (4)

Series “A” Schedule
GM 1-March 21 @ IND, 7:00 PM
GM 2-March 22 @ IND, 7:00 PM
GM 3-March 28 @ AMA, 7:11 PM
GM 4*-March 29 @ AMA, 7:11 PM
GM 5*-April 01, @ IND, 7:00 PM
*If Necessary

The Indianapolis Ice ran away with the Northeast Division title in large part due to outstanding defensive play in front of Goaltender of the Year finalist Shawn Silver and an 18-4-2 record in January and February. Amarillo, meanwhile, expended a great deal of energy just to qualify for the post-season, earning a bid on the final day of the regular season. The three regulation contests between the two clubs were all close, with the road club emerging victorious in each meeting. For Indianapolis, both Kevin St. Jacques and Andrew Taylor scored three times in head to head meetings, while mid-season acquisition Jared Dumba had a goal and three assists in his only game against the Gorillas. For Amarillo, All-Star Henry Kuster had five of Amarillo’s 11 goals in the series. Indianapolis was remarkably
disciplined this season, averaging a CHL-low 18.63 penalty minutes per game, while Amarillo relied on an outstanding overtime and shootout record of 12-2 to earn a first franchise journey into the playoffs. The series features two of the CHL’s top rookies in Amarillo center Derek Hahn (25G, 27A, 52 PTS) and Indianapolis forward Etienne Morin (25G-15A-40 PTS). Hahn earned CHL Rookie of the Year honors this season, while Ice Coach Ken McRae was named CHL Coach of the Year in his first season after a remarkable turnaround. Amarillo right winger Dorian Anneck and Indianapolis goaltender Jamie Morris are close friends from Winnipeg, Manitoba.

Head to Head Meetings

11/15/02 Amarillo 3 at Indianapolis 2 (shootout)
11/16/02 Amarillo 5 at Indianapolis 4 (shootout)
12/13/02 Indianapolis 5 at Amarillo 3

Northern Conference Semi-Finals
Series “B”
Oklahoma City Blazers (2) vs Memphis RiverKings (3)

Series “B” Schedule
GM 1-March 22 @ MEM, 7:05 PM
GM 2-March 27 @ OKC, 7:35 PM
GM 3-March 28 @ OKC, 7:35 PM
GM 4*-April 01 @ MEM, 7:05 PM
GM 5*-April 02 @ OKC, 7:35 PM
*If Necessary

This Northern Conference semi-final pits two playoff tested veteran clubs that have claimed the last two CHL playoff championships. The Northwest Division champions Blazers claimed wins in four of seven head to head meetings, outscoring the RiverKings by a margin of 30-18 margin. The two biggest offensive weapons in the series are Oklahoma City right winger Joe Burton, who holds or shares 19 significant CHL records and is retiring after this season, and Memphis right winger Don Parsons, who earned his second straight CHL MVP honor this year after leading the circuit in goals (57) and points (106). Aside from the two stars, both clubs have plenty of additional offensive weapons which ranked the clubs 2nd and 3rd respectively in CHL scoring. The two veteran laden teams also have a healthy dislike for each other, so expect premier agitators Luch Nasato (Memphis) and Jonathan Dubois (Oklahoma City) to play key roles. Blazers rookie goaltender Boyd Ballard has quietly had an excellent season in recording 29 wins, just one off the franchise record. Veteran Mark Richards, who was outstanding during the RiverKings push to the President’s Cup last season, is likely to get the majority of ice time for Memphis. The RiverKings do need to improve in the third period, as they have been outscored 10-1 by the Blazers in the seven head to head games. All-star defensemen Derek Landmesser (Memphis) and Hardy Sauter (Oklahoma City) will quarterback quality power play units.

Head to Head Meetings

11/14/02 Oklahoma City 3 at Memphis 4
11/19/02 Memphis 1 at Oklahoma City 4
12/13/02 Memphis 1 at Oklahoma City 6
01/31/03 Memphis 3 at Oklahoma City 5
02/16/03 Oklahoma City 2 at Memphis 3 (shootout)
03/07/03 Oklahoma City 7 at Memphis 2
03/11/03 Memphis 4 at Oklahoma City 3 (shootout)

Southern Conference Semi-Finals
Series “C”
Austin Ice Bats (1) vs New Mexico Scorpions (4)

Series “C” Schedule
GM 1-March 21 @ AUS, 7:30 PM
GM 2-March 22 @ AUS, 7:30 PM
GM 3-March 28 @ NMX, 7:05 PM
GM 4*-March 29 @ NMX, 7:05 PM
GM 5*-March 31, @ AUS, 7:30 PM
*If Necessary

The Austin Ice Bats posted a mark of 46-14-4 en route to their first ever Governor’s Cup as CHL regular season champions, and led the Southeast Division from wire to wire. The New Mexico Scorpions needed consecutive victories the last weekend of the to enter the post-season tournament. Austin has relied on outstanding goaltending and quality defensive play all season long, resulting in a CHL-low average of just 2.17 goals against per game. In goal, netminder Matt Barnes enjoyed a remarkable season, leading the CHL in wins (33), goals against average (1.959), and save percentage (.934) while also tying a CHL record with eight shutouts.Dan Price led the circuit with a plus 35 mark this season, and was one of nine Ice Bats to post double digit goal totals. For New Mexico to upset Austin they will need to get contributions from the forward line of Chris Richards, Peter Brearley and Peter Ambroziak, who combined for 182 points this year. Left winger Tyler Baines could play a factor, and was the Scorpions top player the final weeks of the season. Special teams will likely play a key role in the series, and both clubs excel killing penalties and have solid power play units. New Mexico will also need quality play from goaltender Luciano Caravaggio, who went 25-16-2 during the regular season. Caravaggio doesn’t have to win the series by himself, but needs to offset the play of Austin’s Barnes. The clubs met in the 2000 WPHL
semifinals, with New Mexico pulling off a 4-1 series win.

Head to Head Meetings

12/13/02 Austin 3 at New Mexico 2
02/15/03 New Mexico 2 at Austin 5

Southern Conference Semi-Finals
Series “D”
Odessa Jackalopes (2) vs Laredo Bucks (3)

Series “D” Schedule
GM 1-March 21 @ ODE, 7:00 PM
GM 2-March 22 @ ODE, 7:00 PM
GM 3-March 28 @ LAR, 7:30 PM
GM 4*-March 29 @ LAR, 7:30 PM
GM 5*-April 01 @ ODE, 7:00 PM
*If Necessary

This Southern Conference semi-final will match two teams who have experienced success using different approaches this season. The Jackalopes have established a solid program using a strong commitment to defensive play, while the first-year Bucks have enjoyed a remarkable inaugural season by leading the CHL in total goals. Ultimately the series will be a test of defense against offense, with the club that hand minimize the other’s strength most likely to prevail. The Bucks sport the best home record in the CHL at 26-4-2, and won two of three meetings in Odessa this season, while the Jackalopes handed Laredo one of just home losses all season. In head to head action, Bucks center Dave Gilmore lead all scorers with 8 points, while Odessa scoring threat Sebastien Thinel, a Finalist for CHL Rookie of the Year honors, recorded three goals and three assists against Laredo. The Bucks will benefit from the return of MVP finalist Eric Schneider from the AHL’s San Antonio Rampage, but will be without CHL Defenseman of the Year Michel Periard for at least the first two games of the series. The Jackalopes will likely be inspired by the return of Coach Don McKee, who returns to the bench following a late season illness. Mike Gorman, last season’s CHL goaltender of the year, has excelled in Odessa’s system and will be counted on to diminish Laredo’s potent attack. Bucks veteran forward Chris Grenville led the CHL with 16 power play goals, meaning the Jackalopes can’t afford to take undisciplined penalties.

Head to Head Meetings

12/14/02 Laredo 1 at Odessa 3
01/04/03 Odessa 1 at Laredo 6
02/01/03 Laredo 6 at Odessa 1
02/08/03 Odessa 3 at Laredo 2 (shootout)
02/25/03 Laredo 3 at Odessa 2