Beaver Valley opens Cyclone Thursday against Delta Ice Hawks
By The Nelson Daily Sports
Fresh from a four-game sweep to clinch the Kootenay International Junior Hockey League championship, the Beaver Valley Nitehawks continue their playoff season Thursday in Abbotsford at the Cyclone Taylor Cup.
First up for the Hawks is the Delta Ice Hawks in the opening game of the four-team tourney.
The Ice Hawks won the Pacific Junior Hockey League by edging out tourney host Abbotsford Pilots 4-2.
In the other game Thursday, host Pilots meet Vancouver Island Junior Champ Victoria Cougars.
The Cougars return to the Cylcone Taylor Cup for the first time since finishing third in 2009.
Beaver Valley, defeating Kelowna Chief, Fernie Ghostriders, Castlegar Rebels and Spokane Chiefs en route to the KIJHL crown, plays Victoria Friday and Abbotsford Saturday.
The top two teams following the round robin meet for the Cyclone Cup.
The third and fourth-place teams play for the bronze medal.
The winner advances to the Keystone Cup April 19-22 in Saskatoon.
