It looks like forfeiting their January 14th game against Valleyview has cost the Grande Prairie Athletics first place in the North Peace Hockey League. They were forced to forfeit after using an illegal player, leaving the squad with 32 points to end the season.
The Fort St. John Flyers finished with 33. The Flyers will face off against the Dawson Creek Canucks in the west division semi finals, while the A’s take on the Spirit River Rangers.
NPHL Statistician Chris Clegg notes that while the Rangers have won five of their previous six playoff series, the only one Grande Prairie won turned into a league title. Four of Spirit River’s title wins came after defeating the A’s.
In the east, the Falher Pirates will play the Valleyview Jets, while the Grimshaw Huskies have a bye a the High Prairie Regals folded in November. Game one for all three will start Tuesday.
