Prince Rupert Rampage set to dig into the ice for 2023 Playoff run with matchup Friday in Hazelton

After close to two weeks away from the competitive battles of the CIHL, the Prince Rupert Rampage will begin their playoff quest for a shot at the Coy Cup on Friday, when they travel to Hazelton for the first of a potential Best of Three series in the CIHL West.

The Rampage who had the early round bye thanks to their first place finish in the division, were scoreboard watching last weekend as Wolverines knocked the Kitimat Ice Demons out of the playoffs with a convincing 12-6 victory.

The stats sheet from last Saturday serving some notice that the next round could be make for both a physical and high scoring weekend.

Friday night's opener takes place at the Hazelton Arena and the Wolverines have a fairly deep roster to call upon as they prepare for the elimination weekend ahead.

The Rampage host their first playoff game of what they hope will be a long run on Saturday night at the Jim with a puck drop at 7PM.

The two teams met up twice in the 2022-23 regular season, which delivered a split.

The Rampage won the first time around which was the season opener on October 8th 2022 besting the Wolverines by a score of 7 to 2.

More recently the Hazleton side claimed a 6-4 victory on January 13th when the Rampage took a rare loss, one on the road.

Towards the home playoff date, they've made another call to the PRMHA, with Ben Palmer set to take to the ice on Saturday night with the home side Rampage.

Of note for Rampage fans for Saturday is the need to plan ahead for the trip to the Jim, with the ANBT Finals also going on Saturday night the Madhouse on McBride will live up to the title and make for a busy place, with parking to  be at a premium.

Car Pooling, or parking at other locales near the Civic Centre may be a plan of approach to avoid the congestion.  

The Golf Club/PRMS parking lot off of Ninth Ave East one option, or further east towards CHSS and a short walk back to the Civic Centre could help relieve some of the challenges destined for Saturday.

Should a Game Three be required it would take place Sunday at 1PM

The winner of the Rampage/Wolverine series will then prepare for the winner of the Smithers/Terrace playoff round which launches on Friday as well.

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More notes on the home team and the CIHL overall can be explored through our archive page.