(Image Credit: Alex Beckett/Fallsway Marketing & Media via Kamloops Storm)

By Marty Hastings

IN THE KIJHL

Storm, Heat to begin first-round playoff series Friday in Kamloops

Mar 6, 2026 | 12:15 PM

KAMLOOPS – After an outstanding regular season, the Kamloops Storm will begin their run at the Kootenay International Junior Hockey League championship on Friday [March 6] at the McArthur Island Sport and Event Centre.

The Storm (32-10-1-1) are scheduled to host the Chase Heat in Game 1 of their best-of seven playoff series, with puck drop slated for 7:00 p.m.

Kamloops is the clearcut favourite in the first-round matchup as they won the Doug Birks Division and finishing 37 points ahead of fourth-place Chase.

The Storm were 6-0 against the Heat (14-29-1-0) in the regular season, outscoring them 39-14.

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Chase picked up steam in February, winning five of eight games and earning points in six of them to sneak into the playoffs.

The Storm edged the Heat 4-3 in overtime in their most recent meeting on Feb. 14.

Game 2 is scheduled for Saturday, a 7:00 p.m. start on McArthur Island. The series moves to Chase for Games 3 and 4 on Tuesday and Wednesday (March 10 and 11).