(Image Credit: CFJC Today)

By Anthony Corea

Blazers Weekend

Blazers look to punch ticket to WHL postseason with good performance this weekend

Mar 13, 2026 | 5:26 PM

KAMLOOPS – After a major slump in February and losing the first game in March, doubts started to creep in on the Kamloops Blazers missing the playoffs for a third straight season. But after three straight games blowing out opponents on home ice, those thoughts have been put to bed, and the Blazers have a chance to clinch a playoff spot this weekend.

“We’re definitely clicking,” says Blazers forward Tommy Lafreniere. “I think the reason we’re scoring is that we’re playing well in our defensive zone. We’re breaking out pucks, and that’s the reason we can get more chances. We kind of tilted the ice a little bit, as Clou likes to say. So it’s been really good.” 

Concerns were raised by fans and media during a six-game losing skid in February, but despite those questions, faith never wavered in the locker room. With the slump now in the past, coaches believe it can be used as a positive going forward.

“Everyone knows what getting through adversity can do for a group,” added assistant coach Steve Marr. “You never really hope for it, but you also understand that, if you find a way to get through it, it can be the best thing a team can go through. Especially so close to playoffs.” 

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The Blazers now head into a home-and-home with Kelowna this weekend. The games are not only massive because of the division rival aspect, but also in the standings. Kamloops needs just one point or a Victoria Royals regulation loss to secure a playoff spot for the first time since the 2022-23 season.

“Yeah, it’s exciting for sure,” added Blazers forward Ty Bonkowski. “I think everyone kind of knows that. But, you know, we’re going to try and stay in the moment and play the game and not worry too much about that.” 

Although the mindset is focused on the upcoming weekend, there is nothing players would love more than to bring playoff hockey back to Kamloops.

“For me, it’s like a dream,” says Vit Zahejsky, who is an import player from Czechia. “When I was young, I was always dreaming to go play in Canada and be like in the playoffs. Yeah, it’s huge, it’s huge.”  

The Blazers will start the weekend in Kelowna before returning home tomorrow night. Saturday was expected to be Fighting Trout night for the hockey club, but due to shipping delays, the special jerseys won’t arrive in time for puck drop, which is scheduled for 6:00 p.m.