(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.

TWO & OUT

PETERS: Celebration from Iranian ex-pats speaks louder than our skepticism of Trump

9h ago

LOOPED IN

LOOPED IN WITH NIKKI OMEN: March 5, 2026

Mar 05, 2026

SOUND OFF

SOUND OFF: Supporting British Columbians through the Strategic Investment Fund

Mar 05, 2026

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).