The question about who the Grande Prairie Storm will meet in the first round of the playoffs was answered in Lloydminster Sunday when they defeated the hometown Bobcats 5-2. The answer is the Sherwood Park Crusaders.
All that remains now to decide is whether the opening two games of the best-of-five Alberta Junior Hockey League quarter-final will be in Grande Prairie or Sherwood Park.
The Storm win Sunday has moved them three points up on the Crusaders and assures the Storm of no less than a fifth place finish. The Bobcats are in sixth, seven back of the Cru. The Storm, Crusaders and Bobcats all have three games remaining. The Bonnyville Pontiacs, three points back of the Bobcats, still have a shot at sixth with two games remaining.
The Storm, going by the numbers, should have the leg up on grabbing that last home-advantage playoff spot.
They host the league leading Spruce Grove Saints Wednesday and then the Bobcats for a pair next Saturday and Sunday while the Crusaders take on the Bobcats Wednesday and then have a home-and-home with the Saints next Friday-Saturday.
On Sunday the Storm were led by Dallas Comeau, fresh off the announcement that he has earned himself a scholarship at the University of Vermont, with two goals and two assists.
Storm scoring leader Justin Bernier, who is now in a tie for second overall in the league with 74 points, also scored for GP as did Edouard Michaud and Jared Power. Michaud also had two assists. Evan Wood and Zach Kasier scored for the Bobcats.
Rookie netminder Ethan Slobodzian got the win looking at 37 shots while Bailey Brkin at the other ended faced 20.
Game time Wednesday against the Saints in Revolution Arena is 7:30 p.m.
