Parity Creates Close Playoff Races
Published on February 11, 2003 under Central Hockey League (CHL) News Release
Parity has officially arrived in the Central Hockey League's Northern Conference. With just over a month remaining in the regular season, only two clubs appear out of contention for a Northern Conference playoff slot. The Indianapolis Ice, courtesy of their current 13-0-1 stretch in their last 14 games, are in the best position to qualify for the post-season, holding a 13-point lead over the Memphis RiverKings in the Northeast Division. One of Tulsa, Oklahoma City or Amarillo will receive an automatic bid for winning the Northwest Division, which will leave four clubs in pursuit of the two remaining positions. Just seven points separate five teams hoping to earn an opportunity to hoist the Ray Miron President's Cup. Four of the five squads have previously won either CHL or WPHL titles, with Amarillo chasing their first ever playoff appearance.
The Memphis RiverKings have the benefit of 11 of their 16 remaining games scheduled on home ice, but along with Tulsa, face opposing teams with a combined winning percentage of .630. Amarillo's remaining opponents have combined for just a .464 winning percentage, compared to .546 for Oklahoma City's scheduled opponents and .602 for Bossier-Shreveport's.
A total of 12 games will take place between the five competing clubs throughout the remainder of the season, including a crucial game this Friday in Bossier-Shreveport, when the Mudbugs host Memphis, who holds a three-point lead in the standings.
Key Remaining Games in Northern Conference Playoff Race
Date Visitor Home
Fri, Feb 14 Memphis @ Bossier-Shreveport
Sat, Feb 15 Tulsa @ Memphis
Sun, Feb 16 Oklahoma City @ Memphis
Tue, Mar 04 Oklahoma City @ Bossier-Shreveport
Fri, Mar 07 Tulsa @ Bossier-Shreveport
Fri, Mar 07 Oklahoma City @ Memphis
Sat, Mar 08 Memphis @ Tulsa
Tue, Mar 11 Memphis @ Oklahoma City
Fri, Mar 14 Amarillo @ Bossier-Shreveport
Fri, Mar 14 Oklahoma City @ Tulsa
Sat, Mar 15 Amarillo @ Tulsa
Sun, Mar 16 Tulsa @ Oklahoma City
Pointstreak PRO Performance of the Week: Todd Marcellus, Tulsa Oilers
The Tulsa Oilers are currently locked in a three-way race for top position in the CHL's Northwest Division, and received a major contribution from All-Star forward Todd Marcellus on February 7th in the Oilers 7-1 home win over Fort Worth. The Chesterville, Ontario native figured in six of the Oilers seven goals during the game, ending with a hat-trick and three assists. With skilled Oiler forward Jamie Steer sidelined the remainder of the season, the swift and talented Marcellus will play a key role in the Oilers playoff hopes.
Central Hockey League Stories from February 11, 2003
- Oilers Kids' Day a Success - Tulsa Oilers
- Parity Creates Close Playoff Races - CHL
- Tonight's Game: Austin Ice Bats vs. Laredo Bucks - Laredo Bucks
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