WHL Launches 2010 WHL Playoffs
Published on March 17, 2010 under Western Hockey League (WHL) News Release
CALGARY, AB - Ron Robison, Commissioner of the Western Hockey League, officially launched the 2010 WHL Playoffs at press conference in Calgary, Alberta earlier today. The 2010 WHL Playoffs and the road to the Ed Chynoweth Cup begins tomorrow with the WHL Regular Season Champion Calgary Hitmen facing off against the eight seed Moose Jaw Warriors.
The WHL's Eastern and Western Conferences will use a Conference playoff format for the 2010 WHL Playoffs. The first place teams in the two Divisions, in each Conference, will receive the top two playoff seeds based on regular season points. The next six Clubs in each Conference, based on regular season points, will receive the 3rd - 8th playoff positions. The Clubs will be paired 1 - 8, 2 - 7, 3 - 6, and 4 - 5 in a best-of-seven series. The first place Clubs in each Division will only be guaranteed the top two playoff seeds in the first round.
"Our regular season was one of the most competitive in the 44 year history of the WHL," commented WHL Commissioner Ron Robison, "Given the amount of parity showcased throughout the year we except the first round series to be very entertaining."
The other Husky WHL Eastern Conference Quarter-Finals will feature the Brandon Wheat Kings (2) facing the Swift Current Broncos (7), the Saskatoon Blades (3) will take on the Red Deer Rebels (6), while the Kootenay Ice (4) match up with the Medicine Hat Tigers (5). In the Kal Tire WHL Western Conference Quarter-Finals the Tri-City Americans (1) will open up their playoff run with the Chilliwack Bruins (8), the Vancouver Giants (2) will face off against the Kamloops Blazers (7), the Everett Silvertips (3) will take on the Kelowna Rockets (6) while the Spokane Chiefs (4) are set to face the Portland Winterhawks (5).
The WHL's Prestige Partners Kal Tire and Husky will be presenting sponsors of the 2010 WHL Playoffs and title sponsors of the HUSKY WHL Eastern Conference and Kal Tire Western Conference Championships. As presenting sponsors of the WHL Playoffs, Husky and Kal Tire brands will be featured prominently in all western Canadian playoff venues during all four rounds of the 2010 WHL Playoffs.
The WHL is also pleased to announce that SHAW TV will continue to provide extensive coverage of the WHL Playoffs by broadcasting an entire playoff series in each of the four rounds en route to the Ed Chynoweth Cup. SHAW TV will kick off their 2010 WHL Playoff coverage featuring the 2010 WHL B.C. Division Champion Vancouver Giants (2) facing off in a best-of-seven series with the Kamloops Blazers (7). The series begins this Friday, March 19th at 7:30pm PT at the Pacific Coliseum in Vancouver and can be seen LIVE on SHAW and SHAW Direct Channel 299.
WHL WEB TV will also cover the entire 2010 WHL Playoffs with the WHL's internet streaming partner INSINC. All games will be available on WHL WEB TV providing WHL fans the opportunity to watch their favorite Club from anywhere in the world.
The WHL will host its annual WHL Award Luncheon and WHL Bantam Draft in Edmonton, Alberta with cooperation of the Edmonton Oil Kings this year. The WHL Awards Luncheon is set for April 28th and the WHL Bantam Draft is scheduled for April 29th, both at the Fantasyland Hotel.
The WHL and the Brandon Wheat Kings will serve as the official hosts for the 2010 MasterCard Memorial Cup. The Wheat Kings will host the WHL Champions, Ontario Hockey League Champions and the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League Champions from May 14 - 23, 2010.
The WHL wishes to acknowledge our Prestige Partners Kal Tire and Husky Mohawk for their continued support of the Western Hockey League. The WHL would also like to extend appreciation our official partners Waste Management, Boston Pizza, Sobeys, All Weather Windows, Sandman and RBK/CCM together with our broadcast partners SHAW TV, Rogers Sportsnet and INSINC.
Western Hockey League Stories from March 17, 2010
- Genesis Properties Named Host Hotels - Brandon Wheat Kings
- Kelowna Welcomes Red Wings to Town - Kelowna Rockets
- 2010 WHL Playoffs First Round Preview - WHL
- Three Calgary Hitmen Named 2009-10 WHL Eastern Conference First Team All-Stars - Calgary Hitmen
- Prince George Cougars To Select First Overall In 2010 WHL Bantam Draft - WHL
- Lowry And Eakin Take Home Eastern Conference Awards - Swift Current Broncos
- WHL Announces 2009-10 Eastern Conference All-Star Teams And Award Finalists - WHL
- WHL Launches 2010 WHL Playoffs - WHL
- Cougars Get First Pick In 2010 WHL Bantam Draft - Prince George Cougars
- Pats Will Pick 5th - Regina Pats
- Wheaties Playoff Prep Continues - Brandon Wheat Kings
The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.
