Thrilling SVHL series coming to an end tonight in Kyle

The Sask Valley Hockey League will have their championship round set after tonight in Kyle, when the Elks take on the Outlook Ice Hawks in Game 5 of their SVHL semi-final series. It has been a fun series to say the least, with 3/4 games so far being decided by only one goal, two of which concluding in overtime.

Game 4 between the two teams was perhaps the best game of the series, as a 6-5 OT win from Outlook at home set up a trip back to Kyle with a spot in the league championship on the line. The home team has won every game, leading the Elks to perhaps have a little more confidence over the Ice Hawks headed into tonight.

We caught up with Kyle Elks assistant coach Jim Marshall prior to the big game, and he shared some of his thoughts on the so-far dead-even series. 

"It's been a terrific series," said Marshall, who's son Jeff scored twice in the Elks Game 4 defeat, "Outlook has some very high-end skill that has given us some trouble, but our goaltender has been outstanding throughout the entire series. A couple of overtime games, and every one has only been by a goal."

Marshall said the Elks have struggled to get past the Ice Hawks defensive core and get pucks on net during the series. Most of their offense has come off the rush which is good according to Marshall, and they expect much of the same style of hockey in Game 5.

"It's also been a homer series, which works out for us, but it's going to be a barn burner. The teams don't like each other very much either so that always helps to make a series more intense. It's been great."

The series has seemed to play out on paper just as Marshall described it, with Game 4 totals showing the Kyle offense certainly shut down but not unable to find the back of the net, and an outstanding goaltending effort from Elks' goalie Matt Richard.

The winner of tonight's game will face a stiff test in the Kenaston Blizzards if they want to take home the championship. An excited crowd in Kyle will know what to expect out of tonight's fifth and final game, and a band of fans from Outlook will also likely make the trip as their teams battle it out in the Sask Valley Hockey League. Expect a full preview of the SVHL finals following tonight's action, as senior hockey leagues around the province progress through their championship round.

Puck drop in Kyle is set for 8:00 pm.