Senior B lacrosse league takes WLA playoff model
Nanaimo Daily News • Apr-26-2008
Making the playoffs in the West Coast Senior Lacrosse Association has become a lot tougher.
The Senior B loop has modified its playoff structure, downsizing from six teams to four teams, similar to the Western Lacrosse Association Senior A level.
"The decision was based for a lot of reasons," said Pat O'Dwyer, president and head coach of the Nanaimo DBL Timbermen.
"First, from a financial and marketability sense that usually the teams that have done the best job at promoting and marketing their squads have the most skillful squads. Then from a shear numbers prospective, playoff fan attendance usually doubles or triples on the Mainland and of course, shows an increase here in Nanaimo."
In the past, the top six teams in league play would qualify for the post-season, with the first two teams receiving a first-round bye. Third place would play sixth and fourth would meet fifth in a best-of-three series.
Under the four-team playoff format, first plays fourth and second meets third in a best-of-seven affair. The league championship series will also be a seven-game series.
O'Dwyer, who believes his squad will be among the league frontrunners this season, likes the new playoff format.
"Every league game is of the utmost importance. Every point will count so we have to be ready for every game," said O'Dwyer. "Making the playoffs this year is of course important, but our goal is to finish first in the league.
"I would certainly feel more comfortable finishing first or second with home-floor advantage than finishing third or fourth and having to fight it out on the road."
Nanaimo opens league play on May 1 in Ladner against the Pioneers.
Their home opener is Saturday, May 3 (7:30 p.m.) at the Nanaimo
Ice Centre against the Valley Rebels.
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