Falher Pirates face 2006-’07 NPHL champs in Nov. 17 home opener

Chris Clegg for
Smoky River Express

For the first time in its history, the North Peace Hockey League will have three divisions. League governors approved the new format at its meeting in Fairview Sept. 12. The Falher Pirates, who will open at home against the defending champion Peace River Stampeders on Saturday, Nov. 17, will compete in the South Division with the High Prairie Regals, Lakeland Eagles and Valleyview Jets. The West Division includes the Fort St. John Flyers, Grande Prairie Athletics, Horse Lake Thunder and Spirit River Rangers. The North Division includes the Fairview Kings, Grimshaw Huskies, Manning Comets and Stampeders. The league also approved a vote for a new playoff format. Teams recognized that they can’t compete with the Flyers and Thunder who are both entering Senior AAA playoffs. They will play a best-of-seven series between themselves for the right to advance to the NPHL championship. Meanwhile, eight of the remaining 10 teams will be in the playoffs for the Campbell Cup. Each division will have a winner and be seeded first to third based on points. The other five playoff berths will be filled by five wild card teams with the most points. Teams will then play a best-of-seven quarter-final series followed by consecutive best-of-seven series in the semi-final and final. The winners of each playoff will compete for a new trophy to be named later. Ticket prices will be rising to attend NPHL games this season. The price rises to $7 for $6 for regular season games and to $8 from $7 for playoff games. Season begins Oct. 20 The NPHL’s 168-game schedule opens Oct. 20 with the Thunder playing at the Stampeders. The Pirates will begin their season Saturday, Nov. 3. The full schedule will be drawn Sept. 22 and released to the media near the end of September.