Some call it the "real" season in hockey.  The 2018 playoff run began last night (March 22) in the Western Hockey League with several area players hoping for a deep playoff run.  

Two Cochrane players met last night in the opening game of the playoffs with rookie Connor Bouchard of the Tri-City Americans facing off against veteran Dillon Dube and the Kelowna Rockets.  The Americans surprised Kelowna by blanking them 5 - 0.  Bouchard didn't factor into the scoring but was a plus one for Tri-City.

Six more games are on tonight's schedule with three of them featuring Airdrie area players.

Barrett Sheen from Airdrie and the Moose Jaw Warriors, who were the top team in the WHL this season, play host to the Prince Albert Raiders.

Another Airdrie player, Gary Haden will lead the Medicine Hat Tigers into their home encounter against the Brandon Wheat Kings.

Balzac's Zachary Cox who plays for the Lethbridge Hurricanes is also on home ice tonight facing the Red Deer Rebels. 

Questions, comments or story ideas? Email us at news@discoverairdrie.com