KIJHL playoffs begin: Kelowna/Summerland; Osoyoos/N. Okanagan

The Kootenay International Junior Hockey League first-round playoff schedule has been finalized. The Osoyoos Coyotes, who won the Okanagan Division pennant for a third straight year, open at home against the North Okanagan Knights on Friday.

The second-place Summerland Steam, who upset the Coyotes in the division finals last year, open at home against the Kelowna Chiefs on Friday.

Osoyoos, which finished 43 points ahead of the Knights, won five of the eight games in the season series, lost once in regulation, once in overtime and tied the Knights 4-4 in the last meeting on Feb. 17.

The Coyotes led the league with 11 shutouts — three against the Knights.

Summerland finished 27 points ahead of the third-place Chiefs.

In the season series, the Steam won six of the eight meetings, with two of the wins coming in overtime. The Steam won each of the last four meetings. Complete series schedules: Osoyoos (37-8-1-1) vs. North Okanagan (15-29-2-1): Friday, at Osoyoos, 8 p.m.; Saturday, at Osoyoos, 7:35 p.m.; Monday, at Armstrong, 8:05 p.m.; Tuesday, at Armstrong, 7:30 p.m.

If necessary, Game 5, Thursday, March 2, at Osoyoos, 7:35 p.m.; Game 6, Friday, March 3, at Armstrong, 7:30 p.m.; Sunday, March 5, at Osoyoos, 7:35 p.m.

Summerland (34-9-3-1) vs. Kelowna (20-22-3-2): Friday, at Summerland, 7:30 p.m.; Saturday, at Summerland, 7:30 p.m.; Monday, at Rutland Arena, 7 p.m.; Tuesday, at Rutland Arena, 7 p.m.

If necessary, Game 5, Thursday, March 2, at Summerland, 7:30 p.m.; Game 6, Friday, March 3, at Rutland, 7 p.m.; Saturday, March 4, at Summerland, 7 p.m.

Other First-round Series

In the Doug Birks Division, first-place Chase Heat take on fourth-place Revelstoke Grizzlies; second-place 100 Mile House Wranglers face third-place Kamloops Storm.

Eddie Mountain Division: First-place Creston Valley Thundercats vs. Columbia Valley Rockies; Second-place Kimberley Dynamiters vs. Fernie Ghostriders.

Neil Murdoch Division: First-place and KIJHL regular season champs Beaver Valley Nite Hawks vs. Grand Forks Border Bruins; second-place Castlegar Rebels vs. Nelson Leafs.

Of the eight playoff series, seven get going on Friday.

One series starts tonight, with Nelson visiting Castlegar.

PHOTO CONTRIBUTED Members of the 2016-17 Summerland Steam are, back row, from left: Morey Babakaiff, Wyatt Gale, Brogan Lautard, Calvin Rout, Riley Pettitt, Braden Eliuk, Everett Scherger, Steven Fiust, Levi Johnson. Middle row: Rob Drummond (dressing room manager),...