New NAHL North playoff format - Junior Hockey News

Published: Friday, 14 Sep 2012

By: Randy Russon

The playoff format in the North Division of the North American Hockey League has finally been finalized for the 2012-13 season.

Changes have been made in the wake of the off-season realignment in the NAHL that boosted the number of teams in the North Division from five to eight. Thus, more teams will make the playoffs in the North, given that it now has eight as opposed to the six that reside in both the Central and South and the four that are in the West.

So, while four teams in each of the Central, South and West will again make the playoffs, six from the North will advance to the post-season.

The top two teams in the North will receive a first-round playoff bye while the other four will face off in a pair of best-of-three, opening-round series with third place playing sixth place and fourth place meeting fifth place. The two opening-round winners will then advance to the second round of the playoffs against the first and second place finishers from the regular season. Both the second and third rounds will be best-of-five series.

All playoff series in the other three divisions will remain as best-of-five.

FORECAST NORTH

After conferring with four coaches from the NAHL, plus one Division 1, National Collegiate Athletic Association coach and one National Hockey League scout, here is how we as a group see the teams placing this season in the North Division.

1. Kalamazoo Jr. K-Wings 2. Port Huron Fighting Falcons 3. Janesville Jets 4. Johnstown Tomahawks 5. Michigan Warriors 6. Soo Eagles 7. Jamestown Ironmen 8. Springfield Jr. Blues.

Author: Randy Russon

Russon brings a a lifetime of media experience to the JuniorHockey.com staff.

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Discuss:

posted Sep. 14th, 2012 - 10:44am

Cody Oakwood says:

Randy,
I saw the Jr. Blues play the University of Illinois' D1 club team last weekend. 8th place sounds about right...

posted Sep. 14th, 2012 - 11:42am

Billy Bonney says:

Sorry RR there is no way I can see this Soo team making it to the Play-offs. More like 7th or 8th for them between the Soo and Springfield for last place. Jamestown gets into 6th, place.

posted Sep. 14th, 2012 - 2:00pm

Michael Gosnell says:

Randy,

Johnstown sounds like a top four team, but it is hard to judge because we only played two games in the division.

posted Sep. 14th, 2012 - 2:19pm

Randy Russon says:

Michael,

For sure. Pre-season and early-season predictions are rites of passage that sportswriters and fans use as banter material. Personally, I picked the Soo Eagles to finish fourth but the others aren't nearly as sold as I am. I also picked Jamestown to finish sixth but again, I was the only one who had the Ironmen making the playoffs.

By the way, I enjoy your Prospect Preview writings here on JH.com.

Regards,

RR

posted Sep. 14th, 2012 - 7:04pm

Billy Bonney says:

Ironmen win again...thats 2 outta 3 now for Coach Dan & the Jamestown gang!

posted Sep. 14th, 2012 - 7:15pm

Randy Russon says:

Methinks Jamestown Ironmen ranks as an early-season surprise -- and it is early -- with a record of 2-1 thus far at the Showcase. Of note, in the three games thus far, Jamestown has allowed only six goals while scoring eight and winning two of three close games.

posted Sep. 16th, 2012 - 8:17am

John Trenchard says:

much better to have 6 teams make it than 4 as you would not want 4 teams out of it which would not be fair.

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* Article disclaimer: This site may contain advice, opinions and statements from various authors and information providers. Views expressed in this article reflect the personal opinion of the author, Randy Russon, and not necessarily the views of JuniorHockey.com. JuniorHockey.com does not represent or endorse the accuracy or reliability of any advice, opinion, statement or other info provided in the article, or from any other member of this site.