Tri-City Herald: Americans, Chiefs decide on first-round playoff dates

By Annie Fowler | Tri-City Herald

The Tri-City Americans and Spokane Chiefs still are battling for fourth place in the Western Hockey League’s Western Conference, but home-ice advantage won’t be an issue unless their first-round playoff series reaches seven games.

Because Spokane Arena will host an NCAA women’s basketball regional, the hockey teams had to compromise on their playoff dates.

With the basketball tournament scheduled for March 30 and April 1, the Chiefs would not be able to host games during that time if they wound up being the No. 5 seed.

“Due to the city and Spokane Arena hosting the women’s NCAA basketball tournament, our availability for dates was limited,” Chiefs general manager Tim Speltz said in a news release. “We appreciate the Americans’ cooperation and flexibility in scheduling the dates to give us the opportunity to play in our building when we have it available to us."

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