April 7, 2023
Thunder Bay, Ontario
Courtesy of a game seven overtime instant classic between the Sioux Lookout Bombers and the Wisconsin Lumberjacks, top-seeded Kam River Fighting Walleye, the second-seeded Dryden GM Ice Dogs and the Thunder Bay North Stars – all previous qualifiers for the Bill Salonen Cup semi finals – had to wait the maximum amount of time and then-some before learning who their opponents would be in the next round.
That picture was given the clarity it needed when Wisconsin Lumberjacks captain Salvatore Poggiali notched the series-winner 3:38 into overtime and secure the first victory by a road team in the series, and solidify the quartet of teams that would carry-on in their quest for the 2023 Bill Salonen Cup.
The path gets steeper for the Lumberjacks who will pair up with the SIJHL regular season champion Kam River Fighting Walleye. The Fish have been on the sidelines of the festivities thus far, their regular season success having earned their side a bye in the opening round.
That series gets underway Saturday April 8, 7:30pm at Norwest Arena.
The Dryden GM Ice Dogs will renew their acquaintances with the Thunder Bay North Stars. Both clubs advanced to the second round courtesy of 5-game victories int opening round best-of-7. The North Stars over the defending SIJHL champion Red Lake Miners and the Ice Dogs over the Fort Frances Lakers.
Game 1 of this series also goes Saturday April 8, 7:30pm at the Dryden Memorial Arena.
Both series will be a best-of-seven format.
As was the case last year, the 2023 Bill Salonen Cup Champions will earn entry into the CJHL Centennial Cup National Junior A Hockey Championships taking place in Portage, MB starting May 11.
Here is the full schedule for the semi final round of the 2023 Playoffs:
 |
 |
Saturday April 8, 2023, 7:30pm EDT, Norwest Arena |
Saturday April 9, 2023, 7:30pm CDT, Dryden Memorial Arena |
Monday April 10, 2023, 7:30pm EDT, Norwest Arena |
Sunday April 10, 1:00pm CDT, Dryden Memorial Arena |
Wednesday April 12, 2023, 7:05pm CDT, Spooner Civic Center |
Tuesday April 12, 7:30pm EDT, Fort William Gardens |
Thursday April 13, 2023, 7:05pm CDT, Spooner Civic Center |
Saturday April 15, 7:30pm EDT, Fort William Gardens |
Saturday April 15, 2023, 7:30pm EDT, Norwest Arena (*If Necessary) |
Monday April 17, 7:30pm CDT, Dryden Memorial Arena (*If Necessary) |
Monday April 17, 2023, 7:30pm CDT, Spooner Civic Center (*If Necessary) |
Tuesday April 18, 7:30pm EDT, Fort William Gardens (*If Necessary) |
Wednesday April 19, 2023, 7:30pm EDT, Norwest Arena (*If Necessary) |
Thursday April 20, 7:30pm CDT, Dryden Memorial Arena (*If Necessary) |