Only a month separates us from the beginning of the 2015 Crescent Point Energy Western Canada Cup in Fort McMurray, Alberta.
As of today, there are 15 teams in the four Western leagues that still have a shot at joining the Fort McMurray Oil Barons at this year's tournament.
In British Columbia, only the Penticton Vees, Nanaimo Clippers, and Chilliwack Chiefs remain as that league begins its unique round-robin playoff battle.
In Alberta, the two divisional finals will see the Spruce Grove Saints take on the Bonnyville Pontiacs in the North, while the Brooks Bandits do battle with the Camrose Kodiaks in the South.
Saskatchewan's final four consists of the Melfort Mustangs, Nipawin Hawks, Kindsersley Klippers, and as of today, the Notre Dame Hounds, who eliminated the Flin Flon Bombers in a dramatic Game 7 overtime to punch their ticket to the penultimate SJHL round.
Finally, in Manitoba, the RBC host Portage Terriers will take on the Virden Oil Capitals, while the only two MJHL teams to appear at a Western Canada Cup as league champion, the Steinbach Pistons and Winnipeg Blues, will meet in the other league semi-final.
The tournament opens on April 25th, 2015 when the champions of the AJHL and BCHL do battle at 2:30, followed by the host Oil Barons taking on the MJHL champion at 7:30.
Single game tickets remain on sale at http://tickets.oilbarons.com.