For those of you who do not track such things, there are a few leagues already in their post season battles as we speak.

The Central Hockey League are in the first round, of what has to be the most convoluted format ever.  12 teams become 8, become 4, become 2.  I can’t even describe what is going to happen, but some losing teams will advance.  I have no idea why.  I guess otherwise, only 8 teams would make the playoffs,or 16 out of 17 teams total.  Squirrely.  Here is their bracket.

The Southern Professional Hockey League has an even stranger bracket, but I guess that is what you get when you have seven teams in the league (eight at the start of the season).

The United Hockey League is in their last week of the regular season.  Same with the ECHL (and the Cincinnati Cyclones are in the playoffs.  Yes!). 

If you live near any of these leagues, this is a great time to go to a game.  The CHL average ticket price is $11.70.  At the very least, it’s a cheap night out.  Go see some hockey.