Illness has been taking its toll on the Comox Valley Glacier Kings, but their offence is looking a lot healthier.

A handful of players have been battling a bug that has kept them off the ice for several days. But despite missing three of their top players (Kelin Hrycuik, Stewart Lee and Colton Ruthven) in last Saturday鈥檚 game against the Kerry Park Islanders, the Icemen prevailed 8-5.

While not pleased his team gave up five goals, coach Jim MacLean said, 鈥淭he good thing about the game was the line of Jack Kennelly, Jackson Garrett and Corey Allen scored six goals of the eight. They clearly established themselves as a line to be reckoned with. That gives us two really, really strong lines.鈥�

MacLean was also pleased the Icemen showed good character in recording the win after giving up comfortable leads. 鈥淭hat was a big win for the team. We were up 3-0, up 4-2 and then it was 4-4. In those kinds of situations you either fold or regroup and find a way to get it done. Obviously we regrouped.鈥�

The coach is expecting Hrycuik and Stewart Lee to be back from the sick list this weekend when the Yetis travel to Saanich to take on the Braves tonight then host the Peninsula Panthers on Saturday (game time 7:30 p.m. at Sports Centre Arena #1).

He is uncertain if Tyson Rennie will be in the lineup. 鈥�(Tyson) got a charley horse in the Prospects game and hasn鈥檛 skated since,鈥� said MacLean, adding that if Rennie was able to practise on Thursday he would be good to go this weekend.

MacLean said other than illness, the Glacier Kings are in good shape heading down the stretch drive to the playoffs.

MacLean said Saturday鈥檚 home game is an important one, as it is likely the Glacier Kings and Panthers will meet in the playoffs. The regular season concludes on Feb. 19. The team which finishes first overall receives an automatic first round bye and a cash bonus from the league in lieu of having a playoff series.

From the teams remaining, No. 2 will play No. 7, No. 3 will face No. 6, and No. 4 will square off against No. 5. Round two will have the regular season winner playing the lowest seed to come out of round one while the other two teams will face off against each other.

The victors from round two will meet to decide the champion, who will represent the VIJHL at this year鈥檚 Cyclone Taylor Cup tournament in April in Fernie.

ICE CHIPS The Glacier Kings have eight regular season games remaining, four at home and four on the road ...

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