The Okotoks Bisons are enjoying a little time off before starting the Heritage Junior "B" Hockey League playoffs.

The Bisons finished second in the South Division earning a first round bye, which was music to the ears of G.M. Brent Trevors.

"Anytime you can get a bye and get some rest going into the next round, I think it's always a bonus after 40 games. I think the boys get their bumps and bruises healed up and get a ready for a good run here hopefully."

Coaldale and Medicine Hat and Strathmore and Banff are the two first round series, with the winners of those best of three's facing off against Okotoks and the Cochrane Generals in the best of seven second round starting next week.

The Banff vs Strathmore series got going Tuesday, February 7, with the Academy Bears dumping the Wheatland Kings 6-1 to win the opener.

The Bears can take the best of three series Saturday, February 11, with a win

The Coaldale Copperheads vs Medicine Hat Cubs series gets going Thursday, February 9, in Coaldale.