CHARLOTTE, NC - The mid-winter meeting of the Southern Professional Hockey League Board of Governors concluded yesterday in Concord, NC with several topics being discussed, including expansion and finalization of the 2010 playoff format.

2010 Playoff Format:

The top six (6) finishers in the league standings will make the playoffs:

ROUND 1

· Series A - #1 Seed will play #6 Seed in a best-of-five series with the #1 Seed hosting Games 1, 3 and 5 (if necessary)

· Series B - #2 Seed will play #5 Seed in a best-of-three series with the #2 Seed hosting Games 1 and 3 (if necessary)

· Series C - #3 Seed will play #4 Seed in a best-of-three series with the #3 Seed hosting Games 1 and 3 (if necessary).

ROUND 2

· Winner of Series A gets a bye to Championship Round

· Winner of Series B plays winner of Series C in a best-of-three series with the highest-seeded team hosting Games 1 and 3 (if necessary)

PRESIDENT'S CUP FINALS

· The highest remaining seed will host Games 1, 3 and 5 (if necessary) in the best-of-five Championship.

SPHL Press