The AJHL playoffs are returning to Okotoks.

The league recently debuted their playoff schedule, which has the Okotoks Oilers facing off against the Blackfalds Bulldogs in round one.

For head coach Tyler Deis, the fact that the playoffs are even happening for the first time in several years is a win.

"I think everyone's excited with just getting back into it, especially with COVID and everything. Having people in the rink and being able to watch playoff hockey and just be around the game, it's really exciting, the team's really excited."

On top of that, fans will get to enjoy the game with snacks and a drinks, with the Pason no longer under a capacity restriction.

Okotoks gets the home-ice advantage for the first two games, which Deis is pretty happy about.

"We're playing a really strong team here and we're excited to have that advantage of having those two games at home on Friday and Saturday, and hopefully we can take advantage of it."

The Oilers and Bulldogs take up the fourth and fifth spot in the South Division with 60 and 57 points, respectively.

Of their six regular-season games against Blackfalds, the Oilers have won four.

Deis thinks fans will be treated to quite a show.

"It's two really close teams here, I think it's going to be really exciting hockey. It's just really good to get back into it and have that competitive nature of playoff hockey. it's going to be good and it's going to be tight."

Game one is Friday (March 4) at 7 p.m.

All of the Okotoks Oilers' playoff games, both home and away, will be broadcasted on The Eagle 100.9.