CNPL Western Split Playoff Race: The Canadian National Pickleball League’s Western Split took place July 19–20 at IPOP in Burnaby, British Columbia, where the Vancouver Owls and Prairie Pronghorns dominated. The Vancouver Owls finished with a 5-1 record, led by Anna Dyachenko’s perfect 8-0 performance. The Prairie Pronghorns also went 5-1, boosted by new player Mikael Gaumond. Both teams moved into the top four of the standings as the playoff race tightens.
With only one event left before the postseason, teams now turn their attention to the final regular-season event, the CNPL III Metropolitan Split, scheduled for September 6–7 at Court X in Oakville, Ontario.
Owls Fly High at Home
The Vancouver Owls made the most of their home crowd, winning five out of six matches. Anna Dyachenko was the star of the weekend, going 8-0 in her games. The strong showing moved the Owls into second place with an 8-4 season record.
They now trail only the Montreal Lions and sit just ahead of both the London Smash and Prairie Pronghorns.
Pronghorns Power Forward
The Prairie Pronghorns impressed in Burnaby, thanks in part to the strong play of Mikael Gaumond. The team matched Vancouver’s 5-1 record and climbed into the league’s top four.
Their mix of experienced players and fresh talent continues to be a winning formula heading into the final stretch.
Tough Weekend for Drive and Lights
The Detroit-Windsor Drive struggled, finishing 1-5. Despite the results, Evan Hollinsky had a standout showing with a 5-1 personal record. Many of the team’s losses came in close tiebreakers, showing they are close to breaking through.
The Northern Lights also ended the event 1-5. They began with a win but couldn’t keep the momentum. Marie-Christine Salvas showed promise in mixed doubles, but the team struggled in the men’s and women’s doubles categories.
Race to the Playoffs
The Montreal Lions remain in first place. To lock in the top seed, they need four wins at the Metropolitan Split. The London Smash are close behind, sitting in third with a 7-5 record and led by strong play from Jessica Kawamoto.
Toronto United is in fifth place at 6-6, with Sneha Iyer’s steady performances helping them stay in the playoff race. The Southwest Ontario Brewers are still fighting to close tight matches and rise in the standings. Leaders Mark Cleminson and Amanda Rosati will be key in the final push.
Eyes on Oakville
With the Western Split now over, teams shift focus to Oakville for the CNPL III Metropolitan Split. This event will decide the final playoff seedings. Fans can expect every match to carry major stakes.
Will the Vancouver Owls overtake the Montreal Lions? Can the Prairie Pronghorns stay hot? Or will another team rise at the perfect moment?
The season’s last regular-season chapter begins September 6 at Court X in Oakville, where every point matters and the road to the playoffs will be decided.
News in Brief: CNPL Western Split Playoff Race
The Vancouver Owls and Prairie Pronghorns each went 5-1 at the CNPL Western Split, rising into playoff position. Anna Dyachenko starred for the Owls. The final event, the CNPL III Metropolitan Split, takes place September 6–7 in Oakville, where all playoff seeds will be determined.
ALSO READ: Vancouver Owls Extend Unbeaten Streak With Commanding 4-0 Victory at CNPL Western Split