The Kitchener Panthers will play in the IBL championship series for the first time since 2001 and it will be a major challenge for the Panthers taking on the defending champions from Barrie.  Both teams are coming off hard fought seven game series. 

The Baycats eliminated the Toronto Maple Leafs to advance.  The Panthers defeated the London Majors on Saturday night to win the series 4 games to 3.

The series opener for the Panthers and Baycats is on Tuesday night in Barrie.  Game 2 in the best of seven is scheduled for Thursday night at Jack Couch Park.