Canadian vs. the Yanks

I miss the team.

2011-09-12T21:41:00.001-07:00

I know I’ve neglected this blog for some time. When you’re just doing something for “fun” it tends to take a backseat to real-life responsibilities. It happens.

But as it so happens we took an impromptu trip to Kennewick, WA for the Annual pre-season tournament that the Tri-City Americans host to watch the finale game between the Ams and the Spokane Chiefs. Like so many pre-season games, it was sloppy, disorganized, frustrating and slow to watch. But you don’t go to these things to actually watch the game… you go to watch the prospects.

Cole Hamblin was the token pine rider last season but this year he’s trimmed up and looks much improved and ready for some fantastic ice time. He was also playing forward a lot… and was pretty damn good. I would approve of this move.

Liam Stewart was also another player I really hope pulls an assignment with the Chiefs. He’s really smart on the ice and has an eye for play development. Famous parents aside, he could really do well on a Don Nachbaur team.

The team(s) looked pretty good for pre-season play. Yes… the Ams look poised to have another good year (if they can get some consistent goaltending).

A few notes: Maybe it’s been so long since I’ve been there but I’m pretty sure the Tri-City Americans have installed a train on the rafters to blare when they score a goal. Serious like make-a-toddlers-ears-bleed blare. *shudder* Has that always been there?!

Completely unrelated… the NHL Young Prospects Tourney is taking place in Penticton, BC right now. Guess who scores a goal for the Winnipeg Jets… the 1st goal in a Jets (part deux) jersey? Yeah… LEVKO KOPER. Now suddenly everyone wants to know who Levko Koper is… you would general population, you would.

Live update: Levko Koper score what he does best… the empty netter. It makes a fan proud to know you’re awesome still. Can I frame my signed jersey yet?

Little Updates.

2011-08-10T08:47:00.001-07:00

Catching up:

I’m always on the twitter writing inane crap and stumbling across news. Some former Spokane Chiefs have been in the news stream recently:

Levko Koper – joins the University of Alberta for some schooling and hockey goodness [http://www.bears.ualberta.ca']

James Reid – Must still be in love with breakfast because the kid is waffling like nobody’s business. First he committed to play at University of Lethbridge [http://www.uleth.ca] and now the scuttlebutt is that he’s headed to Texas to play for the Allen Americans [@darrylwolski]

As NHL camps gear up, I’m sure we’ll hear more from Tyler Johnson and Dustin Tokarski too… and whoever else I stumble across.

Eternity.

2011-08-08T16:00:00.001-07:00

It really has seemed like that long since I’ve ~~written~~ ~~wrote~~ put stuff here hasn’t it? I’m not going to drudge about in the past because frankly… it would take too long.

The Spokane Chiefs 2011-2012 season is getting ready to start. I do have intentions of updating randomly this season and not abandoning this blog completely. I am still in Spokane and following the Chiefs so I will do my best to put down my pointless thoughts and observations.

In a little over 2 weeks times, prospects of the Chiefs will decent on the Spokane Arena and vie/defend for their position on the roster.

So far this season it looks like Jared Cowen will be gone (forever!) and Kenton Miller was released and then claimed by the Calgary Hitmen. Cowen being gone was a given but that still left 5 overagers to deal with. Now that Miller is gone… 4.

Like every year, it brings pain to the fans to see players cut because of their age and the requirement of 3 20yos allowed. Miller will be missed, sure, but whoever the odd-man-out is in the group left will leave some more people sad. Like we learned with the Tri-City Americans last week… no one is safe or guaranteed a spot.

Corbin Baldwin, Matt Marantz, Steve Kuhn and Darren Kramer are the 20yos thus far. Just in seeing that list Matt Marantz seems like the odd-man-out. But what the hell do I know. Nothing, that’s what. Darren Kramer was drafted over the summer by the Ottawa Senators. I know that the Chiefs organisation has a rapport with the Sens but that doesn’t mean they don’t have other plans for Darren and his last year in juniors.

With Jared Cowen being gone, and a fairly positive season last, I cannot see Baldwin being traded/released. It seems unfathomable. Kuhn seems to possess a fair amount of leadership and scoring/puck moving ability so depending on what is out there on the trade radar, I could see him sticking around the Chiefs locker room for his last season.

No matter the case and what actually happens, as a fan, I’ll miss any of the players that leave. Such is the life of WHL hockey; elation and despair.

Camp opens up in a few weeks topped off by our first taste of hockey at the Red vs White game 28 August 2011. It is my sincerest hope that Cole Hamblin gets some roster time this year. Having to spend most of last season haunting the 200’s (sections), game play should be the next step if they decide to give him a chance.

See you at camp… enjoy the sunshine!

Special Note: Our friends over at the Face Off Hockey Show are celebrating 10 years (10 years?!!?) of “air time”. That’s quite the achievement from some crazy hockey kids from Maryland. If you don’t know who they are or have ever listened… you should go do that right now… seriously. They are good peeps. They get it.

Harebrained prediction: Also… mark it… Prince George Cougars will make playoffs this year. How can they not?

Superstitious.

2011-04-22T16:14:00.001-07:00

Well kids… here we are. WHL Western Conference Championship. To be honest, who at the beginning of the year thought the Spokane Chiefs would be here? In September 2010, I was comfortable with the fact the Chiefs would be rebuilding and my season ticket money would strictly be logged as “because I need something to do this winter”. And then they started winning. And kept winning. Scoring so many goals you’d get tired of clapping along to the tarantella. It was a magical season. So many great games.

Now in playoffs, every day is a gift. Beards must be grown, socks unwashed (and other unsanitary routines), hair coloured or shaved or cut dramatically to appease the human spirit and “Hockey Gods”. Nothing is left to fate; superstitions run rampant. If a goal is missed, someone laced up their skates wrong. It’s a great time of year.

This year we are left with a US-owned Western Conference Championship; Portland Winterhawks vs Spokane Chiefs. For anyone who watches WHL hockey, Portland being on top really isn’t a surprise. They have more talent than you could shake a stick at… or two, even. (Do we have enough sticks?)

The Spokane Chiefs kind of came out of nowhere this season with some second-billed talent. Sure there’s Tyler Johnson and Jared Cowen and maybe Levko Koper but Brendan Kitchton? Blake Gal? Anthony Bardaro? Darren Krammer? These were the lesser-knowns that really stepped up their game this year. That really seemed to be the theme this year. This Chiefs had 8 players finish the season with 20+ goals (which I think lead the WHL). Davis Vandane was the only player to finish the season without a goal and still has yet to find the back of the net. Maybe this series…?

Anyways… I’ve rambled on long enough. Tonight is Game 1 in Portland. Be there. Who do I think will win? In the long run, I think Portland has got this one in the bag. I’ve got nothing against James Reid but if Portland can figure out how to put a lot of shots on net, the Chiefs are toast. Unless Mac can work his magic. Or Reid can stay off his back.

**SIDE NOTE: In case you live under a rock… or just didn’t care to know… turns out the Chilliwack Bruins were sold to some people and will be moving to Victoria, BC. That’s about as high level as it can get. They currently have a webpage up and some names to vote on for the “new” team. Let me tell you what I think (because I can):

Victoria Capitals – I really don’t like teams named after over-sensationalized teams or defunct baseball teams.

Victoria Dragons – The Kelowna Rockets already have the unofficial Ogopogo. Let’s keep the mythical scaly creatures down to one.

Victoria Force – All I can think of is the Royal Canadian Air Farce. Can the mascot be a Celine Dion impersonator!?

Victoria Royals – Brandon Wheat Kings… Edmonton Oil Kings… we’ve got enough royals. NO PURPLE SWEATERS!

Victoria Tide – Actually… not that bad. Although, the “low tide” jokes could already be starting.

Victoria Thunder – LEAVE IT IN STOCKTON!

What would I name them? The Victoria Mashers… Because it’s awesome and because Victoria Bangers would be too derogatory.

Before the Worst.

2011-04-04T12:16:00.001-07:00

Well… I think we’re all (almost) ready to roll for round 2 of the WHL playoffs.

The first round of “better luck next year” handshakes are done (well…almost) and the epically sad crying goalie pictures have started. Lucas Gore almost broke my heart with his almost-weepy face.

The Eastern Conference was a bit interesting… the Saskatoon Blades had to duke it out for their lives to try and advance. But they managed. Who would have imagined that? Seriously. Nice Fight Prince Albert. The Kootenay Ice also squeaked out enough wins and made it to the 2nd round. Red Deer Rebels swept so now everyone is just waiting on the Brandon Wheat Kings to see if they will finish their comeback or go and-done tonight vs Medicine Hat Tigers.

The Western Conference was pretty sweep-tastic in the 1st round. Tri-City Americans, Portland Winterhawks and Kelowna Rockets all managed to sweep their games. The Chilliwack Bruins were the only team that showed a little fight and managed to sneak in one win on the Spokane Chiefs ice. Not too surprising, honestly. The Spokane Chiefs lost a large portion of the heart of their team with Tyler Johnson taken out. Slowly, other people are picking up the “slack”.

The Portland Winterhawks have managed to secure the Rose Garden for their second round games to allow their ever-expanding fan base enough seats to watch the game. That’s pretty fantastic. The Kelowna Rockets also get to do a little R&R in Portland. I think this series will be pretty fun to watch. Portland is a powerhouse, yes, but never (ever) underestimate the Kelowna Rockets. If they can shut the imports down and play physical, they can take some games from Portland.

The Spokane Chiefs actually get to open their “home ice” advantage at home in the second round but get a bit shafted with the format. Looks like its going to be a 2-3-2 series. Anyone that’s been to a Tri-City Americans game knows how hard it is to win in their building. It’s so loud and the fans are so loud and the cowbells —ohhh the cowbells!— it’s really effin loud. If the Americans open with at least one win in Spokane, they can very easily take the series at home. The Chiefs have been a bit scattered as of late and the Americans keep getting healthier and healthier. It’s going to be a fight or a sweep.

The 2nd round will be full of drama. I don’t even want to participate in any of it right this second. I think I might take up watching the Portland / Kelowna matchup from afar. I can’t do a playoffs series with Tri-City. It brings out the worst in everyone. EVERYONE. I’m a big Drew Owsley fan and seeing as I also support the Spokane Chiefs that [apparently] makes me a traitor and a “dumb bitch”. Whatever. When fans start taunting a kid, I don’t have enough shoes in the world to throw at people. I like to tell people it is possible just to enjoy a game of hockey. They tell me to shut my mouth. I’m not going to fight you about it. I get the rivalry and the taunting is “all part of the game” but sometimes it’s just god damned annoying.

Now that I’m annoyed, I’m going to go burn my playoff tickets… or have a shot of Jack Daniels.

Go Winterhawks?

SERIES K
Portland Winterhawks vs Kelowna Rockets

#1 - Kelowna @ Portland   Thurs. April 7        7:00pm RG
#2 - Kelowna @ Portland   Sun. April 10         5:00pm RG
#3 - Portland @ Kelowna   Tues. April 12       7:05pm
#4 - Portland @ Kelowna   Wed. April 13        7:05pm
#5 - Kelowna @ Portland   Fri. April 15           7:00pm** RG
#6 - Portland @ Kelowna   Sun. April 17         5:05pm**
#7 - Kelowna @ Portland   Tues. April 19       7:00pm** RG

RG – Rose Garden

SERIES L
Spokane Chiefs vs Tri-City Americans

#1 - Tri-City @ Spokane     Sat. April 9            7:05pm
#2 - Tri-City @ Spokane     Sun. April 10         6:05pm
#3 - Spokane @ Tri-City     Tues. April 12       7:05pm
#4 - Spokane @ Tri-City     Thurs. April 14      7:05pm
#5 - Spokane @ Tri-City     Sun. April 17         7:30pm**
#6 - Tri-City @ Spokane     Tues. April 19       7:05pm**
#7 - Tri-City @ Spokane     Wed. April 20        7:05pm**

Wow. One Canadian team left in the Western conference? No matter, a Portland / Tri-City or a Portland / Spokane final series would be epic beyond all belief.

Always A Day Too Late.

2011-03-29T14:00:00.001-07:00

So here it is… time for playoffs. That magical time of year when Spokane Chiefs fans get upset because their building can’t host a hockey game due to arena football or NCAA basketball. It’s the most wonderful time of the year. Upsets and sweeps. Or something. Because I can, I’m going to throw my ignorant opinions out there.

I started writing this a week ago and then had some stuff come up and never got close to publishing it. I’ll comment. Like you care.

WHL Eastern Conference

(1) SASKATOON BLADES vs (8) PRINCE ALBERT RAIDERS

Saskatoon Blades. Do they ever STOP?! Seriously. Although PA did manage to beat the Blades a few times earlier in the season, I’m going to have to say Saskatoon puts down some serious domination. Blades in 4.

Seems like they seem to be on pace here with my thoughts. I think the only serious competition they have is fatigue at this point… which might not even hit until the finals when they have to travel to the West.

(2) RED DEER REBELS vs (7) EDMONTON OIL KINGS

Edmonton has shown some flashes of skill this season. Whereas you will undoubtedly mock me for my opinion, I think they might put up a bit of a fight. Red Deer Rebels in…5?6? Let’s go with 4 if Kemper gets a shutout or can keep them under a goal a game in the first three games. 5 if Edmonton can take advantage of some home ice.

Well... it’s mostly true. I think Red Deer has a chance to sweep Thursday. And Kemper has been pretty good for them.

(3) MEDICINE HAT TIGERS vs (6) BRANDON WHEAT KINGS

While I’m still EXTREMELY disappointed in the Wheat Kings jersey re-design which did away with the awesome wheat stalk piping, I think Brandon has enough fight in them to duke this one out. They actually are pretty damn skilled.

Medicine Hat Tigers in 5 or Brandon Wheat Kings in 6.

Wow. Pretty sure not even I believed what I was writing when I did it. But here Brandon is showing us what they got. They lead the series 2-1. Dare we say upset?!

(4) KOOTENAY ICE vs (5) MOOSE JAW WARRIORS

What does have Kootenay have going for them? Besides some stellar offense, take-down defense, a pretty good goalie (as long as he doesn’t play outside), that Eakin kid that does everything and some nifty hair colouring... Not too much. I kid, obviously. Moose Jaw has the advantage here because I’m assuming they’ll have some fans on their side. Haven’t you heard? Apparently people don’t know there’s a hockey team in Cranbrook this year. I think this is going to be a tough scrap.

I think if Kootenay can pull out opening home ice wins, they’ll take it in 6.

If Moose Jaw gets momentum going, Warriors in 7.

I think they series is tied 1-1. Going to back to Moose Jaw might inspire both teams a bit. Hell. Pick one. I still think Kootenay might pull it out.

WHL Western Conference

(1) PORTLAND WINTERHAWKS vs (8) EVERETT SILVERTIPS

Where do you even start with this? Having seen many times the fight and drive and perseverance of Everett so many times I’d have to go against the status quo and say they’ll pull a few games. But I don’t think Everett has the power to make it too many nights against Portland.

Portland in 5.

Portland leads the series 2-0 right now with them headed back to Everett. I’m still going to stick to my Portland in 5 theory only given that Everett has the ability to be more comfortable back on their own ice with their own loud fans and freight train goal horn.

(2) KELOWNA ROCKETS vs (7) PRINCE GEORGE COUGARS

Rockets in 6. Don’t even ask me why.

I’m going to have to change that now that Brett Connolly is injured. Rockets sweep, maybe?

(3) SPOKANE CHIEFS vs (6) CHILLIWACK BRUINS

You think I’d have a lot to say about this. I’ve seen this team play too much hockey. A part of me wants to scream “CHIEFS IN 4!” but that’s rather outlandish. Another part wants to scream “BRUINS IN 7!” only because we’ve seen the epic failure of 1^st round defeat. I think Chilliwack might pull of a game or two but I think a nice home stand might give the Chiefs a little bit of an advantage to finish. Dare I say Chiefs in 4? No. I’m a chicken.

Chiefs in 5.

Countless Einhorn jokes aside… I still don’t know what Chilliwack will bring to the table Wednesday and Thursday night here in Spokane. Lucas Gore has still proved to be their only “reliable” asset in keeping the score from getting out of control. But a goalie can only last so long. No matter what, I think Spokane is going to finish this series either Thursday or Saturday. Probably Thursday and sweep. Unless they get lazy…

(4) TRI-CITY AMERICANS vs (5) VANCOUVER GIANTS

Vancouver gets to start in Tri-City Toyota Center. That’s like starting 2 games down already. Americans in 2? Ha. I think the Ams are going to be the team to beat this playoffs. They are getting all their players back and are as motivated as ever. I’ll probably be wrong. But I just don’t see the Giants turning things around too quick.

I’m going to say Ams in 4.

I might be wrong on this one. Maybe. Vancouver has put up one hell of a fight to stay adrift this playoff season. Granted they are still down in the series 2-0 but they’ve only been losing games by 1 goal. One lucky bounce or some crowd favouritism in the next few games and Vancouver might be able to pull off a win.

Also as a side note… raise your hand if you though—a week into playoffs—that you’d see Darren Kramer in the leading scorers Top 10. Seriously. 3 goals in two games? What even? I mean I know it’s only two games but still. Has that kid jumped out of his shell or what?

This Place About to Blow.

2011-03-17T16:22:00.000-07:00

I've avoided this site for a while... for superstitious and busy reasons but I think it's time for another post.

As we all may or may not know, the WHL Regular Season is wrapping up this weekend. Many teams already know where they are going to place... but the Spokane Chiefs are not so sure.

Currently, the Portland Winterhawks sit atop the Western Conference and US Division while the Spokane Chiefs are 1 point (!!!) behind the Winterhawks. Each team has 3 games remaining. With the last of those games against each other in Portland. Will it be for all the marbles? Oy vey.

The Spokane Chiefs start the weekend off on Friday facing Calvin Pickard... and the Seattle Thunderbirds. As the Chiefs have seen before, this is not a "gift" game. The Chiefs have been beat by the T-birds; 5-1, 3-1, 5-4 and 2-1. On the opposite side of that, the Chiefs have beat the T-Birds; 5-1, 8-2, 2-0 and 8-2. Wow. A split series with the 2nd-to-last place team in the Western Conference doesn't mean too much when both teams are in a division with the Tri-City Americans and Portland Winterhawks. Not to mention, Seattle is trying to just stay alive and find a way into playoffs. They need every win from here on out. They'll be beyond motivated.

Saturday, the Spokane Chiefs travel to Kennewick to meet the Tri-City Americans for the last damn time. I only say that because they've played way too many times in the last 2 months. TOO MANY! The Tri-City Americans are locked into 4th place for playoffs ensuring home ice for the first round. Tri-City is also starting to get back their injured players and are looking more and more like an amazing team we thought they would be.

So in the end... maybe Sunday is the day. I feel like the WHL knew what was going to happen and planned this all along. If the Winterhawks and Chiefs keep up their current trend of winning, this will be the game that decides 1st and 3rd place. So much damn drama. Winterhawks vs Chiefs in Portland. Whatever the case, the Winterhawks may have Carruth back so it's gonna get nasty.

The Spokane Chiefs organization has already released information concerning the 1st round of playoffs and that (despite working really hard) the Chiefs will be working their "home ice advantage" on the road. That's what we like to call "super lammee". The building (like it seems to be every year) will be hosting basketball (boo) so the Chiefs will be looking at a 2-3-2 1st round series. I guess the trophy is the only thing that matters now... and pride... and winning... and well everything else I guess. Whatever.

It's the end of the season. And barring a dramatic 1st round, 4-game exit I'd say the Spokane Chiefs have had quite the season.

So here we are with the pointless Awards section of the post.

Most Valuable Player Award
Tyler Johnson
You can argue if need be but, in my opinion, Tyler Johnson has been THE guy for the Chiefs this season. There are times when the entire team will be standing around, down one or five goals and Johnson will take it upon himself to get the puck, drive down the ice and put it in the net. The kid is 100% heart and 100% skill. I'm also bad at math.

Best Overall Defenseman Award
Brenden Kichton
Ohhhhh! Surprised I didn't pick Jared Cowen like the rest of the world? Why didn't I? Because. That's why. Kitchton goes out every night and skates for his team. He scores goals (a la less-douchy Mike Green) and is in the middle of every play making clean passes, keeping the puck in the zone or blocking a shot. Just like Jared Spurgeon, he may not be very big but he's one of the best defensemen out there.

Better Luck Next Year Award
Cole Hamblin
If anyone knows me, they know that I can rant on about Cole Hamblin only getting to play in 11 games so far this season. Sure his grades may have suffered or he's not doing as well as everyone thought or he's just the odd man out come roster time but the few times that he did get to play, he reaffirmed everything I believe... he's going to be a good player. Or maybe I do too much crack. I'm I the only one that sees the potential talent? Now he just needs more ice time. Sure he had only 1 goal and a handful of assists but it's progress. I'm looking forward to more ice time next season. I'm still your biggest fan, Cole. I hope you get to stay with the Chiefs.

The One That's Getting Away Award
Levko Koper
Honestly. I'm going to miss Levko very much. Sure Jared Cowen (Ottawa), Tyler Johnson (Tampa) and James Reid will all be gone next season... but Levko is my sentimental favourite. He always gives everything he's got and even if that doesn't reflect on the scoresheet... you sure can see it in the stands. I wish him the best of luck in the Atlanta Thrashers orginisation. I hope it all works out.

Mr. Heart Award
Darren Kramer
While it might be an odd choice, Kramer seems to bring out the fight, will and determination in the team. Sure he's a thug but he inspires a lot of teamwork on the ice. He will always take on a willing participant to bring the team up off their butts and cheering. It always seems to inspire them to work harder and remember why they are there.

Most Amazing Shot Award
Blake Gal
Hands down. Earlier in the season, any time Blake Gal was on a breakaway to the net, whether 1 or 3 guys on him, he'd skate almost pass the net, turn towards the wall and manage to backhand-flick the puck back, into the net, top shelf. Seriously it was the stuff of miracles and dreams rolled in caramel.

Most Improved Award
Dominik Uher
Call me crazy but I think Dom could give Johnson a run for his money in a speed skating contest. He seems twice the player he was last year and that can only mean that next year will bring even better things to the ice.

Rookie of the Year Award
Mac Engel
Right?! Who would have thought? This kid really did kind of come out of left field and surprise us all. You could argue that the defense helped him out but it takes two (positions). When James Reid went down injured for a month, Mac managed to jump in, collect a few shutouts and finagled his way into 2nd ranked goalie in the WHL. Not too shabby for a newbie. I could really see him coming into his own next season when James is gone.

I'm sure we'll think of more later.

So here's to the last few games of the season.
Give it all and don't stop till you're done.
Yeah.
That sound inspirational and stuff.

Margaritaville.

2011-02-10T07:06:00.000-08:00

Why did I name this Margaritaville? I don't even LIKE tequila. What the hell even? I need a break. It's come to that time again... life is getting crazy busy... I barely have enough time to get to work and squeeze in some hockey games let alone try to write anything worth anything...

I'm going into hibernation.

I'll probably post randomly but I'm officially on record as "inconsistent".

The Spokane Chiefs have had a roller coaster of a last few weeks. With James Reid being out injured, Mac Engel has had to come up big for the Chiefs. While in theory, it has worked a bit, the rest of the Chiefs have forgotten how to play the awesome hockey of December. Last nights 10-5 loss to the Portland Winterhawks should be the panic point for this team. They should get back to playing simple hockey. It does at times feel like they are trying too hard or not at all. It seems that the middle ground needs to be found. Some people would blame Engel/Iwan for last nights score-fest... I think you can only pin so much blame on your backup goalie when he's hung out more to dry by the defence more than... well... I don't think things are left out to dry this much. It's heartbreaking to watch.

While I hibernate, do some soul searching.

Or it's going to be a rough 5 weeks.

Also... Cole Hamblin... you need to do everything in your power to get back on the ice. Bribes seem to work so; $20... deep fried Oreos... shirseys made in your honour... movie and milk duds... a round of golf... make it happen.

Don’t Go Breaking My Heart.

2011-01-19T12:59:00.000-08:00

I don’t care who you are... Elton John is timeless... or something.

Don't go breaking my heart
I couldn't if I tried
Honey if I get restless
Baby you're not that kind

I am intending to write a post about the “Rockstar Outdoor Hockey Classic” in which the Spokane Chiefs beat the Kootenay Ice 11-2... but I just haven’t got around to it yet. I’ve got some other stuff going on and a quick drop-in to the Face Off Hockey Show before I can even wrap my brain around tackling that...

In most recent news, Greg Drinnan pointed out that James Reid broke the Spokane Chiefs franchise career record wins by a goalie [Dustin Tokarski], last night. What world are we living in? Hopefully Reid passes along his mojo to whoever will be starting in net for the Spokane Chiefs next season.

Tyler Johnson also broke his career high point total last night. He currently sits at 72... with 28(ish) games left. Pretty sure he’s leading the WHL in goals too. Some NHL team needs to pick this kid up... DO IT MINNESOTA!

Darren Kramer is leading the WHL in PIMs... still, with 187. OHL PIM leader is at 110 and the Q sits at 112 as the highest amount of PIMs. What even?

Spokane Chiefs are (technically) tied for 1st place in the Western Conference/U.S. Division with the Portland Winterhawks after a weekend win vs Kootenay & Everett and a win last night in Chilliwack.

The Spokane Chiefs have scored 42 goals in the last 8 games. Think about it. That’s 5+ goals a game average.

Since Nov 20, 2010 the Spokane Chiefs have only lost 2 games in regulation. Think about it. That sounds pretty fantastic to me.

Former Chiefs, Jared Spurgeon, is showing the ENTIRE WORLD what we knew about 3 years ago...He’s amazing. Really. Amazing.

I don’t really care about rankings too much concerning the CHL but the fact that the Spokane Chiefs have remained unranked for a while is weird. I’m pretty sure those ranking are updated today so I’ll be poking around just out of interest. Just because I like to cater to superstition, I’d love to see the Chiefs remain unranked, like, all season.

Spokane Chiefs have another packed weekend with [another] Kootenay game (Friday) and Kelowna (Saturday) and then they travel to Portland for a Sunday game.

Take Me Out To the Ball Game.

2011-01-14T18:57:00.001-08:00

Tomorrow the Spokane Chiefs take on the Kootenay Ice at Avista Stadium in the first ever outdoor WHL hockey game. It’s going to be warm… all the snow has melted away… but it’s still going to be a fantastic time. Even the Chiefs are little kids in a candy store. Bring your towels. See you at the game.

(Photo Gary Peterson – Action Sports via WHL.ca)

You can view all the photo’s from the practice on the WHL site. [here]

View Gary’s full album of photos from the week at Avista Stadium through practice. [here]

Bring on the Rain.

2011-01-10T13:11:00.000-08:00

That’s right... it’s a Country reference. Go with it.

So what’s happened since last I post.

Not a lot.

A lot.

Guess it depends on who you ask.

Who’s had a bad few weeks?

Jared Cowen. He has been OOO for a while collecting another Silver medal with Team Canada. I’m not commenting on World Jr’s this year. I’m still trying to get over a certain broadcaster that is indeed crazy and in need of medical help. I can’t get past it.

Who’s had a better week...?

The Spokane Chiefs.

They started the after-Christmas schedule with a shutout in ~~Seattle~~ ~~Kent~~ over there over the Thunderbirds and another 8-2 win over Seattle at the Arena.

The Chiefs did travel to TriCity for the annual New Year’s Eve game but there were some ice issues and due to a concern for player safety, they cancelled/rescheduled the game.

The following night saw the Chiefs in Kelowna to meet to Rockets. Being around the Prospera Place really put a few things in perspective:

Even though the Chiefs controlled the puck most of the game, the Rockets came out with a lot of force and the Chiefs looked to have to scramble to adjust to this. Even though they had to fight for it, they managed to win 5-2. Levko Koper also had a hattrick. Awesome, I know. The luck of the jersey lives on!

From there, the Chiefs had the week off from games and the Lethbridge Hurricanes came to town a few days early looking to try and prepare... Mike Reddington was welcomed back with a loud applause but that was the only thing that went well for the Canes. Lethbridge actually managed some constant shots on net but between James Reid and Brendan Kitchton... nothing was going in. Chiefs pulled out a 6-0 win over the Canes and Reid moves ever closer to Dustin Tokarski’s shutout record. Also... Blake Gal scored his first goal since Nov 21. It was fantastic. I hope this is the first of many more to come in the next few months.

Saturday saw the Everett Silvertips back in Spokane. I don’t know what anyone else thinks but it doesn’t seem to matter where the Tips are ranked or how many wins they have or how many players they have injured... they can always give the Chiefs a run for their money. Next to some Portland games and the Kelowna game on New Years, this was the hardest the Chiefs have had to work for a win in a long while. But nonetheless they did manage to squeak out a 4-2 win.

Jared Cowen will also be making his return to the lineup Wednesday night while the Chiefs are in Portland. Portland will also be packing all their firepower so this could be an early preview of the top two teams in some form of a Western Conference playoff round in the future.

The Brayden Schenn trade has come and it does look like he will be heading back home to Saskatoon to finish up his Jr career with the amazing Blades and their roster of awesome. The Kootenay Ice also made a move and grabbed up Cody Eakin for like a million players/draft picks. Craziness. [see all WHL trades] Looks like Kootenay is going all or nothing this year.

Don’t forget to go to the “first ever WHL outdoor hockey game in History... blah blah” you all know the spiel... here’s the commercial that actually aired during the Seahawks playoff game (smart marketing too late?).

It’s kind of like the 2010 NHL Winter Classic commercial but effective enough. Go buy tickets. The current forecast is a little iffy... but given that it’s Spokane, it’ll probably change by Thursday.

I’m sure there’s more to write about but it’s irrelevant at best.

Speachless.

2010-12-28T13:07:00.000-08:00

In light of the last hour... looks like Brayden Schenn going to Portland looks less feasible.

WHL.ca: The Portland Winterhawks have acquired center Craig Cunningham and a sixth round pick in the 2011 Western Hockey League Bantam Draft from the Vancouver Giants in exchange for forwards Spencer Bennett, Teal Burns, a first round pick in the 2011 Bantam Draft and a second round pick in the 2012 Bantam Draft. [Read full release]

TriCity has Carter Ashton... Portland gets Cunningham... Let’s go Speltzy.

But in the real world... DARRYL SUTTER STEPPED DOWN AS GM OF THE CALGARY FLAMES. Seriously.

What’s the over/under on how many days it takes him to retire to North Carolina?

I don't care.

I’ll be back. Imma gonna go throw a party.

Note: thanks to ScottyWazz for noticing that - I spelled the title wrong. Let's just think of it as "sparkly-peach-less"truncated. That's what happens when you're on a cramped keyboard , 400 mg of caffeine and running $67 million dollar budget from dollars to Kroner. Brain moves faster than fingers.

Freedom.

2010-12-28T09:06:00.000-08:00

It's the holiday season and with that, the WHL season takes a small break to allow the families and players some downtime to celebrate the holiday(s). It's also the week that I overlook Christmas and wake up December 26th excited and bubble with elation over the fact that the Christmas music will [finally] stop and that the World Juniors starts. To me it feels like what I imagine the Olympics feel like for everyone else. Epic.

Before I started following Jr Hockey closely, I always rooted for Team Canada. There's a nostalgia there (still to this day) that always hits me.; after the first win and every stands around the television to warble along to "O, Canada" the way it was meant to be sung... by thousands of people, bursting of pride, after winning a hockey game. It’s a good feeling.

I’ve digressed… nonetheless… this year at the World Jrs, Jared Cowen of the Spokane Chiefs is playing. According to Pierre McGuire he’s the most amazing things since Timbits. I’ll just leave it at that. Now days I’m just more interested in watching all the games and seeing the new faces and following the ones we already know here in the WHL. Curtis Hamilton of the Saskatoon Blades is my favourite player this year for Team Canada. And of course Nino “NinoNino” Niederreiter is playing for Switzerland.

I also keep hearing the rumblings that Brayden Schenn of the Brandon Wheat Kings (currently 10th in the East) will more than likely be traded before the deadline to put him on a possible Memorial Cup team. Whether this is true or not, it’s completely logical. The L.A Kings shouldnt’t want their prospect dwelling in the basement for what will probably be his last Jr season. They’re probably going to want to see him on a team that at least has a shot at a few rounds in playoffs. If you looked at the teams in the East and West, Saskatoon and Portland seem like the most likely options. I’m not sure if the Kootenay Ice could pull off that trade and the TriCity Americans already have Carter Ashton so I could very easily see the Portland Winterhawks seriously courting him. I love/hate this idea. We’d get to see a lot of Brayden Schenn but Portland is already so frigin talented all the way to the 4th line, it hardly seems fair. But life is never fair; hockey even less. So if they move him west, I could see him landing in Portland.

In my imaginary world, the Spokane Chiefs would attempt to lure Brayden to Spokane. They have the coach that has turned a ragtag pack of rabble (I say that in the most endearing way) into an amazing offensive/defensive machine. It’s hard to fathom what a Chiefs team with Brayden Schenn would look like but with a group that could use some consistent speed and scoring (other than Tyler Johnson), I imagine it would look amazing. I imagine he and Blake Gal would be deadly. I dream.

Again… I’ve gone off topic! My whole point to posting was to remind everyone that in light of the holidays, the WHL offers all games free (FREE!!1) online December 28-30th to stream. So get online and watch your favourite team without stressing your pocketbook further after the holidays. Just sign up for free and enter the code ‘whllive’ Watch here.

In other off-topicness… CNN Money was in town for the last game between the Spokane Chiefs and the Seattle Thunderbirds and they were talking about the ShoWare Center. If you haven’t been, you should definitely check it out. It really is a fancy building. Just don’t go as a Chiefs fan.

So in closing… The Spokane Chiefs have travelled to Seattle (Kent) to take on the Seattle Thunderbirds tonight. If you’re bored in the Seattle area tonight, pack up your kids or whatever and take advantage of the T-birds amazing deal for tonight’s game; 2-for-Tuesdays and discounted concessions up the wazoo. Buy tickets here. Can’t beat cheap tickets and cheaper food and good hockey.

Tomorrow the T-birds and Chiefs play (again) but in Spokane. Please show up. Crowd needed.

And my last off topic: I miss Eli Stone.

You Did Fine - Knock Knock

2010-12-22T09:49:00.000-08:00

Click to view the interview on TSN.ca

Jared Cowen goes "Off The Record" with Michael Landsburg and talks about lots of... stuff. Mostly uninteresting and awkward at best. I bet he was tired.

Go Team Canada.

Raise Your Glass.

2010-12-19T13:27:00.001-08:00

It’s been over a month. Let’s summarize what has happened since November 15th 2010.

The Spokane Chiefs have found some magical wand of skill… or Coach Nachbaur is just simply that amazing of a coach. The Chief have gone 7-1-2-0 in their last 10 and are currently sitting in 2nd in the U.S. division and 3rd in the Western Conference. Not bad for a group of kids that most people predicted to be basement dwellers this season.

Tyler Johnson is 3rd in WHL scoring… or 2nd, depending on which page of the WHL website you are on… and if it works.
Jared Cowen is playing for Team Canada again this year and has apparently earned an ‘A’. [read @WHL.ca]
Blake Gal hasn’t scored a goal since 21 November 2010 :/
Levko Koper is growing truculence… err a moustache. [as seen here]
Darren Kramer has had 17 fights in the last 20 games…
The assninery of “Spokane vs Tri-City” “fans” has continued into the Facebook world and makes me embarrassed on many levels. But whatever. [see here]

The 1st half of the season is over and we have the trade deadline and playoffs to look forward to… hopefully.

Hopefully I’ll be able to update more often after the holidays. Enjoy the holidays… if you’re in to that sort of thing.

Good at being gone.

2010-11-16T11:48:00.001-08:00

Oh. My Gosh. Where have I been? I know it’s been a while since I’ve updated anything but it’s a good point to start up again…

The Spokane Chiefs are on a WINNING streak. I know, right?! I’m lazy so here’s a screencap of their work so far this past month… Please note the 11-1 victory over Regina.

Jared Cowen will be playing for Team WHL and even captaining one game of the WHL Subway Super Series this year. [Hockeysfuture.com]

Since Jared Cowen will be away at the WHL Subway Series and [predictably] World Jrs, the powers figured they better sign a defenseman to try and plug the hole while he’s away. Best of luck Kyle Krzy…Kryz… KryzANiak [SpokaneChiefs.com]

The Fall NHL Central Scouting rankings are out… WHL list includes three Spokane Chiefs; Mac Engle, Anthony Bardaro (#23) and Brady Brassart (#22). I bet mama & papa Brassart are pleased… as is the Bardaro mafia. [CentralScouting.Nhl.com]

In closing… Dear Philadelphia Flyers… sign Blake Gal. You’d be crazy not to. Seriously. He has the craziest backhand that catches goalies totally by surprise. He’s growing a mullet. Did we mention he can fly…?

Photo by Gary Peterson – Action Sport Images

Bullet points. I like bullet points. Well there’s a rudimentary summary, at best.

Well… I’m off to Philly.

No.

Seriously.

Fight or Fall.

2010-10-21T17:58:00.001-07:00

Last night the Calgary Hitmen came into the Spokane Arena with their awesome jerseys, their impressive caravan of fans and two points to lose. Oh boy did they lose it.

Again, the Spokane Chiefs outshot their opponent double+.

This is such a fantastic change from the way the team use to play and was coached under Sauter… Go Nachbaur.

The Chiefs managed to get all the bounces working in their favour and creating such havoc in front of the net the tired Hitmen didn’t stand a chance. Aviani scored his first WHL goal. Congrats to him. Blake Gal was spectacular and nailed the hat trick. Here’s the damage of the game…

1. SPO Gal, (6) (Johnson, Leedahl), 0:43
1. SPO Kramer, (2) (Cowen), 2:27
1. SPO Gal, (7) (Miller, Gow), 11:54
1. CAL Fisenko, (2) (Kirsch, Foucault), 15:56 (PP)
1. SPO Miller, (2) (Cowen, Johnson), 17:06 (PP)
2. SPO Gal, (8) (Kichton), 3:59
2. SPO Miller, (3) (Johnson, Kichton), 6:02 (PP)
2. SPO Aviani, (1) (Marantz), 8:08
3. SPO Holmberg, (4) (Mort), 8:01

Needless to say the game got crazy out of hand with all the goals being scored and gloves being dropped. If you weren't scoring goals… you were fighting.

1 - CAL Wilson, 3:31 - Tripping , 2 min (PP)
1 - CAL Trzonkowski, 13:48 - Roughing , 2 min
1 - SPO Kramer, 13:48 - Roughing , 2 min
1 - SPO Leedahl, 14:54 - Tripping , 2 min (PP)
1 - SPO Kramer, 16:06 - Major-Fighting , 5 min
1 - CAL Bubnick, 16:25 - Hooking , 2 min (PP)
1 - CAL Reinbolt, 16:56 - Major-Fighting , 5 min
1 - CAL Beach, 18:23 - Major-Fighting , 5 min
1 - SPO Cowen, 18:23 - Major-Fighting , 5 min
2 - SPO Baldwin, 0:12 - Cross Checking , 2 min (PP)
2 - CAL Rissling, 4:47 - Holding , 2 min (PP)
2 - CAL MacKenzie, 11:13 - Major-Fighting , 5 min
2 - SPO Marantz, 11:13 - Major-Fighting , 5 min
2 - CAL Reinbolt, 15:09 - Slashing , 2 min
2 - SPO Cowen, 15:09 - Unsportsmanlike Cnd. , 2 min
2 - CAL Rissling, 15:40 - Holding , 2 min (PP)
2 - CAL Fiddler, 16:03 - Hooking , 2 min (PP)
3 - SPO Served By , 2:08 - Too Many Men , 2 min (PP)
3 - CAL Wilson, 10:42 - Major-Fighting , 5 min
3 - SPO Kramer, 10:42 - Major-Fighting , 5 min
3 - CAL Trzonkowski, 12:35 - Tripping , 2 min (PP)
3 - CAL Snider, 16:27 - Tripping , 2 min (PP)
3 - CAL Beach, 16:46 - Major-Fighting , 5 min
3 - CAL Rissling, 16:46 - Roughing , 2 min
3 - CAL Snider, 16:46 - Leaving Crease , 2 min
3 - CAL Sylvester, 16:46 - Hooking , 2 min
3 - CAL Sylvester, 16:46 - Major-Fighting , 5 min
3 - SPO Aviani, 16:46 - Major-Fighting , 5 min
3 - SPO Kramer, 16:46 - Major-Fighting , 5 min
3 - SPO Marantz, 16:46 - Roughing , 2 min
3 - SPO Marantz, 16:46 - Roughing , 2 min
3 - CAL Cheek, 19:49 - Slashing , 2 min (PP)

There was some aggressive hugging between Jared Cowen and Cody Beach.

The booing was for a silly fight and half the people in my section were cheering for Beach. It seems that the hubbub over Cowen’s return still isn’t sitting well with the fans.

As you can see there was a bit of a line brawl towards the end of the game. Kramer fought most of the game. If Coach had left James Reid in to finish the game, I have a feeling we would have seen our first goalie fight of the season. He was ready.

Overall… a very dominating performance by the Spokane Chiefs. I hope they stick around for a while.

Red Deer Rebels come to Spokane Saturday night.

Jump On It.

2010-10-11T15:33:00.001-07:00

I feel like this picture should have an amazing caption…

Photo from WHL.ca… also… taken by Gary Peterson.

As a Chiefs fan, this picture was the only awesome thing that came out of this weekend games for Spokane Chiefs v Portland Winterhawks rematches.

Chiefs dropped both games.

Moving on.

Free Bird.

2010-10-08T15:14:00.001-07:00

An announcement that we’ve been waiting for… with the return of Jared Cowen and (frankly) some performance doubt… the Spokane Chiefs have released Bruin McDonald.

The Spokane Chiefs have released defenseman Bruin McDonald. The 18-year-old had appeared in three games this season with one assist.
The move leaves the Chiefs with 25 players on their roster; two goaltenders, eight defensemen and 15 forwards.

-SpokaneChiefs.com

I, like with with every player that hits the ice, thought he could have developed a little more and been an asset to the team someday but hey… that’s why I don’t run a hockey team. Best of luck, Bruin. Hopefully you land somewhere in the Dub.

Who’s next to go? Stay tuned…

Just Dance.

2010-10-06T19:39:00.001-07:00

Spokane Chiefs are in Kamloops to take on the Blazers tonight.

They are joined by the new kid Darren Kramer. [read]

The drama of the day; the announcement that Jared Cowen has been [re]named the captain of the Chiefs. [read]

Game thoughts… and go!

___________________________________

1st Period

___________________________________

Not even kidding… they have a whole mess of ~~green~~ blue and orange men that taunt players in the penalty box in Kamloops.

Kamloops announcer is having pronunciation issues with the Chiefs names…

Chiefs are finishing checks… oh happy day.

It’s now Crast-IN-berg… good thing “Kitchen” (aka Kichton) isn't out there.

The announcers are drooling over Spokane’s Own Tyler Johnson…

Reid James Gow scores on the 4-on-4… lovely. Assist Kuhn & Levko.

Spokane – 1

Kamloops – 0

End of the 1st

___________________________________

2nd Period

New kid fights! Duh.

Matt Marantz scooooores on a good 2-on-1. Assist to Holmberg.

Spokane – 2

Kamloops – 0

Tri-City lost in Saskatoon.

Blazer score. 6 Chiefs in front of the net. 2 Blazers. Egads.

Spokane – 2

Kamloops – 1

Slightly uneventful stuff happening… Chiefs looks like they’re getting it together a bit.

End of the 2nd

___________________________________

3rd Period

Hey look… Kamloops tie it up. *facepalm*

Spokane – 2

Kamloops – 2

Oh… and there they take the lead…. *FACEDESK*

Spokane – 2

Kamloops – 3

Vanscourt takes it to the peeps….

New kid scores? NEW KID SCORES! Kramer gets his first WHL goal. Going for the Gordie Howe hattie!? Assist Holmberg and Johnson.

Spokane – 3

Kamloops – 3

End of the 3rd

___________________________________

OT BABY!

JAMES REID MAKE AMAZING SAVESSSSS!!!

JAMES REID MAKES MORE SAVESSSSS…!!!!….

OMG… SHOOTOUT…

Kamloops 1st shot – MISS

HOLMBERG SHOT - SCOOORREES

Kamloops 2nd shot – MISS

JOHNSON SHOT – MISS

Kamloops 3rd shot – MISS

CHIEFS WIN IN THE SHOOTOUT!

3rd star – James Reid

Much deserved.

But should have been 1st. *wink*

GO CHIEFS GO.

Excuse Me Miss.

2010-10-05T19:36:00.001-07:00

It’s like a live blog… but not even close… Thoughts as they come around…

Spokane Chiefs are in Chilliwack tonight to play the Bruins.

___________________________________

1st Period

___________________________________

Whl.ca WHL Live site is much more pretty and even has a nifty little chat box… and it works in Firefox. Major selling point, folks.

Apparently Jared Cowen is wearing the ‘C’… I couldn’t believe my eyes either. [see baaadd screenshot]

Jared Cowen goes to the box… Bruins score. I’m having flashback of last season. Egads.

1-0 Chilliwack

Mitch Wahl is also in attendance at this game BTW. The team better behave… Papa Mitch is in town.

Don’t get me wrong… but doesn’t listening to the Chilliwack radio feed remind you of the SNL radio skit? When one is use to listening to Mike Boyle’s over-excited voice, these guys sound like NPR. But I like the dynamic of having two guys run the radio show. Very entertaining.

Chilliwack Bruins radio guys are in love with James Reid.

___________________________________

1st Period Summary:

Chilliwack Bruins – 1

Spokane Chiefs – 0

Chiefs took 4 penalties. Oy vey.

___________________________________

2nd Period

___________________________________

SURPRISE… T.C. Cratsenberg fights. /sarcasm

Math is easy in Chilliwack

Game had frozen and insists on repeating this mathematical image. Chilliwack is trying to kill Chiefs fans with cowbells…

Stevie Kuhn scooorrreessss…. on the power play?! What is this voodoo magic? Assist Cowen & Marantz.

Chilliwack – 1

Spokane – 1

___________________________________

End of 2nd

Booorrrinngggg.

___________________________________

3rd Period

___________________________________

The announcers are fawning over James Reid some more. “…quickest glove [almost] in the WHL…”

Oh Boy. Good play. Chilliwack scores on the power play with 7:48 left.

Chilliwack – 2

Spokane – 1

Final Score.

Looks like penalty kills need to be worked on… or rather… jut don’t get penalties.

James Reid gets 3rd star. Much deserved.

It’s Not Easy To Be Me…

2010-10-05T13:55:00.001-07:00

Things that have been pointed out: Blake Gal is Superman. Like, no… really.

Remember when Hollywood made “Superman Returns”…

Remember Brandon Routh…

Blake Gal grew up over the summer.

Now only if he could be “faster than a speeding bullet, more powerful than a locomotive, and able to leap tall buildings in a single bound…” we’d be in business.

Spokane Chiefs are on the road tonight and tomorrow.

Chilliwack Bruins and then the Kamloops ~~Pugilists~~ Blazers.

Go Superman.

But I Gotta Know, What’s Your Fantasy?

2010-10-03T15:02:00.001-07:00

So this season… mostly out of boredom… I joined a fantasy hockey league. The ladies over at “Hockey For The Ladies” [aka HFTL] threw out a call for some people to join their league and I think they got a pretty good response.

As you can tell from their website, they are mostly Pittsburgh Penguins fans so I figured drafting any Pens players would pretty much be impossible. True dat. But… I had other agendas behind my picks. Here’s what my team looks like as of right now:

I had to pick 10th so I was surprised/excited that Henrik Sedin (Vancouver Canucks) was still an option. Where as most of my picks weren't really strategic in any way, picking Henrik shall be a boon, I think. I didn’t really feel compelled to pick players based on stats alone. I mostly went with players I’ve seen play a lot so I ended up with a few Calgary Flames/Toronto Maple Leafs and Philadelphia Flyers players.

Mikael Backlund (Calgary Flames) & Jamie Benn (Dallas Stars) were mostly sentimental picks (from Kelowna Rockets memories) not to mention, I hope they have an amazing season this year. I also drafted Jay Bouwmeester (Calgary Flame) because I DEMAND he do SOMETHING… SOMEDAY! Jeeh.

So here goes another adventure into something hockey related that I’ve never done… Fantasy Hockey.

**Side Note: before the draft, I put out a call to keep Olli Jokinen undrafted… Like Brian Burke, all thug like, just for mental pleasure…

SUCCESS!!

Bring Em Out, Bring Em Out!

2010-10-03T11:37:00.001-07:00

The Spokane Chiefs arrived back in style at the Spokane Arena last night for the home opener against the Tri-City Americans. There were no pyrotechnics but there were pre-recorded intros from all the guys that had them introduce themselves to the fans before they skated out to meet up at centre ice.

And believe it or not the Spokane Chiefs managed a win. Look at that…

The game was full of some good intensity. Tyler Johnson is the captain this team needs. He works well off of momentum (scoring :19 after Blake Gal in the 1st) and any time he sees a bogus call he’s all over the refs.

Speaking of Blake Gal, that guy grew up over the summer. And he seems to have learned a bit of Broadstreet bullying. He’s intense.

Pechurski… Pechursky… Pechurskiy… how ever you want to spell it. One might say that his performance in net for the Ams was poor due to the amount of goals that got by him but he didn’t look half bad. He’s calm in the crease and makes his saves with precision and practiced movements. Now he just needs to learn to put those behind the puck. Although, he doesn’t breakdance in goal like our lovely James Reid. Say what you want, that guy will do whatever it takes to make a save. Like a goalie should.

In the end, the Chiefs managed to scrape by, get the game into OT and win it. The building went nuts. It was a good feeling. We’ve missed the Arena.

And who was your 1st star of the night… Tyler Johnson. Duh.

This post is incomplete at best but… breakfast is ready. FRENCH TOOAASSSSTTTT!!

Go Chiefs Go.

**Side Note: Jared Cowen is returning to the Chiefs after the Ottawa Senators felt that “going back to junior and playing 25 to 30 minutes a game and getting a chance to develop his puck skills a little more would probably serve him best in the long run“. [Ottawa Citizen] Get ready for a mad Cowen to return and possibly display his vengeance on the ice. Should we keep a “Ruptured Spleen” count board? Portland better watch out next week.

Oh Say Can You ‘C’?

2010-09-29T16:15:00.001-07:00

Out with the “old”

[non-accurate depiction of Cowen’s reign as captain]

in with the “new”…

The height of the legend that is “Spokane’s Own Gold Medal Winning Tyler Johnson” has reached its peak… press release went out today that announces Tyler Johnson being named Captain of the Spokane Chiefs.

“Tyler is a logical choice because he’s a good leader. He’s got the leadership qualities that every coach is looking for; he leads by example, he’s a vocal guy, all the players look up to him and he’s a winner, he knows what it takes to win.”

-Coach Don Nachbaur, SpokaneChiefs.com

Wow. A Captain choice that makes sense?

I’m speechless.

Levko Koper gets the static ‘A’.

My jersey needs updating.

Go Team.

What kind of promotional shenanigans are the Chiefs organization going to cook up for Johnson’s last year with the Spokane Chiefs? How much more crazy are they going to be now that he’s Captain? “God Bless America” to be played every time Johnson scores? 30ft cut-outs of Johnson on every Chiefs billboard within a 50-mile radius? An appearance on Spokane’s “Dancing With The Stars?” The possibilities are endless; as are the light-hearted jokes.

Summary: Good choice, all jokes aside.

Go Chiefs Go.

“Game OFF!!”

2010-09-26T10:03:00.001-07:00

Things that are funny and fall down; People riding bicycle on ice.

Things that are not funny and fall down; the Spokane Chiefs on ice.

Last night the Spokane Chiefs opened their 2010-2011 season in Kennewick vs their rival blah blah blah blah the Tri-City Americans. The game was less than spectacular. Benefit of the doubt is given seeing as it is only the first game of the season but… wow. It looked pretty scary.

Worst. Episode. Ever.

We won’t go into details but these Chiefs need ~~some~~ ~~some more~~ ~~lots~~ ~~massive~~ unquantifiable amounts of work. I think we saw better organization and playmaking at camp. But they'll get there. There was little [successful] puck movement. Almost everyone had a hard time tracking the puck. Everyone forgot apparently what defence is and how to execute it. And at least twice a period, you could find almost every Chief on the ice (minus James Reid) within 1 foot of the puck only to lose it after passing it to someone who wasn’t a Chief. It reminded me of the scene in one of those “Ice Age” movies where the dodos run off the cliff to get the watermelon. [watch link] Loveable. Cute. Misguided. And takers of too many penalties! Discipline, kids! But I have faith in Coach. He’ll get these hooligans whipped into shape soon enough.

Skipping the snark… the Chiefs lost their first game of the season 6-3. Here’s your stat sheet if you’d like to see the damage. Levko Koper (sportin a pretty ‘C’), Reid Gow and Matt Marantz scored the goals. Anthony Bardaro is #21 apparently this season, now. And Kuhn… please never again finish –5.

The Chiefs head to Cranbrook to play the Kootenay Ice Friday night and then we’ll have our home opener, Saturday, against the Tri-City American. >Be there<. Or not… ticket prices… egads. Be there if you can.

The two bright spots in all of this; there were a lot of Chiefs fans in Kennewick for the game (Good showing); And I got to see Cole Hamblin play some official WHL hockey. Keeeeeep hiiimmmmm.

See you Friday.

Go Chiefs Go.

“Good news, everyone!”

2010-09-22T12:02:00.001-07:00

That’s right…

I’ve spent too much time watching Futurama reruns.

Why?

I’m unemployed. Huzza.

Fantastic.

Because of this fact… a lot of things have changed in the last 2 months.

1) Season tickets for one more year. Go Chiefs.

2) I’ll be sticking close to Spokane so updating this blog will be feasible.

Not that it is any contribution to the world as a whole… but we’re going to start it up again.

This season the Spokane Chiefs have a lot of work to do on the ice and on the bench.

The new coach gets to settle in to a new system with a new group of kids.

The group gets to figure out how to function without Mitch Wahl (Abbotsford/Calgary), Kyle Beach (Rockford/Chicago) and possibly Jared Cowen (Binghamton/Ottawa). I’m so torn about wanting to see Cowen back on Chiefs ice. I’m not sure but I also think that Tyler Johnson (Minnesota) and Blake Gal (Philadelphia) are [still] at NHL camp. Johnson was injured but they’ll send him back to Spokane soon enough.

For now, there’s a lot of new faces on the preseason roster.

Forwards	Defensemen
16 Aviani, Mike	23 Baldwin, Corbin
21 Bardaro, Anthony	2 Cowen, Jared
15 Brassart, Brady	18 Gow, Reid
27 Chartier, Connor	6 Hamblin, Cole
11 Cratsenberg, T.C.	8 Kichton, Brenden
10 Gal, Blake	3 Leedahl, Garrett
7 Hladun, Skyler	24 McDonald, Bruin
17 Holmberg, Mitch	5 Mort, Tanner
9 Johnson, Tyler	4 Vanscourt, Tyler
12 Kalus, Marek	Goaltenders
25 Koper, Levko	34 Engel, Mac
20 Kuhn, Steven	35 Reid, James
32 Marantz, Matt	1 Sharkey, Chris
28 Miller, Kenton
26 Uher, Dominik
19 Valcourt, Collin

Change is scary.

But I’m hoping Cole Hamblin makes the team this year… finally!

I also hope the Chiefs can get a decent backup goalie behind Reid.

There will be updating at random thru the season. Most of it, irrelevant, at best.

Also, the WHL (or something) is starting to get their stuff together one piece at a time.

You can now download calendars for teams instead of taking an hour to build it yourself.

My Blackberry is so excited.

Here’s the Chiefs schedule for all you over-organized people. [Link]

Regular season opens Saturday @ Tri-City.

We’ll be there to catch all the insults.

See you at the Arena next next Saturday for the Chiefs home-opener.

Go Chiefs Go.

Back up the truck…

2010-08-09T13:03:00.001-07:00

Not that anyone cares but I’ve made the decision today to close up shop on this “blog”. To be honest, I don’t have the time and with my future so far up in the air for the next year or so… the best bet it to quit while I can. Not to mention, my hockey attendance will be sadly lacking this upcoming season.Plus my location may change and following the Chiefs from afar is not at all that favourable. I like to plan ahead.

This blog was an interesting experiment and allowed me to meet many interesting / awesome people and I adore each and every one of you. Thank you for everything. I will eventually just shut this down completely but for now it’s time to go out into the world and just be a human. If you need anything, feel free to add my email (on right) to your book and drop a line at will. For now… I'm going to say this the geekiest way I know how…

Goodbye.

Go Chiefs Go.

The Chosen One; wee ooooo…

2010-08-02T11:55:00.001-07:00

First off, catch the Kung Pow reference.

Secondly, my search has started.

It’s August so that means that hockey season is right around the corner.

My search, this season, is for a new Western Conference NHL team to root for.

Why?

Because as long as the Calgary Flames are in possession of a certain individual that is overpaid (in my opinion), couldn’t find the back of the net even if Vesa Toskala was sleeping by it and annoys me with his perpetual surprised expression… I’ll invest my time elsewhere.

I, of course, over exaggerate but it’s the nature of the beast right now. I’m tired of the Sutters running of the Flames organisation. The perpetual disappointment. The wasted talent. Not to mention that last season for the Calgary Flames was so oversold to the fans that the delivery broke many spirits. Well… it broke mine. This search for another team will more than likely be temporary in the grand scheme of things, but it’s happening this season for sure.

My choice will probably not be logical. They never are.

Here’s what we’re looking at in the Western Conference:

San Jose Sharks	Phoenix Coyotes
Los Angeles Kings	Dallas Stars
Anaheim Ducks	St. Louis Blues
Nashville Predators	Detroit Red Wings
Columbus Blue Jackets	Chicago Blackhawks
Vancouver Canucks	Minnesota Wild
Edmonton Oilers	Colorado Avalanche
~~Calgary Flames~~

These are my choices?

Oh boy. This could be difficult.

I’ll see what I can come up with.

Follow the bouncing ball…

2010-08-02T08:19:00.001-07:00

As was hinted to on Twitter from @hockeybroad… Kyle Beach and Shawn Lalonde performed in front of a room full of Blackhawk fans at the Convention. It was karaoke. The song was… Don't Stop Believing. If you happen to be feeling a little blue today… this should make you laugh.

Needless to say… while endearing… Glee has rejected your audition tape. Looks like you’ll just have to play hockey.

It’s lika cake…

2010-07-29T15:56:00.001-07:00

RDH ARCHITECTS INC via thestar.com

What you see in this photo is an image from a story out of the Portlands (not Portland!)… Port… Lands… Toronto… for a proposed building of ice rinks.

Found the story on thestar.com

Don’t judge me.

And yes.

4-layers of ice rinks.

Usually they are spread out and never stacked.

Glass-sided stacks of ice rinks…?!

Can you imagine playing hockey in such a place?

It sounds futuristic…

like chocolate chip Oreos or living on Mars.

No one ever said that living on Mars would be fun, though…

The thing that drew me to this article…

The watermark on the photo that reads “confidential”.

I love it.

Players gonna play…

2010-07-28T12:32:00.001-07:00

The boys over at “Just South of North” threw up a video of the NHL ‘11 preview. It features CHL teams, in case you’ve missed the memo. The trailer shows some QMJHL and NHL teams and a sample matchup between the Seattle Thunderbirds and Spokane Chiefs.

So now when your team isn’t doing so well… just flip this sucker into your game consol of choice and give your team the season you've always dreamt of. No to mention… you don’t have to deal with cowbell hitting you in the face… or popcorn being thrown at you for cheering.

I bet Jared Cowen Kid is stoked that he can actually be Jared Cowen now.

Dear Mom, Please send cookies…

2010-07-18T10:35:00.001-07:00

Spokane’s Own Tyler Johnson is off visiting the wilds of Minnesota… or rather the Wild of Minnesota. For the second year in a row, Spokane Chiefs darling, Tyler Johnson, was invited to Minnesota Wild prospects camp.

We all know that after watching him for the last 3 years, he’s got the chops to make an NHL club someday, despite his size. The Wild website even ran a feature on him. Sounds just this side of promising that he’s getting a little exposure. Read the article here [link] Do you think “Spokane’s Own Tyler Johnson” will fit on a roster sheet?

Just kidding. But best of luck, JJ.

“Johnson has a plethora of skills at his disposal; possessing quick feet, soft hands, and he is very agile. The facet of Johnson’s game that could make him a valuable member of an NHL franchise is his ability to kill penalties and his suffocating defense. Both have been key components to his past success.”

- Michael Sonday for wild.nhl.com

Ice time…

2010-07-12T20:30:00.001-07:00

As we may or may not know… some of the Spokane Chiefs are at NHL prospect camps. I believe Blake Gal is at Flyers camp on invite. Jared Cowen is at Senators camp. That will probably be my last mention of him. Kyle Beach is at Blackhawks camp (making an ass of himself). He should be a Flyer. Tyler Johnson is making his second showing at Minnesota Wild camp.

And where is Levko Koper? With the Thrashers. Making his second appearance after being drafted last year. Sunshine36616 is always a dollface and heads out to the practice facility to snap some pictures. Cruise her blog “Getting Pucks Deep” for some Levko Love.

Go Chiefs Go.

I’m overreacting… work with it…

2010-07-01T14:56:00.001-07:00

I was very content with what had happened with the Calgary Flames last season… They had traded away Olli Jokinen to the New York Rangers, Dion Phaneuf had gone to the Toronto Maple Leafs where I could like him better and even though playoffs were missed… I knew the summer would bring in some new talent to get this team working again. You can’t make the playoffs every year…

And then today happened.

In case you have never talked with me or read this blog… there are few things in my life that I dislike on such a level that they make me boisterously yell obscenities. Olli Jokinen is one of them. I’ve penned songs about it, I’ve frequently mentioned my displeasure about the last time we traded for him. I even have a tagged labelled “I Hate Olli”. I was so friggin ecstatic when the Flames traded him to the Rangers…

Today was FA (Free Agency) day.

Someone needs to get up to Calgary and get Darryl Sutter a brain scan.

Maybe his own monotone pressers have damaged his own brain.

Olli Jokinen is, again, a Calgary Flame.

Everyone but the Flames office has confirmed this.

I’m not even joking.

I don’t like to be overdramatic but the team that I have stuck by and loved for 21 years is breaking me to a point where I don’t think I will be able to watch them very much next season.

I cannot stand watching Olli play.

Last season I picked a West and an East team… the Flames and the Leafs.

Looks like I will be shopping for a new West team.

Worst. Canada. Day. Ever.

And so it shall be done…

2010-06-30T13:56:00.001-07:00

Here’s an interesting start to an un-started season…

Many people will love it…

Most TriCity Americans fans are screeeeaaammming their bloody heads off right now.

Tim Speltz and crew held a presser today to announce that Don Nachbaur will indeed be the newest head coach of the Spokane Chiefs.

Like, we already knew that, dudes.

But now it’s official OFFICIAL. [link] [link] and more [link]

(Photo: SWX)

I hope the chalupa negotiations went well.

Welcome to the ~~hair~~ club, Don.

Doesn’t he have fantastic hair?!

Did I mention it’s a 5-year agreement?

Whoa.

Screw playoffs!!1

RIVALRY!!1

Go Chief Go.

Snoozefest 2010…

2010-06-28T12:15:00.001-07:00

First off… the 2010 NHL Entry Draft is over. Were there any surprises? A few. Not any “world shattering” stuff… just the normal Draft drama. High-ranked prospects that sank… low-ranked prospects drafted high… Brian Burke keepin it classy… If you want to check out all the haps, there’s a draft chart here: [link]

Things of note:

Calvin “amazinggg” Pickard (Seattle Thunderbirds)

drafted by the Colorado Avalanche (2nd round)

Nino “NinoNino!!” Niederreiter (Portland Winterhawks)

drafted by the New York Islanders (1st round)

Brad “The Ever-Truculent” Ross (Portland Winterhawks)

drafted by the Toronto Maple Leafs (2nd round)

The More You Know:

I support this…

Getty Images

Cody “I’m practicing my playoff beard” Beach (Calgary Hitmen)

drafted by St. Louis Blues (5th round)

Mac “Get outta my crease, Kyle Beach!” Carruth (Portland Winterhawks)

drafted by Chicago Blackhawks (7th round)

No. There were no Spokane Chiefs that were draft eligible.

I find it hilarious that Carruth and [Kyle] Beach were ready to kill each other during playoffs this past season to the point where we almost got to see a goalie fight a non goalie full-on… and now they are drafted by the same team. I can imagine that camp is going to be a riot (RIOT!!1). Although… remember when Beach was picking on [Mitch] Wahl back in the day and they are now BFF’s? I wonder if the same will hold true for Mac and Kyle? Just no food fights and I think you twos will be fine.

Catching up with…

2010-06-25T10:42:00.001-07:00

~~Johnny Utah~~…

Mitch Wahl.

What does a summer off from the hockey season afford for former Spokane-Chiefs-great, Mitch Wahl?

I’d like to think

dedicated workouts…

Crazy diets…

living every day as if it’s an 80’s montage with awesome music…

I kid… I kid…

and digress.

Anyways… being as the Entry Draft is (TODAY!) in L.A., it seemed fitting that the NHL would pimp the crap out of the “Gretzky Factor” and how it impacted hockey in California ergo a video team would run down to Seal Beach (since they were in the neighbourhood) to visit Mitch Wahl.

What’s he doing?!

Surfing.

Word.

Check out Mitch Nybo’s “Ice Level with the Flames” blog to watch for the shenanigans of the draft via pictures as well as his visit with Mitch.

We have a few things to say to Mitch…

Nice v-neck shirt.

Get a haircut.

That is all.

Speaking of the Draft… I’m pretty sure the Spokane Chiefs don’t have anyone to watch.

We’re just hoping that Chicago Blackhawks Stan Bowman feels like making some trades, packages Kyle Beach up and ships him to the Calgary Flames.

‘Tis only fated that Wahl needs a Beach.

Play on words?!

I think so.

Old coach… new coach… that coach… no coach…

2010-06-24T08:59:00.001-07:00

So what’s the deal?!

The Spokane Chiefs have a coach…

The Spokane Chiefs don’t have a coach.

They do.

They don’t.

They do.

They don’t.

They… might?!

Gregg Drinnan wrote that (former Tri-City Americans and Binghamton Senators coach) Don Nachbaur is the newest head coach of the Spokane Chiefs team.

BAM! It was almost like Christmas:

Chiefs have their coach

“Don Nachbaur, who resigned Tuesday after one season as head coach of the AHL’s Binghamton Senators, is expected to be named the next head coach of the WHL’s Spokane Chiefs.
Two sources told The Daily News on Tuesday that Nachbaur left Binghamton, the AHL affiliate of the NHL’s Ottawa Senators, in order to become the Chiefs’ head coach.” [read more]

- Gregg Drinnan – “Taking Note” and Kamloops Daily News

Then Dave Trimmer from the SpokesmanReview slapped down this headline and article:

Chiefs GM: Report on new coach incorrect

“Spokane Chiefs general manager Tim Speltz denied reports that former Tri-City Americans coach Don Nachbaur is the new coach of the Western Hockey League team.

The Kamloops Daily News, citing two sources, said Nachbaur is all but signed to replace Hardy Sauter.

“It could be right but it’s not now,” Speltz said this morning. “We do not have a deal done with Don Nachbaur.

“I talked to Don yesterday. By all means, he’s a candidate for sure. He’s in Vegas, we talked, we’re going to talk. He’s a valid candidate, a very accomplished coach…” [read more]

- Dave Trimmer – SpokesmanReview.com

So… what can you say?

I’d say Nachbaur is (95%) the new coach for the Spokane Chiefs. It makes sense. On so many levels.

I wonder if the new coach gets a free alternate jersey with every year agree to?

I bet he gets IHOP coupons.

HOLD OUT FOR THE CHALUPAS, DON!

I expect we’ll hear something in the next few weeks if the Chiefs get a coach (or not).

Until then… enjoy the Entry Draft.

Go NinoNino and wee Pickard!

Safe travels to everyone going to L.A. Be safe!

Enjoy the funk.

It’s that time of the year…

2010-06-14T20:11:00.001-07:00

Hockey season is official… over.

The Vernon Vipers won the Royal Bank Cup… again.

The Windsor Spitfires won the Memorial Cup… again.

The Chicago Blackhawks won the Stanley Cup… finally.

The Hersey Bears won the Calder Cup… again.

Now we move on to summer…

The Spokane Indians baseball season starts this weekend. Brett Bros Sports gets more of my money *shakes fist angrily*

I hear this Andrew Clark kid is suppose to be kinda good.

Also… not even kidding… Justin Thompson is the pitching coach.

So who are the Spokane Indians?

They are an ‘A’ affiliate of the Texas Rangers.

They’re only the second team in NWL history to win a title despite finishing the season under .500 *mediocrity!!1*

You get to see your favourite Spokane Chiefs section leaders posting out ‘K’ cards and dancing around to the same audio tracks heard at Spokane Chiefs games minus the scarves.

They have the field announcer that dares to wear white suits and questionable hair colours no matter the time of year.

They have a dinosaur as a mascot named ‘Otto’. What?!

They frequently give away as many unhealthy foods as possible.

And to top it all off… Recycle Man has become a regular fixture. Not kidding. He’s got your empty Budweiser bottles in that man purse.

Is it September yet?

Rally time...

2010-06-14T13:55:00.000-07:00

Spokane Chiefs fans can apparently gang up online and cast votes to make their voices heard… marketing says what?! Recognise, Chiefs Org.

The ever-fantastic and awesome Alan over at “Small Thoughts At Large” is compiling and posting prospect reports for the WHL teams. The Spokane Chiefs prospects were the soupe du jour. Check it out.

http://smallatlarge.blogspot.com/2010/06/2010-11-prospects-spokane.html

Destination… History.

2010-05-28T16:54:00.001-07:00

A horrid poem. I was bored. Damn the rain.

Happy National Hamburger Day, btw.

Hockey end draws near, the bandwagons debarked
My Flames jersey and I, leave things unremarked
A fail-bag of suckage, the inevitable came to pass
My rooting up for grabs, optional was class

The race to the Final begins with a bang
Full of shenanigans and fans that began to harangue
My interested piqued but my eternal quest was clear
To “BOO!” the Habs and Sens, most sincere

Down Devils, Down Avs, Down Pred and la Kings
Down Sabres, Down Sens, and Ovie is reported missing
The Phoenix Coyotes attempted to #throwthesnake
But alas the desert fell, the war the Red Wings do take

The 2nd round came up, East surprises advanced
Disposed of were the Presidential Caps, unentranced
Pens gone in 7 and the Bruins bring a new low
Flyers/Habs East finals!? Welcome to the “like, whoa.”

Out West, the proclaimed wild has thus been tamed
The Sharks shaky pride and honour, viciously reclaimed
In Chicago, a repeat was greeted with little elation
mightily did fall the entire Canucks nation

Shark and Hawk finals, for the West to be won
Choke factor for the José seemed to be done
1 game, 2 games Sharks seemed too dull
3 games, 4 games the Hawks sweep for the Campbell

In the East, different story, the losers triumph tall
The unthinkable 8th place and 7th, playing for it all
Cop car fires extinguished, Broad Street Bullies unite
Richards paws the Prince of Wales, with much delight

No Crosby, No Ovie, No Red Wings in sight
To me, there could be, no better Final delight
For one man, No Crosby, the sorrow will fall
McGuire’s heart is now two sizes too small

“A Final for the Ages!” they scream and tout
“A Cup to Chicago!” is all you hear about
“Big Buff will kill them all!” gag me with a spoon
But a winner will be crowned, no longer later but soon

Dustin Byfuglien, the "Hossa curse" he will try to delete
But the Laperriere shows, he’s a tough cookie to beat
So get your dental tools ready, especially the pliers
In closing I’m stating, I can't believe it... LET’S GO FLYERS!

That’s right. Tomorrow is the beginning of the end for the 2009-2010 NHL Season.

Philadelphia Flyers and Chicago Blackhawks.

One Cup.

I hate to say “Blackhawks in 5” but yeah…

I still hope the Flyers win for some reason.

Enjoy the hockey weekend.

It’s almost at an end.

**SIDE NOTE: NHL Combine started today. Calvin Pickard is going it alone as one of the top goalies. I’ll try to remember to update when/where he gets drafted next month. Go Pickard.

Completely off topic… almost…

2010-05-18T15:45:00.001-07:00

As I may or may have not mentioned in the past… the tv show “Studio 60” was a magical mixture of drama and comedy. It’s still the DVD collection I turn to when I’m sick at home or it’s a cold, rainy day outside. Say what you will but I feel that Matthew Perry made this show the wonderful blend of awesome and heart-wrenching that it was. Sadly, it was cancelled after one season after a failure of a marketing campaign.

I’ve always wondered what happened to those kids after the show got dropped… well… Matthew Perry is back, as well as Allison Janney (The West Wing), James Lesure (Las Vegas), Nate Torrence (Studio 60) in an ABC comedy that has been picked up for the Fall season call “Mr. Sunshine.”

“Perry--who also co-created the series-- stars as Ben, a middle-aged manager of a sports arena, The Sunshine Center and things aren't going so hot. His boss, Crystal is unpredictable (Allison Janney, "The West Wing"), but he has found an unlikely friendship with her son, Roman (Nate Torrence, Perry's "Studio 60" costar).”

Source - Zap2it

I’m always excited about new comedies and anything that involves sports on some level just adds some bonusness to it all.

Here’s some clips.

The first clip of this show mentions hockey!?

That’s awesome.

If Sean Avery or Ryan Kesler aren’t brought in for cameos someday… I’ll be highly disappointed.

Cha-cha-chaaaaaaanngge…

2010-05-04T14:48:00.001-07:00

I’d like to first start off by pointing you guys to this post written by Wrap Around Curl and her [possible] impending exit from the Spokane Chiefs world. [link] Srsly. Go read it.

All of these issues are things most of us have mulled over the last few years and I feel like I’m in the same place as Curl; cancelling season tickets. We all have our reasons, mine being work and the direction of the overall organisation but my overall lack of passion for the franchise really bothers me. I haven’t been to many Kelowna Rockets games in the past 5 years but when I go visit there… I still feel like a piece of my fandom lies there. The Spokane Chiefs really haven’t given me that. Sure I can get behind and support the players… but the franchise as a whole is just lacking something. We’re hoping for change…

The latest news out of the Spokane Chiefs world is a little reassuring and is it too much to hope? a first of many steps in over-hauling the Spokane Chiefs organisation? Only time will tell…

“The Spokane Chiefs have announced that they have elected not to exercise the option year on Hardy Sauter’s contract as Head Coach of the team…

The organization will begin their search for a replacement immediately.”

-SpokaneChiefs.com

read the rest of the press release here: [link]

Don’t get me wrong… Hardy’s a good hockey guy with a lot of hockey knowledge but the mess he made of the Spokane Chiefs this last season… this was bound to happen.

One could argue that the Memorial Cup team (2007-2008) lacked talent to coach and made it strictly on heart… I think compared to the team of this (2009-2010) season this would almost be true. I think also (ex)Coach showed it as well by failing to take the team, this season, further than the first round in playoffs this season.

Granted this one change to the organisation doesn’t bring us flocking back in droves… but it’s a good place to start. I hope the overlords of the Chiefs bring in a fantastically talented coach and I sincerely hope that this is just the first of many steps the Spokane Chiefs organisation implements to build a fan base and a team that the fans and community can be proud to cheer for and come see for years to come.

Give us hockey fans in Spokane a hockey home to love.

Change is good.

Go Chiefs Go.

The Holy Roman Empire Lives…

2010-05-04T08:56:00.001-07:00

Many of us have been wondering “Where’s Ondrejjjjjj?!”

We miss the Ondrej Roman.

Was he stuck in Europe (again)?

Did he run away to run his own Tim Horton’s franchise?

Did he join a professional bog snorkelling team?

Nope.

He’s fitting right in with the Dallas Stars system (Texas Stars) and they will be running him through the cycles over the summer and putting him to work next season. This is fantastic news. Read about it here at “Andrew’s Dallas Stars Page” [link]. I can’t wait to see him play again.

Go Ondrej.

Tic-tic-BOOM… we miss you…

2010-04-30T13:01:00.001-07:00

“I was always a forward growing up who could score goals, but I often found myself playing in a defensive position and blocking a lot of shots,” Tokarski said. “I thought it was fun, so I decided to put both of them together. My love for goaltending was kind of born out of that.”

-Dustin Tokarski

The Tampa Bay Lightning website has a featured article running on Dustin Tokarski today. May I suggest you check it out. Click the link. Do it now. [link]

The new kids in town…

2010-04-29T17:40:00.001-07:00

So in summary…. here are who the Spokane Chiefs drafted this year:

Overall Pick	Name	Position	Hometown	Weight	Height	Team	DOB (1995)
17th	Tyler King-Cunningham	LD	Pilot Butte, Sask	6.00	180	NDBantam	Feb 18
58th	Ryan Whittingham	RW	Calgary, AB	6.00	160	Northstars	1-May
83rd	Nakeh Lamothe	LW	Edmonton, Alta	6.00	150	SSAC	26-Feb
105th	Brett Lewchuk	G	Saskatoon, Sask	5.10	140	Frostbite	6-Jan
126th	Bo Pellah	LD	Burnaby, BC	5.07	115	BWC A1-T1	25-May
127th	Tyson Predinchuk	F	Regina, Sask	6.02	160	Hurricanes	Jun 01
129th	Jeremy McIntosh	LD	Calgary, Alta	6.00	155	Bronks	19-Mar
149th	Cade Owad	F	Calgary, Alta	5.08	130	Northstars	6-May
171st	Jason Fram	RD	South Delta, BC	5.10	171	S. Delta A1-T1	23-Apr
193rd	Jakob Romo	F	Fullerton, CA	5.10	165	CA Stars	6-Jun

The ever-wonderful Tim Lewis with KREM2 talked with Tyler King-Cunningham on the phone about being drafted to the Spokane Chiefs in the 1st round.

Source: KREM.com

If you want… here’s the press release from the Spokane Chiefs about the draft. [link]

I think I’ve said enough.

Bring on summer.