The Spokane Chiefs have experienced an interesting first half of the Western Hockey League season. Read more

Speltz also said that the Chiefs are satisfied with their record and that the team has "probably overachieved" from what was expected before the season began. He said he's seen "flashes" of a good team and that the Chiefs are tough to beat when they stick to their team structure.

Speltz praised the defense for standing tough through injuries and the loss of two key players (Reid Gow, Jeremy McIntosh) who chose not to return to the team this year.

He said the strong play of goalies Garret Hughson and Tyson Verhelst has helped the defensive cause. The Chiefs became convinced during preseason that Hughson could succeed in his first season as starter, Speltz added.

"And Tyson has been everything we expected, but quicker than expected," Speltz said.

Although he agreed that the Chiefs have played well in one-goal games, or tight games in particular, Speltz said one-goal games can be "a little bit of a misleading stat at times."

 

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