Chiefs begin season 2 for 2
The Spokane Chiefs opened the 2014-15 Western Hockey League season last weekend with some big questions. Among them were: Who will spark the offense? How will the young defense stand up? Is Garret Hughson ready to fill the big shoes of last season's goaltender, Eric Williams? It's still early, just two games into the season, but the Chiefs are 2-0 and both wins have come against bitter rival Tri-City. Read story
As for who will lead Spokane's offense, the early answer is: It will be done by committee. The Chiefs have scored seven goals in their two games, and Dominic Zwerger leads the way with two. Zwerger expects the Chiefs' offense will require elbow grease.
"Work ethic," said the 18-year-old Austrian. "When we all stick together, we’re a pretty good team."
Zwerger and Adam Helewka, who has three assists, lead the Chiefs with three points apiece. Jeff Rayman, Riley Whittingham and Jason Fram have two apiece. Fram, who didn't play in the season opener because he was at the Calgary Flames' camp, was more than pleased with the word that he was selected as team captain.
"Honestly, it’s pretty good to get that," said the 19-year-old defenseman and leading returning scorer. "It’s an all-around honor."
The Chiefs' young defense, with five rookies, has helped hold Tri-City to four goals in two games. The Americans have scored 10 goals in their other two games.
The 19-year-old Hughson, last year's backup goalie, has stopped 53 of 57 shots he's faced.
"I’m feeling really good and confident and the team’s playing really well," Hughson said.
"Our goalie was really phenomenal," Chiefs coach Don Nachbaur said. "He made some saves when we were shorthanded that really won the game."
Spokane is off to the quick start despite injuries to key players: center Blair Oneschuk, lower body, 2-3 weeks; right wing Jacob Cardiff, lower body, 4-6 weeks; left wing Hudson Elynuik, lower body, indefinite; and defenseman Colton Bobyk, lower body, indefinite. Elynuik was injured early in the Chiefs’ season opener, after recording an assist.
"You look at my roster on the board and we have injured guys and guys who are healthy and it’s almost a balance there," Nachbaur said. ... "I’ve never seen so many injuries this early in the season -- and extended injuries where it will keep guys out of the lineup for a long time."
It helped the Chiefs to have six days off between games.
"We couldn’t have done it with three games in three nights, but for one night we got it done," Nachbaur said. "I’m happy for the guys that we got to 2-0."
