Broken jaw sidelines Chiefs defenseman Kichton

Spokane Chiefs top defenseman Brenden Kichton will miss the remainder of the WHL playoffs with a broken jaw. Chiefs general manager Tim Speltz confirmed with The Spokesman-Review that Kichton’s jaw was broken after being hit with the puck in the third period of Friday’s WHL playoff opener in Vancouver. He missed Game 2. Spokane lost both games and the two teams resume their playoff battle tonight at the Spokane Arena. Kichton remained in Vancouver and underwent surgery. The WHL defenseman of the year will return home to Spruce Grove, Alberta to recover. Kichton’s jaw will be wired shut for six weeks and will then have a two-to-three-month recovery period before he can return to the ice for full contact. Kichton, 19, is a New York Islanders prospect, but could return to the Chiefs next season.