Chiefs will again open against Tri-City

Tradition dictates that the Spokane Chiefs and Tri-City Americans get together to begin the Western Hockey League season. That trend will continue for the 2014-15 season, as Spokane will open against the Americans at the Toyota Center in Kennewick on Sept. 20, the Chiefs announced Wednesday. It will mark the 23rd time in the last 25 years that Spokane has opened against Tri-City. Spokane’s home opener will also be against Tri-City, on Sept. 27 at the Arena. The Chiefs will play 27 of their 36 home games on weekends, including 16 on Saturdays. Nine of the Chiefs’ first 14 games will be at home. Spokane will play 38 games against U.S. Division rivals – 12 against Tri-City, 10 against Seattle, and eight apiece against Portland and Everett. The Chiefs’ road schedule will include a six-game swing through the East Division from Feb. 6-14.