Holmberg, Kichton spark Chiefs
The Spokane Chiefs ended the Kootenay Ice's seven-game winning streak Saturday night at the Arena with a 4-2 win ignited by veterans Mitch Holmberg and Brenden Kichton. Spokane's next home game is Friday against the hot Kelowna Rockets. Read story
Holmberg reinforced that individual points aren't the No. 1 priority for the Chiefs.
"It doesn't really matter how many points you get," he said. "You can see that with the team, we're all happy when we come in the (locker) room."
Coach Nachbaur praised the turnaround that Kootenay has had this year. The Ice were sitting at 10-24-1-0 when they began a seven-game winning streak by overwhelming Spokane 7-3 at the Arena on Dec. 29.
"We saw them at training camp in exhibition games and they've come a long way," Nachbaur said.
Kichton said the Chiefs gained a lift when Nachbaur returned from assisting with Canada's team at the World Juniors.
"Getting Don back is a big thing," said the 20-year-old, a New York Islanders draft pick. "The guys really respond to him. He very hard on us and sometimes we take well to it. It's really good for us. He's a great coach and having him back is excellent."