Dave Trimmer

Tara Cronin never really saw herself as a Division I basketball player, even when she was a senior at Gonzaga Prep and earning first-team All-Greater Spokane League honors among the talented Class of 2007. “I would describe it as a bit surprising,” the Portland senior said. “I didn’t ever imagine myself playing college basketball when I was in high school. When the opportunity presented itself, I worked hard so I could help the team, but didn’t think I’d be in the position I’m in now as a senior starter.”

Everyone knows a wounded bear is dangerous, and the Chilliwack Bruins certainly qualify. Hanging onto a Western Division playoff spot by one point as the Western Hockey League reaches the stretch run, Chilliwack played like a desperate team Friday night at the Arena.

Tyler Johnson scores his career-high 37th goal in Chiefs victory.

When Spokane Chiefs captain Jared Cowen missed 10 games to play in the World Junior tournament, his teammates responded with some of their best hockey of the season. Coach Don Nachbaur expects the same thing to happen with record-breaking goalie James Reid out indefinitely with an ankle injury.

No matter how the season ends for Idaho, Derisa Taleni is having a season to remember. It all started with a season to forget, or the season she didn’t have. The 5-foot-9 guard from San Jose, Calif., missed all of last season because of a knee injury suffered in a preseason scrimmage.

When Spokane Chiefs captain Jared Cowen missed 10 games to play in the World Junior tournament, his teammates responded with some of their best hockey of the season. Coach Don Nachbaur expects the same thing to happen with record-breaking goalie James Reid out indefinitely with an ankle injury.

Don Nachbaur’s assessment was plain, simple and direct. “That was awful,” the Spokane Chiefs coach said.

Kelowna Rockets outhustled the Spokane Chiefs for a 5-3 win at the Arena.

Claire Raap was recognized as the Most Improved Player her first two seasons on the Gonzaga women’s basketball team and she could be on her way to that honor again as a senior.

Electrifying Eastern Washington running back Taiwan Jones did many special things for the Eagles on the football field. After they won the FCS championship game with a thrilling come-from-behind 20-19 win over Delaware in Frisco, Texas, last week, they did something for him.

Electrifying Eastern Washington running back Taiwan Jones says his team made it possible for him to leave school early and enter the NFL draft.

The Spokane Chiefs had a chance to practice outdoors Thursday in preparation for today’s historic Western Hockey League game with the Kootenay Ice at Avista Stadium. Judging by the way the players reacted to being outdoors, that could be a good thing.