Moose Jaw At Spokane Chiefs

Time: Tonight at 7 in the Arena.

Records: Spokane (15-7-1), Moose Jaw Warriors (9-12-2).

Tickets:$6, $8, $10, $12.

Radio: KGA-AM (1510) 6 p.m. Hockey Tonight with Craig West. Chiefs coach Mike Babcock 6:20.

Key players: Spokane: D Sean Gillam (5 goals, 19 assists), C Trent Whitfield (14, 21), RW Randy Favaro (7, 16), C/RW Jason Podollan (14, 6), C Darren Sinclair (9, 12), D Hugh Hamilton (3, 20), LW Greg Leeb (18, 9), LW Dmitri Leonov (10, 16), RW John Cirjak (11, 11), GK David Lemanowicz (3.59 goals-against) or Aren Miller (3.24), RW Jay Bertsch (1, 8).

Moose Jaw: C Matt Higgins (18 goals, 12 assists), C Grady Manson (10, 15), C Darryl LaPlante (13, 10), RW Chad Hinz (7, 12), C Curtis Brown (12, 7), D Paul Johnson (4, 10), Gk Devon Hanson (3.54 goals-against).

At a glance: You never know how important one piece of the puzzle is until it’s lost. Take Cirjak. Injury took him out two games and the Spokane power play went into hibernation without him. Cirjak is off crutches, his bruised foot far enough along for him to skate on Monday, but Tuesday his availability remained uncertain. The loss of Cirjak was one reason why the Chiefs were flat over the weekend, but it’s not like there’s a crisis brewing. Spokane was plain tired after playing 9 games in 15 nights. They’ll have fresher legs tonight and they’ll need them. Moose Jaw has an under-achieving record but Warriors are experienced and deep. “They forecheck real well and go to the net,” Chiefs coach Mike Babcock said. “And there’s nothing like talent to go with that. They’re a very talented team.” On the good news front, Chiefs left wing Joe Cardarelli (broken ankle) had his cast removed Monday and should be well enough to skate in three weeks.

, DataTimes