Ex-Chiefs not ‘busts’

Sun., May 7, 2006

The Spokesman-Review

In John Blanchette’s article about the WHL Bantam draft on May 3, 2006 (“Chiefs forced to be picky”), both former first-round Spokane Chiefs’ Bantam draft picks, Steven Gillen and Mike Reich, were labeled as “busts.” Please note both were traded from Spokane and have fared well at their new teams.

Gillen is at the Moose Jaw Warriors, who are in the WHL championship series. He has six goals and 11 assists in 18 playoff games and is a plus 11 in this year’s playoffs. Reich had seven goals and seven assists in 54 games and was a plus 13 in the regular season at Calgary, and had two goals and one assist in 13 playoff games.

I would hardly label Gillen and Reich as busts, but I would question what the Chiefs did with that talent. Is it any wonder why (No. 1 pick) Jared Cowen doesn’t want to play for Tim Speltz and the Spokane Chiefs?

I do not agree with the way Cowen is handling the situation, but it is obvious the Chiefs have sent a lot of talent out of Spokane the last five years and have a problem managing young talent. Maybe it’s time for a management change in Spokane so the Chiefs have someone at the helm who can help develop the young talent and mold these young men.

Todd Adams

Spokane

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Ex-Chiefs not ‘busts’

Jesse Tinsley

Jim Meehan

Molly Quinn

Rob Curley

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