Bruton should be back for Chiefs this weekend

Spokane Chiefs assistant captain Chris Bruton was on the ice at practice Tuesday afternoon and appears ready to play this weekend with a full face shield.

He’s been out two weeks following surgery on his face.

Ailing stars Adam Hobson and Michael Grabner, who both attempted to skate in the past few days, don’t appear as close. Coach Bill Peters said they’re not likely to be ready for the Chiefs’ game Saturday at Tri-City. Neither practiced Tuesday.

Hobson had soreness in his knee following a skate Saturday after the Chiefs’ home game and his status is day-to-day, with a return to the ice most likely next week.

Grabner said his hip felt fine after a skate Monday, but he has been hit by a flu bug that has him sidelined indefinitely. His likely return is also next week.

Hobson said he was disappointed when the team doctor advised him he couldn’t play in the WHL’s all-star challenge series with Russia this week.

“For sure, when the doc told me I wasn’t going to be able to play, it was really frustrating,” Hobson said. “But I can’t try to force myself onto the ice. If I try to force it, I could be out even longer.”