Torrid Chiefs depart for Central swing
The grind of the Western Hockey League is relentless and unforgiving, but that’s how the Spokane Chiefs like it.
Coming off a successful six-game homestand and a road win over division rival Tri-City last Saturday, the Chiefs take their league-best 19-3-1-2 record north and east for five games in six nights against teams from the Central Division.
“I think it’s better (on the road),” said Chiefs coach Bill Peters. “You control what guys eat and how they’re doing and they have a lot of fun with each other. I expect a lot of energy on this trip.”
Spokane will face the Calgary Hitmen on Friday, head to Medicine Hat on Saturday to play the Tigers and make a stop Sunday in Red Deer to take on the Rebels.
The Central swing continues Tuesday in Edmonton, where the Chiefs will face former Spokane assistant Steve Pleau’s Oil Kings, and concludes Wednesday against the Hurricanes in Lethbridge.
Pleau, who assisted Peters last season, is the head coach of the Oil Kings, who are fifth in the division. Former Chiefs forward JP Szaszkiewicz was one of Edmonton’s selections in the expansion draft last June.
“It’ll be fun to play up there and get a quick visit in with those guys,” said Peters. “It’ll be one of those games – going head to head with (Pleau) – where there will be a little extra on the line.
“I’m sure we will have a little side bet.”
Calgary is the top team in the Eastern Conference with a 19-8-0-2 record. The Hitmen have won seven of their last eight games.
For many of the Chiefs, the road trip will include a homecoming.
Rookie Brett Bartman hails from Medicine Hat, captain Chris Bruton is a Calgary native, defenseman Jared Spurgeon and forward Levko Koper are from Edmonton, and forward Judd Blackwater is a Lethbridge native.
Injury report
Approaching the midpoint of the season, the Chiefs have their systems down well.
The key now is to stay healthy.
Veteran defenseman Spurgeon, who hurt his right ankle in Saturday’s game at Tri-City, is day-to-day.
“He went out just for a quick skate (Wednesday),” said Peters. “There’s a chance (he will play this weekend). We’re not going to rush a guy back, but if he’s healthy and able to go, then he’ll play.”
Forward Curtis Kelner (shoulder) continues to practice with no contact but will be upgraded today. Forward Dustin Donaghy (hand) is practicing but isn’t ready to play.
Ulmer leaves Monday
Import defenseman Stefan Ulmer leaves the team Monday and will be gone through Dec. 26 to play for Team Austria in the IIHF World U-20 Championships in Bad Tolz, Germany.
His departure left an opening for 2007 Bantam Draft pick Brenden Kichton to join the team for the games at Edmonton and Lethbridge.
Kichton is playing with the St. Albert Midget AAA Raiders.
“He’s a good young player and we’re excited about seeing where he is at,” said Peters. “He had a really good camp for us and I hear he’s playing real well.”
On the plus side
Four Chiefs are in the top five in the league for plus/minus, including the team’s top line of Bruton, Drayson Bowman and Mitch Wahl. Bruton is first with plus-26, Bowman is second with plus-24 and Wahl is third with plus-22.
Spurgeon is fifth with plus-19.
“They don’t give up much, and that’s what I like so much about that line,” said Peters. “It’s not like they are scoring five goals a night and giving up four.”