Chiefs set for WHL home opener

There are five undefeated teams left in the Western Hockey League and the Spokane Chiefs are one of them.

They’re the only team, however, that has played just one game – which they won 5-2 in Kennewick in the season opener for both teams last Saturday.

The Americans (1-2-0-0) have played twice since – winning one and losing the other – and they will be looking to return the favor to the Chiefs (1-0-0-0) by spoiling Spokane’s home opener tonight at the Arena.

Tonight’s game marks the eighth consecutive year the Chiefs have hosted the U.S. Division-rival Americans in their home opener and the 21st time in the Chiefs’ 28-year history.

Spokane has beaten Tri-City in its last four home openers, including a 7-2 win last season, and won nine of its last 11 home openers.

Goalie Mac Engel started last week against the Ams, posting an impressive .935 save percentage as he stopped 29 of 31 shots.

Fellow 19-year-old Eric Williams, who became Spokane’s No. 1 goalie two games into the playoffs last season, has been dealing with a minor groin injury, but could start tonight as Engel, Williams and 17-year-old Garret Hughson are competing for a spot on this season’s roster.