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The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

It’s almost over for overage Chiefs

20-year-olds Brooks, Playfair, Stewart nearing end of their WHL careers

The Spokane Chiefs’ 20-year-old players will complete their Western Hockey League careers at the same place, but they took vastly different routes to reach that spot.

The beginning of the end for right wing Jackson Playfair and centers Calder Brooks and Liam Stewart starts tonight at Xfinity Arena as Everett hosts Game 1 of a best-of-seven Western Conference first-round series.

No matter how far the Chiefs advance in postseason, their last game will be the end of the road for three players born within three months of one another in 1994.

“I’m sure there will be a couple of tears there near the end, and I was tearing up a little bit the last few (regular-season) games, but it’s exciting,” Playfair said. “But if we play the way we can play, we’ll have a long run and it will hurt a little less at the end, I suppose.”

Except in the case of Stewart, nobody could have predicted that this trio would carry the torch as the Chiefs’ overage players for 2014-15.

Brooks, a four-year player in the league, began his career with the Calgary Hitmen before a trade to the Prince Albert Raiders last season. The Chiefs acquired him early this season for a fifth-round pick in the upcoming bantam draft.

Brooks’ presence paid off greatly as he energized the line with Chiefs scoring leader Adam Helewka and WHL rookie of the year candidate Kailer Yamamoto. Brooks, although slowed by injuries in January, had 22 goals and 34 assists in 50 games and earned the team’s Coaches’ Award.

“It’s bittersweet,” Brooks said. “It’s been a really good four years. I’ve enjoyed every minute of it. It goes by so quickly, but I’m really excited to be able to go into the playoffs. I realize it’s my last year and hopefully we can make a big push and go far.”

Playfair received a second chance with the Chiefs when the team reacquired him in early November from the Tri-City Americans. Playfair began his WHL career with Spokane in 2012-13 and was traded to Tri-City last season.

Spokane began the season with Connor Chartier as one of its overage players, but the Playfair deal forced the Chiefs to release Chartier.

Playfair had eight goals and eight assists in 58 games with Spokane this season. He was just named the team’s Humanitarian of the Year for his efforts in the community.

“I had some great memories here and there’s nowhere I’d rather call home than Spokane,” Playfair said. “I’ve been lucky enough to play all my three years here in Spokane or the Tri-Cities, so that’s something that I was blessed with.”

Stewart is no doubt the most recognizable Chiefs player and a steadying influence for four seasons. The son of rocker Rod Stewart and model/actress Rachel Hunter is known for keeping the team loose and just earned the nod as Players’ Player.

Stewart played 251 regular-season games with the Chiefs, accounting for 57 goals and 75 assists. This year was by far his best as he posted 25 goals and 28 assists.

“It’s sad (to leave), obviously, but I’m pretty excited for the playoffs to get those going,” Stewart said. “It’s been a great four years here in Spokane and I want to thank everybody for accepting me and cheering me on. I’ll miss everyone, for sure.”