The Chilliwack Chiefs have lost top scorer Ethan Bowen for six to eight weeks.
The Chilliwack product broke his wrist in last Thursday’s 4-3 overtime win over the Powell River Kings.
Bowen tried to deliver a cross-check to a King in the neutral zone. The 17 year old immediately dropped his glove and stick and skated straight to the dressing room.
The press release the team issued Saturday might be the first time the junior A club has ever officially announced an injury, but that’s how important Bowen is to the organization. In 28 games this season, the forward has nine goals and 26 points.
Also Saturday, Chilliwack announced the loss of a player for non-injury reasons. Seldom-used forward Jake Veri has left the team and returned home to Michigan.
“Jake made the tough decision to go home and re-assess his options,” said Chiefs head coach and general manager Brian Maloney.
Stepping into the void is newly acquired forward Nicholas Cherkowski.
Picked up from the Wenatchee Wild in exchange for future considerations, the Vernon product adds depth to a depleted Chilliwack lineup.
“Nick is a player that brings with him fantastic character, as well as a good ability to protect pucks and drive defenders back with his size and speed,’ said Chiefs associate head coach/GM Brad Rihela.
In 27 games with Wenatchee and Vernon this season, Cherkowski has three assists.
In 54 games with the Vipers in 2018-19, the six-foot-three winger had two goals and 13 points.