The defending RBC Cup champion Chilliwack Chiefs will open the 2018-19 BCHL season on the road.
The junior A hockey league released its schedule Friday afternoon. The Chiefs get rolling Sept. 7 and 8, visiting the Prince George Spruce Kings in a rematch of last spring’s first round playoff series.
In the oddest scheduling twist, Chilliwack will face PG again in the final three games of the regular season (Feb. 17, 22 and 23). They’ll only see their Mainland division rivals three other times during the season — Nov. 23 and 24 and Jan. 13, all in Chilliwack.
Chilliwack plays its first home game of the year Sept. 15 versus the Langley Rivermen.
The bulk of the Chiefs home dates are 7 p.m. starts with eight matinees starting at 2 p.m.
Where big draws are concerned, Chilliwack hosts the defending BCHL champion Wenatchee Wild Oct. 6 while the Penticton Vees don’t pay a visit until Feb. 2.
New Chiefs associate head coach/general manager Cam Keith will have Oct. 19 circled on his calendar as Chilliwack travels to Trail to play the team that fired him, and the Smoke Eaters travel to Prospera Centre Dec. 9.
It’s a balanced slate for Chilliwack, with no home or road stretch longer than three games.
Find the full sched online at bchl.ca/stats/schedule/all-teams/