Each week during the BCHL season, local hockey guru Jacob Bestebroer provides his thoughts on the Chilliwack Chiefs and goings on around the league.
The post-Christmas portion of the schedule has started with a couple of tough home ice losses for the Chiefs.
A 4-2 loss to the Prince George Spruce Kings on ‘Fill the Rink for the Food Bank’ night was the first loss for the Chiefs this season when they’ve scored the first goal. Prior to that, the Chiefs were a perfect 12-0 when scoring first. The score however took a back seat to the event that night as more than 3,200 fans in attendance donated more than 9,000 items to the Salvation Army Food Bank.
Friday’s 1-0 loss to the Merritt Centennials had an even rarer element to it, as it was just the third time in 497 regular season home games in Chilliwack that the Chiefs have been shutout. The last time it happened was Jan. 10, 2004 when the Alberni Valley Bulldogs blanked them 5-0.
The first time it happened was Harvey Smyl’s first home game behind the Chiefs bench, a 1-0 setback to the Kelowna Spartans on Sep. 25, 1993.
The Chiefs are back on home ice for a pair of games this weekend and both will be tough tests. Friday they face the red hot Penticton Vees, who won 18 straight games prior to the Christmas break. Saturday night the Coastal conference leading Cowichan Valley Capitals are here.
Saturday is also BMO Dash for Cash Night. During the second intermission, six contestants will take to the ice to scoop up as many loonies as they can in 60 seconds. This event is a blast to participate in. I speak from experience as I took part in the first one during the 1995-96 season. I think I ended up with 368 dollars. There are a few rules for participants including no coats or hoodies.
If you want the opportunity to take part in this year’s Dash for Cash, make sure you follow the Chiefs on twitter and Facebook. One contestant will be chosen using both Facebook and twitter. The Facebook contest details were still being worked on Wednesday but make sure to check the Chiefs Facebook page on Thursday for more details.
If you are at the game and follow the Chiefs on twitter, check your twitter feed at the start of the game to learn more about how you can get on the ice to dash for cash.
Starting at last week’s games the Chiefs started taking song requests during the game via twitter.
The response was surprisingly positive.
We had close to thirty requests at Friday’s game. Remember though, if the lyrics of the song contain words that I would not be allowed to use in this article, best not to bother requesting it.
The BCHL’s trade deadline is Jan. 10, and as there is every year, expect a flurry of deals over the next few days. It’s a fun time for fans but a very anxious one for players.
Feedback can be sent to jb@chilliwackchiefs.net.