The Chilliwack Chiefs finish up the pre-Christmas portion of their schedule this weekend with two very important road games against the Wenatchee Wild.
Chilliwack is in first place in the Mainland division.
They’ve won 16 of their last 20 games and have a 16-2-0-1 record within the division, yet their lead over the second place Wild is just three points.
The two teams have split a pair of games this season at Prospera Centre.
Those two games were the most entertaining games the Chiefs have played this season. Both these teams skate extremely well, and play a very disciplined style.
I expect the race for first place to continue to late in the season. The Langley Rivermen have fallen 11 points back of the Chiefs but don’t count them out in the race for first place.
After the break the Chiefs return to home ice for a home game against Langley on Dec. 30. That game is the annual Fill the Rink for the Food Bank game. All tickets can be purchased for just $6 with a donation of a non-perishable food item.
After that the Chiefs return to Wenatchee for two more games.
The Chiefs continue to be ranked in the CJHL Top 20 but I’m not sure we should take these rankings very seriously.
Two weeks ago the Chiefs were ranked No. 12.
The following week they played three games and won all three by a combined score of 18-6.
That success got them demoted to No. 13 in the current rankings.
Let’s just say the Chiefs are among the best teams in the CJHL and leave it at that.
At the World Junior A Challenge, Team West, which includes Chiefs defenceman Dennis Cholowski won their first two games which put them into the semi-final against Team East yesterday.
If they won that game, they would play for gold against either the USA or Russia on Saturday.
You can watch the gold medal game on TSN at 1 p.m. PST.
A great showing of community spirit by Chiefs fans on Sunday. More than 2400 stuffed animals and toques were tossed on the ice after Kohen Olischefski’s breakaway goal midway through the first period.
All were donated to Chilliwack Community services.
If you are looking for a last minute gift for a hockey fan, consider the Chiefs Christmas pack.
For $49.95 the pack includes four ticket vouchers which are valid for any of their remaining home games during the regular season, and a $20 gift certificate for the Chiefs store.
You can pick them up at either the Chiefs office or at the Prospera Centre Box Office.
Both will be open weekdays through Dec. 23.
jb@chilliwackchiefs.net