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Column: Depth making the difference

As Jacob Bestebroer writes, the Chilliwack Chiefs have excellent goalies, a deep defence and four solid lines at forward.

Things are certainly going well for the Chiefs right now.

The Chiefs sport a record of 7-1-0-1 and are fully deserving of that record.

The best thing this team has going for it is its depth. While many other teams depend on one line offensively, the Chiefs have nine forwards that can be counted on regularly and the fourth line contributed as well Wednesday.

Tanner Campbell set up Liam Ferguson for what turned out to be the game winning goal.

At least eight or nine forwards can also kill penalties including Ryan Bowen, the youngest player on the team. The same can be said for the power play where again most players on this team look right at home.

On defense, it’s a very solid group of seven that can play in any situation. The group is down to five right now with injuries to Mark Esposito and Olivier Arseneau but they got some help from 16 year old affiliate player Darren Rizzolo, who was very good in his BCHL debut Wednesday.  He’ll likely play for the Chiefs this weekend and be a full time Chief next season.

In goal, Aidan Pelino has started the last four games, but he and Mitchell Datz are still very much a 1A and 1B tandem. Give me either of those guys in a big game.  They are both above average goalies.

This weekend’s opponent, the reigning BCHL champion Coquitlam Express, have struggled so far this season winning just two of their first 10 games.

On paper these games may look like a mismatch but any team coached by Barry Wolff should not be taken lightly. Expect two good games this weekend between these division rivals.

In other Chiefs goings on, I get asked often if season tickets can still be purchased and the answer is yes. And despite having played a few home games already, the price is still very good.  The average per game cost for the remainder of the season would be $6.22 for adults, $5.91 for seniors and just $3.09 for a child or youth.

If you are interested, give the Chiefs office a call at 604.392.4433.

The Chiefs introduced Wacky Wednesday earlier this week. All tickets were priced at $8.95 and you could get a hot dog and a pop at the game for $3. This will be in effect for the remaining three Wednesday home games this season as well. There will be more added to it as well, look for more details on that soon.

Chiefs forward Luke McColgan received an honorable mention for BCHL player of the week last week. He was robbed. Five goals in two games should have given him the award.

There hasn’t been a Chiefs game this year where forward Rory Bell was not a candidate for the Fortis Energy Player of the Game. He brings it every game.

The Chiefs will be sporting a different look Oct. 25 when they host the Alberni Valley Bulldogs. I can’t say much more other than I really like the look.

Great colour scheme.

That’s also induction night for the Chilliwack Sports Hall of Fame, giving you two great reasons to come to the rink.

jb@chilliwackchiefs.net