There are now just two games left for the Chiefs before the holiday break.
They host the Nanaimo Clippers Friday night and visit the Langley Rivermen Saturday.
This weekend offers a chance for the Chiefs to put a pair of disappointing home ice losses behind them.
In both losses, the Chiefs had dominant first periods followed by iffy second periods that cost them. It is just the second time this season they’ve lost two in a row, and they’ve yet to drop three straight.
So for now, it’s just a small valley in what has been a season of mostly peaks thus far.
Friday’s game is the final meeting of the Chiefs and Clippers this season.
Chilliwack won the first two by scores of 2-1 and 5-4 on the road (one was technically an away game but it was played at Prospera Centre during the weekend-opening Showcase).
The Chiefs should have the support of a large and energetic crowd, with students from Little Mountain, McCammon, St. Mary’s and Watson elementary schools in the seats. They’ll be there as part of the Read with the Chiefs program. Santa will also be there and if you wear a Chiefs hat to the game, or buy one at the game, you will receive a voucher for a free hot dog.
Saturday’s game is the Chiefs first visit to Langley this season. There are still a few seats left on the fan bus. The cost is $20, which includes a ticket to the game. See Andrea at Customer Service Friday night or call the Chiefs office for more details.
The Chiefs, who enter the weekend in first place in the Mainland division, four points up on the Surrey Eagles.
They’re still a little banged up, but forwards Jaret Babych and Mathieu Tibbet should return this weekend. They’ll provide a big boost as the Chiefs have been forced to go with just nine healthy forwards recently.
Surrey also has two games left before the break. They host Powell River and Prince George this weekend.
After the break the Chiefs and Eagles will meet for a home and home series beginning Dec. 28 in Surrey.
The following night is Fill the Rink for the Food Bank night at Prospera Centre. All tickets are $5 with a non-perishable food item donation to the Salvation Army Food Bank.
Expect a pair of close games.
The Chiefs lead the season series with a record of 3-0-0-1, but three of the four games were decided by one goal and the other one by two goals. Close games have been the story of Surrey’s season as they are eight games above .500 with a goal differential of plus eight. Ten of their 28 games this season have gone to overtime.
jb@chilliwackchiefs.net
