After 47 regular season games, the Chase Heat achieved first place in their Doug Birks Division and claimed home-ice advantage for the first two rounds of the playoffs.
This Friday the 24th at the Art Holding Memorial Arena, the intensity increases as the Heat face the Revelstoke Grizzlies in a best-of-seven opening round. Game 2 goes Saturday the 25th in Chase at 7 p.m. Games 3 and 4 shift to the Revelstoke Forum on Monday the 27th and Tuesday the 28th. Game 5, if necessary, is in Chase on Thursday, March 2, Game 6 in Revelstoke on Friday the 3rd and Game 7 is back in Chase on Saturday the 4th. The winner of this series will meet either the 100 Mile House Wranglers or the Kamloops Storm in the second round starting March 7th.
The past weekend saw the Heat in two meaningless games to wrap up the regular season. Friday night in Chase resulted in a 9-0 victory over the Sicamous Eagles. In this contest, Nic Bruyere earned a shutout, Travis Beaubien reached 100 points in his Junior career, Josh Bourne enjoyed a five-point night including a hat trick and Spencer Farstad had two goals and two assists. In the second game, the Heat travelled to 100 Mile and saw the tables turned, taking an 8-2 trashing. A bright note saw Zachary Fournier achieve 100 points in his Junior career, all with the Heat.
Michael Fidanza finishes the campaign with 23 goals and 43 assists for 66 points, for a fourth-place tie in overall KIJHL scoring. Josh Bourne finishes in 10th place with 28 goals, 29 assists for 57 points. Nic Bruyere finishes fifth in save percentage at 0.922 and 10th in goals against average at 2.71.
In other news, the sixth annual Heat Awards Banquet took place Sunday the 19th at the Adams Lake Indian Band Conference Centre. More than 200 enjoyed a succulent meal provided by tireless Heat volunteers.
Guest speaker Kathy Salmon provided a powerful speech on the “Power of Positive Thinking,” which had everyone in attendance participating. Salmon is a former luge Olympian and six-time Canadian champion.
Head coach Brad Fox gave a passionate address, thanking all those who have made his seven years to this point in Chase a very rewarding experience.
Those fortunate to receive awards and accolades were: MVP – Nic Bruyere and Michael Fidanza (tie); Top Defenceman – Pat Brady; Rookie – Evan Hughes; Top Scorer – Michael Fidanza; Most Sportsmanlike – Spencer Farstad; Most Dedicated: The team; Warrior – Spencer Farstad and Kolten Moore (tie); Unsung Hero – Grady Musgrave; Most Improved – Ryan Okino; Game Star – Nic Bruyere; Schlolastic – Landon Russell; Fan Favourite – Pat Brady.
The Volunteer of the Year Award was given to the very worthy Rick “Julio” Iglesias for his ongoing sacrifice, day in and out, to make the Heat a success!
