It is another two-game weekend for the Chilliwack Chiefs. Friday’s game is against the Surrey Eagles at South Surrey Arena, and Saturday sees the Coquitlam Express come to the Coliseum for the second time this season.
The Chiefs are on a six-game win streak, the longest of the season. Surrey, however, is a tough opponent. The Mainland Cup rivals are at the top of the Coastal Division with an impressive 16-4-1 record. They started off the season winning 12 straight games. Chilliwack changed that. The Chiefs handed the Eagles their first loss of the season back on November 3rd.
Overall, the Chiefs are 1-3 against the soaring Eagles this season. However, all but one game has been decided by two goals or less. A lot has changed, and the Chiefs are a different team than they were a month ago. They have recently added a productive forward Parker Murray. As well, Brian Morse has been on a roll, and Austin McNicholas is solid in the net.
Two of the top players in points in the BCHL come from the Eagle’s first line. Caden Cranston has 29 points, which is the second most. Aaron Schwartz has 28 points, which is third. They are a dangerous duo that the Chiefs will have to keep at bay.
One of the most exciting games of the year happens on Saturday when the Chiefs welcome the Express on Toque Toss Night.
Coquitlam has a record of 11-9-0 and sits just below the Chiefs in the standings. Only two points separate the teams.
Although middle of the pack, the Express are confident when leading in a game and often take home the win. They are 4-0-0 when leading after both the first and second periods. If the Chiefs can find a way to score early and carry a lead, it sets them up for success.
On Toque Toss Night the Chiefs are asking fans to bring warm clothing to support children and teens in the community this winter. Toques and gloves can be thrown onto the ice when the Chiefs score their first goal. To learn more about it, please read up on it here.
The Chiefs have been accustomed to winning lately, but this is the first time since the streak started that they are playing teams other than Langley and Powell River. Chilliwack is 5-5 in Mainland Cup action so far this season and is looking to build on the win column.
Contact the Chief’s office at 604-392-4433 or stop by the Chilliwack Coliseum to purchase your tickets. Tickets are also available anytime online.
Photo by Darren Francis
