The Chiefs' second home game of the season takes place this Saturday with the Salmon Arm Silverbacks visiting Prospera Centre and if Chilliwack's first game was any indication of the potential of an evening of Chiefs hockey, then we are in for a family fun kind of season.
There are many highlights of the obvious variety that come to mind when thinking of last weekend, like the re-appearance of Chief Wannawin with the help of magician Damien Carrier, the first shot on goal by Chief Spencer Graboski that made it 1-0, the over-3,100 energetic fans (including the various Chiefs alumni) that created an awesome atmosphere, and the 7-1 final score for Harvey Smyl's squad.
However there are some behind-the-scenes highlights that people are probably not aware of and that are some of my personal favourites. New Chiefs President Glen Ringdal was outside at 6: 50 p.m. helping the parking attendants, which goes along with the Chiefs philosophy of "We all do what it takes to get the work done and no one is too big for any job."
No one exemplifies this more than Harvey Smyl, who, because of some washer and dryer installation issues, wound up doing a bunch of the team's laundry at home because he wanted his players to have what they need.
Then there is Prospera Centre employee Dustin Boucher who went above the call of duty and was running around helping install rink boards faster than Katie Perry does costume changes while the clock was ticking towards the doors opening.
I also have to mention Chiefs volunteer Kyle Bury, who showed up wearing a suit and did not hesitate to crawl on the ground to hook up the Bozzini's bazooka gun and who then stepped up to organize a major part of the pre-game show. These are the kind of acts that stand out to me, because to me, that is what Chilliwack is all about: a community that works together and supports each other.
The Chiefs seem to be off to a good start in truly representing itself as the community's hockey team. I would not be doing my job if I did not mention that this Saturday is Turkey Toss night at the Chiefs game and another lucky randomly selected contestant will have a chance to qualify to win a 2012 Dodge Challenger from O'Connor Dodge Chrysler Jeep in the Home Depot Ultimate Puck shoot. Doors open at 6 p.m. and we hope to see you at the game.
