Chiefs Secure Home Ice in Big 7-1 Victory
By Shaelee Dombrowski
In a blowout win, the Chiefs clinch home-ice advantage in the first round of the playoffs, setting the tone for the upcoming series.
The building was buzzing heading into Sunday’s game, with home-ice advantage on the line, and a season series that has seen the home team win each of the previous six meetings, the stakes were high. After a tough 5-0 loss in Nanaimo on Friday and Coquitlam squeaking through with an overtime point against Powell River, the Chiefs had to win in order to secure the advantage that had proven to be very valuable all season long.
Off the ice, the night was packed with even more excitement. The Cheam Skating Club was in the building for Skating Night, showcasing figure skating and their club with intermission performances, leading the team out with flag bearers, and a ceremonial puck drop. It was also Fan Appreciation Night, where fans could take home a limited-edition Chiefs x Kel-Mor team poster, enjoy 26% off in The Barn, and stick around for a post-game skate with the players. In addition, the organization took the time to recognize the graduating players and present them with a token of their appreciation for the effort, commitment, and passion they brought on and off the ice.
Chilliwack played a game that they can be proud of and lean on heading into the playoffs. With three of the league’s top scorers, they knew they could score, and they did just that, tallying seven goals in their 7-1 victory.
A snipe from Jack Plandowski opened the scoring before the Chiefs’ power play got to work on their first opportunity of the game and increased their lead to two with a goal from A.J. Schaaf. With a power play goal of their own, Coquitlam got within one before the end of the first frame.
Chilliwack kept their foot on the gas for the remainder of the game and held Coquitlam off while racking up the goals. As their power play time ran out, the Chiefs sustained pressure in the offensive end, and Koby Francis put one home to regain the Chiefs’ two-goal lead. Nico Grabas was next to get on the board after Reese Shaw set him up with a between-the-legs backhander.
With a comfortable lead and home-ice advantage within reach, Chilliwack continued to press, scoring three in the third. Markuss Sieradzkis netted two, one on the power play and another after blocking a Coquitlam shot in his own end before Boris Borin sent him on a partial breakaway. Jack Plandowski also scored his second of the game, after Reese Shaw set up another goal from behind his back below the goal line.
Chilliwack won the battle Sunday night, but the war is not over as they host Coquitlam again this Friday and Saturday for games one and two of round one. All games in the best-of-seven series are set for a 7 pm puck drop. You can expect a hard-fought battle each game as these division rivals, who spent the season neck-in-neck, bring their fastest and most physical game to win the series.
Photo Credit: Darren Francis