Diverse Fan Base Can Be Found in the Stands at Chiefs Games
Published by The Chilliwack Progress
When you look back on the Chilliwack Chiefs’ season, there is much to celebrate. As usual, the Chiefs delivered an exciting on-ice product, finishing near the top of their division and boasting the top two scorers in the league. But one of the greatest successes for the BCHL team is the fact that fans from all backgrounds find a home at Chiefs’ games.
“When you walk into the arena on a game night, what strikes me is that the fans truly represent the diversity of this great community”, notes former Chilliwack Mayor Clint Hames, a 30-year season ticket holder. “Chiefs’ games are filled with people representing every demographic. The team goes out of its way to make everyone feel welcome”.
Team owner Moray Keith acknowledges a couple of helpful factors for this. “We have always tried to keep the Chiefs’ games affordable so that families can attend. We’ve also moved our start times up so that it is not too late a night for kids”.
“We love the Chiefs and the community of fans inside the Coliseum,” notes 98.3 STAR FM afternoon host Lisa Stevens, a longtime Chiefs supporter and season ticket holder. “As a family that has grown up going to the rink, it is heartwarming to see kids, young families, teens, older adults and seniors all gathering to cheer on our team. It doesn’t matter if you are new to the sport, Chilliwack or Canada, everyone is welcome. We’ve seen exchange students as well as holiday visitors from other countries taking in the games. It feels like a snapshot of the larger Chilliwack community within the walls of the Coliseum on game days.”
“There are many other ways we measure success as a team, beyond what is accomplished on the ice”, says Chiefs Vice President Barry Douglas. He highlights ways the team is involved in the community, from entertaining and learning alongside elementary school students to delivering meals to those in need and helping at the Food Bank.
“We also have tremendous relationships with our indigenous neighbours, who are featured among our many season sponsors,” notes Douglas. “Our game night celebrating this relationship is one of our highest attended games of the year.”
Another aspect of inclusion is the team’s long-term relationship with Special Olympics. Members of the Keith family are deeply involved at the provincial level, and the Chiefs maintain a strong connection to local Special Olympics athletes, honouring their achievements and having players help train the ‘Special O’ floor hockey team. This connection is evident at every home game as dozens of Special “O” athletes are among the loudest and proudest fans. “Like so many from our community, they feel welcome at our games”, says Keith.
While the 2025/26 season closed with a disappointing playoff loss to a gritty and dynamic Prince George Spruce Kings, the Chiefs remain focused on being a vital part of Chilliwack, providing a welcoming and inclusive atmosphere for their diverse fan base.