Chiefs strike first in Championship Series

Mario Prusina

Times Editor

 

The Wheatland Chiefs are one step closer to claiming the South Central Alberta Hockey League Midget Championship.

After sweeping the Red Deer ProStitch two games to none, the Chiefs defeated the Foothills Bisons 4-2 in Game 1 of their championship series March 22 at the Strathmore Family Centre.

Since losing their first playoff game, the Chiefs have won five straight, including the pivotal opening game of the best-of-five championship series.

“It feels good to get the first one out of the way and get a win,” said head coach Devon Olson after the contest. “We played good tonight – it was a whole team effort. We rolled all four lines again tonight, which is nice. We can wear teams down like that, especially when we get the lead. They’re sending their top guys out every second shift, wearing them down. So if we can run four lines, that’s a huge benefit.”

The Bisons struck first, before Rylan Muenchrath tied the game late in the first period. Just 10 seconds into the second period, the Bisons regained the lead, before the Chiefs scored two quick goals – one from Jordan Jarvis and another from Justin Fraser – to take a one goal lead into the third period. 

The Chiefs dominated the final period, especially the last half of the frame and iced the game with a goal from Cody Burndred.

“They move the puck fast, so we have to be on them quick and take the body,” said Muenchrath, who lead the offensive barrage with a goal and an assist. “We’re a physical team, we get a lot of shots – we have four lines and really good depth.”

The Chiefs will have a chance to kick back and relax for a week, as the series will not resume until March 29 (7 p.m.) at the Strathmore Family Centre. Immediately following that game, the series shifts to Vulcan for next two games on March 30 and March 31. Three games in three nights would be tough on any team, but it will be even more difficult for Foothills.

The Bisons will take part in the Provincial Championship Tournament this coming weekend, playing up to six potential games.

The Chiefs are optimistic that they can use the rest and try and take advantage of a tired Bisons squad.

“Actually, a week (off) right now is not a bad thing,” said Olson. “It seems right now, every practice or every game we have someone sick.”

Which makes the time off even more valuable.