Chiefs advance to semi-final

Times Editor

 

The Wheatland Chiefs will battle for the North Conference Championship after sweeping the Airdrie Lightning in two games.

The local double-A midget team took Game 1 with a 6-1 on March 7 at the Strathmore Family Centre, before posting a 4-1 road win in Game 2 on March 10.

“We played these guys in the Provincial Playoff, so that helped,” said Chiefs head coach Devin Olson. “They don’t pressure as much, so it gives our guys a little more time. When you come out hitting against them, that makes a big difference too – especially if you can get the first couple of goals.”

The Chiefs used a strong offensive game, lighting the Lightning for 10 goals in two games. However, keeping them to only a pair of goals was equally impressive.

“Discipline at this time of the year is huge – teams that are still in the playoffs will capitalize if you give them too many power plays – it’s gonna kill you,” said Olsen. “That has been a big thing with us, taking too many penalties through out the year. So it was good to see the guys keep their composure.

“Discipline is a big thing, but we capitalize too on our power plays. There have been a couple of guys who played their best games (of the year in the playoffs).” 

The Chiefs will now take on the Sylvan Lake Lakers for the North Conference Championship. The Lakers boasted an impressive 26-6-4 record, good enough for first place, while the Chiefs produced a 24-11-1 campaign.

Game 1 of the best-of-three series was played on March 13 in Sylvan Lake Despits a valiant effort, the Chiefs lost 4-1. Games 2 and 3 (if necessary) were not available as of press time. Please visit www.scahl.com for the up-to-date schedule.