Team Sites
Follow the BCHL
BCHL

Game Preview: February 26th vs Chilliwack Chiefs

Venue: Prospera Centre, Chilliwack

Game Time: Sunday February 26th @ 5:00pm

 

With two straight losses (one in overtime) the Chilliwack Chiefs (40-11-6-0) are on their longest losing stretch since December 2nd and 8th where they lost to the Powell River Kings and the Surrey Eagles. Only twice this season have the Chiefs lost three games in a row.

Prince George isn’t coming off an eye popping game, falling 7-0 to the Langley Rivermen last night. While Prince George is playing their fifth game in eight days, Chilliwack has played once in the last five days.

All eyes tonight are on Jordan Kawaguchi, as he looks to chase down Doug Ast for the franchise record in points. Currently he sits four points back.

The Chiefs have lost two games in a row at the Prospera Centre, and haven’t lost three in a row at home since a three game stretch between December 28th 2014 – January 10th 2015.

Both teams will want to build momentum off the game today. Chilliwack is on their first losing streak since December, and will want to bump that slump as they take on the Langley Rivermen starting on Friday in Round 1 of the Mainland semi-finals. Prince George meanwhile needs to forget their loss last night, and pickup a win heading in against the league best Wenatchee Wild. The Spruce Kings emerged with a win in the last game against the Chiefs who are ranked second in the league, and another win would boost the spirits for sure.

 

BROADCAST LINKS

WATCH on HockeyTV

LISTEN on Mixlr

 

WHO TO WATCH:

PRINCE GEORGE:

Ben Brar – FWD:  It was a thrilling game for Ben Brar last week as he tied the game against Chilliwack, and then ended it in overtime. Currently he’s on a three game goal drought, but he hasn’t gone four without a goal since joining the Spruce Kings, and heading into the playoffs the Spruce Kings need Brar clicking offensively. He created some opportunities last night in Langley, but like most of his team, didn’t have any puck luck.

Sam De Melo – DEF: There weren’t many positives to take from last night’s game against the Langley Rivermen, but the play of Sam De Melo may be one. The Spruce Kings defenceman stood out in particular in the third  jumping into plays, and leading rushes from his own end. With Three players on the back line aging out after this season, the development of De Melo is key looking towards next season.

 

CHILLIWACK:

Jordan Kawaguchi – FWD: He’s on the milestone tonight, aiming to tie or break Doug Ast’s franchise record for points. The Chiefs are following this closely, and surely have a pre-made image to flash on the screen in the case of Kawaguchi reaching the mark. He’s been shutout the past two games, but you can bet tonight he will lead his team in minutes played. He had eight points in the three games prior to these last two. This year Kawaguchi has scored four points on two occasions, but has yet to hit five.

Kohen Olischefski  – FWD: Leading the team in assists this season, Olischefski will be looking to setup Kawaguchi tonight. He’s also a player that can shoot the puck, and had a goal in the last meeting with Prince George. He has played on a line with Kawaguchi and Kale lately, which has three of the most potent Chiefs on a line together. Look for them to get a lot of ice time tonight with Kawaguchi hunting for the record.

 

UPCOMING PLAYOFFS SCHEDULE:

Game 1: Saturday March 4th @ 7:05pm – Town Toyota Center, Wenatchee

Game 2: Sunday March 5th @ 5:05pm – Town Toyota Center, Wenatchee

Game 3: Tuesday March 7th @ 7pm – Rolling Mix Concrete Arena, Prince George

Game 4: Wednesday March 8th @ 7pm – Rolling Mix Concrete Arena, Prince George

 

Chilliwack