Daily Dose

Chiefs advance to Western Conference Finals; WHL hands out two suspensions

Written by Ben Dooley on

Chiefs book spot in Western Conference Finals

The Spokane Chiefs have booked their spot in the WHL’s Western Conference Finals with a 2-1 victory over the Everett Silvertips in Game 5 of their semifinal series. The Chiefs will meet the Vancouver Giants in the Conference final who are coming off a sweep of the Victoria Royals and a conference-best 101 points in the regular season. The Western Conference final will kick off on Friday night at the Langley Events Centre. This will be the fourth time the two teams have met in the playoffs, having previously met in 2008, 2009 and 2012. The Chiefs lead the series 2-1, including the most recent match-up. However, the Giants won the regular season series 3-1. That leaves just one series in the second round to be completed as the Prince Albert Raiders will look to eliminate the Saskatoon Blades on Sunday.

 

WHL hands out two suspensions

The WHL handed out a couple of suspensions on Saturday. Chiefs defenseman Filip Kral served a one-game suspension for “a game misconduct penalty assessed during the Chiefs’ game on April 12.” It’s believed the suspension is tied to an incident that occurred in the warmup prior to game four.

Kral will be eligible to return on Friday when the Chiefs take on Vancouver.

Prince Albert Raiders forward Justin Nachbaur was handed a two-game suspension for his hit on Saskatoon’s Dillon Davidson.

Former WHL Coach/Manager Jack Shupe passes away at 89

It is with great sadness that we here at DubNetwork report that former WHL coach and manager Jack Shupe has passed away at the age of 89. Shupe coached or managed the Weyburn Redwings, Regina Pats, Medicine Hat Tigers, Victoria Cougars and Lloydminster Lancers over his 21-year career. DubNetwork would like to extend its condolences to those who knew him.

WHL alumni update

Josh Brook notched his first pro point in the AHL assisting on a goal from defenseman Xavier Ouellet. Brook, a Montreal Canadiens prospect will be entering his overage season next year but it seems unlikely he would return to the Moose Jaw Warriors. In 204 career games with the Warriors, Brook recorded 157 points.

Sam Steel has burst on to the pro scene this year in the Anaheim Ducks system and that continued on Saturday as the young forward notched his 20th goal of the season for the AHL’s San Diego Gulls. Steel, 21, played 258 games in the WHL with the Regina Pats and recorded 338 points.

Jake Elmer recorded his first two AHL points on Friday night, notching a goal and an assist as in a 6-3 loss for the Hartford Wolf Pack against the Hershey Bears. Elmer wrapped up his WHL career this year with the Lethbridge Hurricanes and also spent time with the Regina Pats and Kootenay ICE.

Three Stars of the Night

1st Star: Spokane’s Bailey Brkin who was solid throughout a frenzy of action; stopping 34 shots to help send his team into the WHL’s Western Conference Finals

2nd Star: Spokane’s Ty Smith had a big game for the Chiefs, seeing time on both power play units and recording two assists in the victory.

3rd Star: Spokane’s Riley Woods had one goal on five shots in his team’s victory.

Honourable Mentions:

The Everett Silvertips’ graduating players: Sahvan Khaira (83 points in 312 games with Everett, Seattle, and Swift Current), Artyom Minulin (144 points in 257 games with Everett and Swift Current) and Zach Andrusiak (149 points in 202 games with Everett, Seattle, Prince Albert, and Tri-City).