U.S. Division

Chiefs name Maglio head coach, Viveiros leaves for Henderson, Ginnell to Moose Jaw

Written by Ryan Rohde on

 

It was a busy week for the Spokane Chiefs as they made two moves: one to their coaching staff and one to their roster. This was a flurry in what has been a relatively quiet time during the coronavirus pandemic. Usually, we would be recapping the Everett preseason tournament sometime in the next couple of days, but all of this is unusual in the time of the pandemic. As much as we all miss hockey, we are excited to bring you some news regarding the team!

It all started when now-former head coach Manny Viveiros was named the head coach of the AHL’s Henderson Silver Knights. He will be the first head coach in the franchise’s history as the team will begin play as the new AHL affiliate of the Vegas Golden Knights next season. It took all of 24 hours for the Chiefs to name then-associate coach Adam Maglio as the 14th head coach in franchise history. It should be a relatively easy transition since he has been behind the bench for the past season. With Maglio taking over, the Chiefs will begin their search for a new assistant coach immediately. 

The Chiefs also announced yesterday that 20-year-old forward Brad Ginnell was placed on waivers and immediately claimed by the Moose Jaw Warriors. Ginnell played 16 games for the Chiefs and posted three goals and three assists. The Chiefs now have five more players remaining who are entering their overage season: forwards Michael King and Eli Zummack, defensemen Bobby Russell and Matt Leduc, and goaltender James Porter Jr. Ty Smith is eligible to return for his 20-year-old season but is expected to begin his professional career with the New Jersey Devils in the upcoming season. Spokane has plenty of time to get down to the three-player limit for 20-year-olds with the WHL regular season tentatively starting in December.

I have been an avid fan of the WHL for about six years now. I am married and my wife and I enjoy using our free time during the season going to Chiefs home games as season ticket holders and attending away games. I am also an avid fan of the Tampa Bay Lightning. I wrote a blog and helped broadcast games from the Spokane Braves of the KIJHL.