Spokane Chiefs
Encyclopedia : S : SP : SPO : Spokane Chiefs
| Spokane Chiefs | ||
| ||
| City: | Spokane, Washington | |
| League: | Western Hockey League | |
| Conference: | Western | |
| Division: | U.S. | |
| Founded: | 1985-86 | |
| Home Arena: | Spokane Veterans Memorial Arena | |
| Colours: | Red, White and Blue | |
| Head Coach: | Bill Peters | |
| General Manager: | Tim Speltz | |
The Spokane Chiefs are a major junior hockey team of the Western Hockey League based out of Spokane, Washington. The team plays its home games at the Spokane Veterans Memorial Arena, capacity 10,750- the 6th largest WHL arena, and the second largest Arena in the Western Hockey League that is not used for professional sports. Their uniforms are similar to those of the NHL's Montreal Canadiens. Hockey has a long and steady history in Spokane. It is the only city in the U.S. where a majority of residents pick hockey as their favorite sport. Consequently, Spokane ranks at or near the top of the WHL in attendance. [link]
- Memorial Cup Championships (1990-91)
- WHL Champions (1990-91)
- WHL Western Conf. Championships (1990-91, 1995-96, 1999-00)
- WHL West/U.S. Division Championships (1995-96, 1999-00)
History
The Spokane Chiefs franchise was granted in 1982 to Kelowna, British Columbia as the Kelowna Wings. They moved to Spokane in 1985.The Chiefs won the Memorial Cup and President's Cup in 1991, and have won two division titles, and three Western Conference titles. They are the only team in the history of the Western Hockey League to come back from an 0-3 deficit to win a best-of-seven series, which they did against Portland in 1995.
The 1991 Memorial Cup team included future NHL players Ray Whitney (Detroit Red Wings, Florida Panthers, Edmonton Oilers, San Jose Sharks), Pat Falloon (San Jose Sharks, Philadelphia Flyers), Trevor Kidd (Calgary Flames, Florida Panthers, Carolina Hurricanes, Toronto Maple Leafs), Jon Klemm (Colorado Avalanche, Chicago Blackhawks), and Scott Bailey (briefly with Boston Bruins). This team of future NHL'ers blew through the Memorial Cup Tournament, scoring a goal in the first couple of minutes of virtually every game.
The Chiefs returned to greatness in 1995 - the team's first year in the Spokane Arena. The Arena hosted many memorable events in that first year, and saw the Chiefs win 50 games and advance to the WHL finals, only to lose in five games to the Brandon Wheat Kings.
Just two years later, the Chiefs hosted the 1998 Memorial Cup, and were one goal away from advancing to the final game to take on WHL rival Portland. But an overtime victory by the Guelph Storm sent the Chiefs home for the year. Still, Spokane set an attendance record for the Memorial Cup. In 1999, head coach Mike Babcock led the team from a last place finish the previous year, to a first place, 47 win season. The Chiefs advanced to play the Kootenay Ice in the WHL finals, but lost in six games.
Since 2001, the Chiefs have struggled to find an identity. The organization has gone through three head coaches in five years (Perry Ganchar, Al Conroy, Bill Peters), and none have found the winning touch. Still, Spokane averages 6,800 per game - among the top attendance figures in the Western Hockey League. Chiefs fans are known for the robust support- and an Italian goal song that seems to drive opponents crazy. In 1999, the fans were named the best in the WHL. On Saturday nights, often referred to as 'Hockey Night in Spokane', the Arena is usually full, and sell-outs are always expected when the Tri-City Americans come to town.
For the first time in Chiefs' history, the team has failed to make the playoffs in two consecutive years - 2004-05 and 2005-06. The last time the Chiefs appeared in the post-season was the 2003-04 season, in which they were swept in the first round, 4-0 at the hands of the expansion Everett Silvertips. Only two other times in more than 75 years of Spokane hockey history has the city's team missed the playoffs in two consecutive years.
Facing slumping season ticket sales, on June 5th, 2006, Chiefs owner Bobby Brett announced that season ticket holders would get partial refunds if the Chiefs failed to make the playoffs in 2006-07. Brett has promised to pay out $100,000 if the team doesn't advance. According to estimates, each season ticket holder would get about $106 back. Brett says he's not worried about the payout, because "we're going to make the playoffs. I won't have to pay."
As a reward for finishing last in 2005-06, the Chiefs selected first in the 2006 WHL Bantam Draft- picking defenseman Jared Cowen, considered by many to be a future NHL star. Cowen's stay in Spokane may be short-lived, however. His parents and agent have said they will not let him play so far from home (he grew up in Saskatoon). The Chiefs hope to convince him to play for the organization, when Cowen attends Chiefs training camp in the late summer of 2006. If the Chiefs do not trade his rights, and he refuses to play in Spokane, Western Hockey League fans will never see Cowen play a WHL game- something that could hurt his draft prospects in the NHL.
With their 2nd pick in the 2006 WHL draft, Spokane selected Burke Gallimore, who scored 57 goals and had 51 assists in only 34 games while playing in the Alberta Major Bantam Hockey League.
Players
Current Roster
| Number | Player | Positon | Birthyear | Hometown | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2 | Sean Zimmerman | D | 1987 | Spokane, WA | |
| 4 | Jason Lynch | D | 1987 | Miniota, MB | |
| 6 | Matthew McCue | D | 1988 | Cochrane, AB | |
| 7 | Evan Haw | D | 1986 | Fort McMurray, AB | |
| 9 | David Linsley | C | 1987 | Outlook, SK | |
| 10 | Adam Hobson | C | 1987 | Mission, BC | |
| 11 | Derek Ryan | C | 1986 | Spokane, WA | |
| 12 | Chris Bruton | C | 1987 | Calgary, AB | |
| 14 | Jeff Lynch | LW | 1985 | Coquitlam, BC | |
| 15 | Justin Falk | D | 1988 | Snowflake, MB | |
| 16 | J.P. Szaszkiewicz | LW | 1988 | Edmonton, AB | |
| 17 | Michael Grabner | RW | 1987 | Villach, AUT | |
| 18 | Jared Spurgeon | D | 1989 | Edmonton, AB | |
| 22 | Dan Mercer | D | 1987 | West Vancouver, BC | |
| 23 | Judd Blackwater | C | 1987 | Lethbridge, AB | |
| 25 | Johannes Salmonsson | LW | 1986 | Djurgarden, SWE | |
| 26 | Seth Compton | C | 1988 | W. Richland, WA | |
| 27 | Drayson Bowman | LW | 1989 | Littleton, CO | |
| 31 | Kevin Armstrong | G | 1988 | Winnipeg, MB | |
| 35 | Thomas Stehr | G | 1988 | Medicine Hat, AB | |
NHL Alumni
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Season-by-season record
Regular Season
Legend:T = Tie (1998-2005), SL = Shoot Out Loss (2005-06 onward), OTL = Overtime Loss
| Season | Games | Won | Lost | T/SL | OTL | Pct % | Points | Goals For | Goals Against | Standing |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1985-86 | 72 | 30 | 40 | 1 | ||||||
| 0.424 | 61 | 373 | 413 | 4th West | ||||||
| 1986-87 | 72 | 37 | 33 | 2 | ||||||
| 0.528 | 76 | 374 | 350 | 3rd West | ||||||
| 1987-88 | 72 | 37 | 32 | 3 | ||||||
| 0.535 | 77 | 330 | 296 | 2nd West | ||||||
| 1988-89 | 72 | 25 | 45 | 2 | ||||||
| 0.361 | 52 | 326 | 419 | 6th West | ||||||
| 1989-90 | 72 | 30 | 37 | 5 | ||||||
| 0.451 | 65 | 334 | 344 | 4th West | ||||||
| 1990-91 | 72 | 48 | 23 | 1 | ||||||
| 0.674 | 99 | 435 | 275 | 2nd West | ||||||
| 1991-92 | 72 | 37 | 29 | 6 | ||||||
| 0.556 | 80 | 267 | 270 | 2nd West | ||||||
| 1992-93 | 72 | 28 | 40 | 4 | ||||||
| 0.417 | 60 | 190 | 261 | 5th West | ||||||
| 1993-94 | 72 | 31 | 37 | 4 | ||||||
| 0.458 | 66 | 324 | 320 | 5th West | ||||||
| 1994-95 | 72 | 32 | 36 | 4 | ||||||
| 0.472 | 66 | 244 | 261 | 5th West | ||||||
| 1995-96 | 72 | 50 | 18 | 4 | ||||||
| 0.722 | 104 | 322 | 221 | 1st West | ||||||
| 1996-97 | 72 | 35 | 33 | 4 | ||||||
| 0.514 | 80 | 260 | 235 | 3rd West | ||||||
| 1997-98 | 72 | 45 | 23 | 4 | ||||||
| 0.653 | 94 | 288 | 235 | 3rd West | ||||||
| 1998-99 | 72 | 19 | 44 | 9 | ||||||
| 0.326 | 48 | 193 | 268 | 7th West | ||||||
| 1999-00 | 72 | 47 | 21 | 4 | 2 | 0.681 | 100 | 272 | 191 | 1st West |
| 2000-01 | 72 | 35 | 28 | 7 | 2 | 0.535 | 79 | 242 | 219 | 4th West |
| 2001-02 | 72 | 33 | 25 | 11 | 3 | 0.558 | 80 | 235 | 313 | 2nd U.S. |
| 2002-03 | 72 | 26 | 36 | 6 | 4 | 0.403 | 62 | 216 | 261 | 2nd U.S. |
| 2003-04 | 72 | 32 | 29 | 4 | 7 | 0.472 | 75 | 200 | 215 | 4th U.S. |
| 2004-05 | 72 | 24 | 38 | 8 | 2 | 0.389 | 58 | 192 | 230 | 5th U.S. |
| 2005-06 | 72 | 25 | 39 | 3 | 5 | 0.362 | 58 | 193 | 254 | 5th U.S. |
- ALL-TIME RECORD: 1512GP, 706W 679L 93T 32OTL 3SL
Playoff History
- 1985-86: Lost to Portland Winter Hawks 5 games to 4 in Conference semi-finals.
- 1986-87: Lost to Portland Winter Hawks 5 games to 0 in Conference semi-finals.
- 1987-88: Defeated Victoria Cougars 5 games to 3 in Conference semi-finals.
Lost to Kamloops Blazers 5 games to 2 in Conference finals. - 1988-89: Out of playoffs.
- 1990-91: Defeated Seattle Thunderbirds 5 games to 1 in Conference semi-finals.
Defeated Kamloops Blazers 5 games to 0 in Conference finals.
Defeated Lethbridge Hurricanes 5 games to 0 in WHL finals. WHL CHAMPIONS
Finished Memorial Cup round-robin in first place.
Defeated Drummondville Voltigeurs 5-1 to win Memorial Cup. MEMORIAL CUP CHAMPIONS - 1991-92: Defeated Portland Winter Hawks 4 games to 2 in Conference quarter-finals.
Lost to Seattle Thunderbirds 3 games to 1 in Conference semi-finals. - 1992-93: Defeated Tacoma Rockets 4 games to 3 in Conference quarter-finals.
Lost to Kamloops Blazers 3 games to 0 in Conference semi-finals. - 1993-94: Lost to Seattle Thunderbirds 3 games to 0 in Conference quarter-finals.
- 1994-95: Advanced past round-robin tournament with 3-1 record.
Lost to Tri-City Americans 4 games to 3 in Conference semi-finals. - 1995-96: Defeated Portland Winter Hawks 4 games to 3 in Conference quarter-finals.
Defeated Kamloops Blazers 4 games to 2 in Conference finals.
Lost to Brandon Wheat Kings 4 games to 1 in WHL Finals. - 1996-97: Defeated Kelowna Rockets 4 games to 2 in Conference quarter-finals.
Lost to Prince George Cougars 3 games to 0 in Conference semi-finals. - 1997-98: Defeated Kelowna Rockets 4 games to 3 in Conference quarter-finals.
Defeated Prince George Cougars 3 games to 1 in Conference semi-finals.
Lost to Portland Winter Hawks 4 games to 3 in Conference finals.
Hosted Memorial Cup, lost 2-1 (OT) in Semi-Final to Guelph Storm. - 1998-99: Out of playoffs.
- 1999-00: Defeated Tri-City Americans 4 games to 0 in Conference quarter-finals.
Earned second-round bye.
Defeated Prince George Cougars 4 games to 1 in Conference finals.
Lost to Kootenay Ice 4 games to 2 in WHL finals. - 2000-01: Defeated Kamloops Blazers 4 games to 0 in Conference quarter-finals.
Defeated Seattle Thunderbirds 3 games to 0 in Conference semi-finals.
Lost to Portland Winter Hawks 4 games to 1 in Conference finals. - 2001-02: Defeated Tri-City Americans 4 games to 1 in Conference quarter-finals.
Lost to Kelowna Rockets 4 games to 2 in Conference semi-finals. - 2002-03: Defeated Portland Winter Hawks 4 games to 3 in Conference quarter-finals.
Lost to Kelowna Rockets 4 games to 0 in Conference semi-finals. - 2003-04: Lost to Everett Silvertips 4 games to 0 in Conference quarter-finals.
- 2004-05: Out of playoffs.
- 2005-06: Out of playoffs.
- All-Time Playoff Record (Not Including Memorial Cup Games): 82-76
Executives
Head Coaches & All-Time Regular Season Records
- 1987-89 Butch Goring (39-41-3)
- 1989-94 Bryan Maxwell (174-166-20)
- 1994 (Interim)- Tim Speltz (1-0)
- 1994 (Interim)- Perry Shockey (0-1)
- 1994-00 Mike Babcock (234-169-29-2)
- 2000-02 Perry Ganchar (68-53-18-5)
- 2003-05 Al Conroy (82-103-18-13)
- 2005- Bill Peters (25-39-5-3)
General Managers
- 1989- Tim Speltz
Arenas
- 1950-1995 Spokane Coliseum (5,200 capacity)
- 1995- Spokane Veterans Memorial Arena (10,750 capacity)
Spokane Arena Hockey Attendance Records
- Largest Crowds: 10,759 vs. Tri-City (3 times since 1995), 10,751 Spokane vs. Val d'Or (1998 Memorial Cup Opener) and 10,700 vs. Tri-City (March 11, 2006)
- Smallest Crowd: 3,025 Spokane vs. Kelowna (February 8, 2006)
- 2005-06 Average Attendance: 6,105 (219,802 in 36 games)
- 1995-96 Sellouts: 11 (Includes Playoff Games and NHL Exhibition Game)
- 1996-97 Sellouts: 10 (Includes Playoff Games)
- 1997-98 Sellouts: 14 (Includes 8 Memorial Cup Games)
- 1998-99 Sellouts: 9
- 1999-00 Sellouts: 10 (Includes Playoff Games)
- 2000-01 Sellouts: 6 (Includes Playoff Games)
- 2001-02 Sellouts: 7
- 2002-03 Sellouts: 5
- 2003-04 Sellouts: 4
- 2004-05 Sellouts: 2
- 2005-06 Sellouts: 1
Chiefs Attendance Averages and WHL Attendance Rank
| Season | Total Attendance | Average | Games | WHL Rank |
| 1996-97 | 281,743 | 7,826 | 36 | 2nd |
| 1997-98 | 289,735 | 8,048 | 36 | 2nd |
| 1998-99 | 259,150 | 7,404 | 36 | 2nd |
| 1999-00 | 226,974 | 7,092 | 36 | 1st |
| 2000-01 | 231,960 | 6,627 | 36 | 2nd |
| 2001-02 | 229,308 | 6,369 | 36 | 3rd |
| 2002-03 | 219,586 | 6,099 | 36 | 3rd |
| 2003-04 | 226,550 | 6,293 | 36 | 3rd |
| 2004-05 | 225,002 | 6,250 | 36 | 4th |
| 2005-06 | 219,802 | 6,105 | 36 | 6th |
See also
External links
| Western Hockey League |
|---|
| Current teams : Brandon Wheat Kings | Calgary Hitmen | Chilliwack Bruins | Everett Silvertips | Kamloops Blazers | Kelowna Rockets | Kootenay Ice | Lethbridge Hurricanes | Medicine Hat Tigers | Moose Jaw Warriors | Portland Winter Hawks | Prince Albert Raiders | Prince George Cougars | Red Deer Rebels | Regina Pats | Saskatoon Blades | Seattle Thunderbirds | Spokane Chiefs | Swift Current Broncos | Tri-City Americans | Vancouver Giants |
| Expansion for 2007-08 : Edmonton |
| CHL: | Memorial Cup | OHL | QMJHL | WHL |
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