Spokane Chiefs
Box 5371
Spokane, Washington
99205
509-328-0450
Jordan Clarke
Chris Heid
Brandin Cote
Overage Graduates
Shawn Thompson
Losses to:
Overage: Tyler McKay, Chris Ovington, Shawn Thompson.
Expansion Draft: Scott Henkelman.
Goal: Barry Brust '83.
With the loss of McKay, Bruce will be thrown to the wolves unless Spokane trades for a veteran goaltender. Choukalos, maybe(?), for solid Henkelman going to Vancouver. Henkelman seemed like a pretty good player to leave exposed for nothing. Brust looked good in his few chances and will need to maintain this if Spokane doesn't deal. Goaltending could be a problem.
Defence: David Boychuk '81 (?), Chris Barr '82, Jordan Clarke '82, Chris Heid '83, Steven Mann '83, *Drew Lamontague '83.
We'll find out soon whether guys like Clarke and Boychuk really improved as much as it appeared, or if it was Sauer who made them look better. If the latter is true, it could be a tough year; but if they have improve Spokane will have a physical and effective defence with Mann as the guy who can quarterback the powerplay and get the puck out. Heid can also move the puck well. Spokane might be wise to deal for a veteran defenceman for depth, but they appear to be okay as is.
Forwards: Brandin Cote '81 (?), Lynn Loyns '81 (?), Ryan Thorpe '81 (?), Roman Tvrdon '81 (?), Mason Wallin '82, Tim Krymusa '82, Joff Kehler '83, Jeff Lucky '83, Matthew Keith '83, Justin Keller '83, Jeff Lynch '83, Barry Horman '84, Jevon Desautels '84, Brad Schell '84.
With only Henkelman and likely Tvrdon moving on look for the same Chiefs up front, hardworking and with just enough fire power to win the close games. With the probable loss of Tvrdon the Chiefs will need Loyns and Krymusa to score early and often to keep the Chiefs on top of the U.S. Division as Portland should be tough. Lucky and Keith will be key also as both could have big years. If they do, even with a suspect defence the Chiefs will be tough with so little turnover.
Europeans: Look for the Chiefs to go after younger Euros with an offensive upside.
Overagers: Spokane is likely set with Boychuk, Cote and Loyns, with Thorpe being the odd man out.