Hockey season #2 for the local Chase team in the KIJHL saw a Heat wave during the first weekend of action.
The team headed to Revelstoke on Friday the 14th to face last season’s division-leading Grizzlies. Grumpy Bears did not deter the hunt for a win as the boys came out hard, fast and skilled. In front of an opening-night crowd of 343, local lad Dom Hodges potted the first goal of the season in the second period. Revy countered but rookie Nic Fidanza with his first of two re-acquired the lead. Halfway through the third, Fidanza got his second, both of which were assisted by Mac Guardiero. The Heat held on to the end for a well- deserved win against the Grizzlies. Jake Mattes earned the first star, stopping 29 of 31 shots with Fidanza being second star.
Saturday night the 15th saw Chase’s ‘Hockey Hot Product’ at Art Holding Memorial Arena for its home opener against the Spokane Braves. A near-capacity crowd of more than 300 watched as both teams played hard and furious throughout the contest. Tired fans went home happy as the Braves outshot the Heat 43 to 31 but, once again, due to the stellar play of Mattes between the pipes, the locals earned a 4 – 2 victory. Again there was flash, dash and fists in this one, with new addition Catlin McLeod opening scoring and also winning the only tilt of the night. Fidanza once again popped in two in the first and third, with fellow rookie Connor Venne from Saskatoon, Sask. getting his first in the second. Mattes once again was first star with hard-working and hard-hitting Mac Guardiero earning second star. Mattes is the featured “hot player” of the week on the KIJHL website.
Early season statistics have Fidanza with four goals, Venne with one goal and two assists and Mattes with a 2.00 goals-against average and a .946 save percentage. Next home game is Friday the 21st at 7 p.m. versus the Revelstoke Grizzlies, followed by a Sunday road game versus the Sicamous Eagles.
Season tickets are still available by calling 778-220-6955. The HEAT golf tourney is Sept. 29, registrations accepted at Sunshore Golf Course.