It was a full and eventful week for the Yellowhead Chiefs, capped off by an explosive win Sunday on home ice. After a tough start in Brandon, the Chiefs responded with grit and energy, winning back-to-back games at the Shoal Lake Communiplex. Friday’s home game also featured a Truth and Reconciliation Day ceremony, where players, staff, and fans paused to honor guests and reflect on the day’s meaning before puck drop.
October 1 – Brandon Wheat Kings 6, Yellowhead Chiefs 1
The Chiefs opened their three-game week on the road against the Brandon Wheat Kings. Goaltender Sawyer Wallin was kept busy early, facing 49 shots and keeping his team in the game despite the heavy offensive pressure. Brandon broke through with one in the first, then added four more in the second to take control.
Yellowhead showed some pushback in the third as Brody Bohemier scored his first of the season on the power play, set up by Alec Strachan. Wallin made 43 saves in the effort, but the Chiefs fell 6–1.
October 3 – Yellowhead Chiefs 4 (SO), Central Plains Capitals 3
Friday’s game in Shoal Lake was a thriller, as the Chiefs battled back from an early 3–0 deficit to earn their first home win of the season in a shootout.
Grady McNish got Yellowhead on the board in the second period with a power play goal, followed by Strachan’s fourth of the season just 16 seconds later. Tyson Bridge and Brody Bohemier were active on both ends, while rookie netminder Landon McGregor delivered a composed performance, turning aside 33 of 36 shots.
Destin Knight tied the game late in the third, then McNish sealed the victory in the fifth round of the shootout, bringing the home crowd to its feet.
October 5 – Yellowhead Chiefs 8, Kenora Thistles 1
The Chiefs carried Friday’s momentum into Sunday’s contest, putting on an offensive showcase against the visiting Kenora Thistles.
Winston Lepp opened the scoring and later added his second of the night, while Bridge tallied a pair of goals in the middle frame. McNish continued his hot streak with three points, and Strachan led with a goal and three helpers. Carson Espenell and Ethan Turchinski contributed to the scoring with their first U18 AAA goals each.
Wallin returned between the pipes and was steady once again, stopping 23 of 24 shots.
After a strong weekend showing, the Chiefs appear to be finding their rhythm. Next week, they hit the road for a two-game swing — visiting the Eastman Selects on Friday, October 11, and the Central Plains Capitals on Saturday, October 12 — looking to keep their momentum rolling.
Note: a previous version of this story incorrectly identified the Brandon Wheat Kings as defending Champions. They are not.
