The Yellowhead Chiefs had a jam-packed weekend, coming out with two wins out of three games, pushing their season record to 3-5-0-0. This string of games allowed the Chiefs to gather some momentum, moving them up to 11th place in the standings, and setting them up for a critical week ahead.
On Friday, October 25, the Chiefs secured a solid 6-2 victory over the Central Plains Capitals at Stride Place. Colby Asselstine was the standout with three goals, including an empty-netter in the final minute. Goalie Cole Lelond held strong with 31 saves on 33 shots, showcasing an impressive effort in net. The game saw an aggressive second period from Yellowhead, as goals from Asselstine, Kozak, and McNish giving them a decisive lead they would not relinquish.
Saturday, however, posed more of a challenge as the Chiefs fell 5-1 to the Winnipeg Thrashers at Seven Oaks Community Centre. Despite an early goal from Ethan Bray to start the game, Winnipeg mounted a comeback, scoring three consecutive goals in the second period. The Thrashers capitalized on their power play opportunities, netting two goals while Yellowhead struggled to convert with the man advantage. Conner Rapley was kept busy in net, stopping 40 out of 45 shots.
The Chiefs bounced back quickly, closing out their weekend at home with another dominant 5-1 victory over the Capitals. A late first-period goal by Bohemier set the tone, while a second-period offensive push gave the Chiefs a comfortable lead. Lelond, again strong in net, kept the Capitals at bay with 25 saves. The Chiefs’ penalty kill was a highlight as they shut down multiple Capitals’ opportunities and protected their lead.
With this encouraging 2-1 record over the weekend, Yellowhead now turns to a four-game week, starting with a road matchup against the Southwest Cougars on Wednesday, October 30. They’ll be back at Shoal Lake Communiplex on Friday, November 1, to host the Norman Northstars before embarking on a lengthy trip to Kenora. The weekend will include back-to-back games against the Thistles on November 2 and 3, offering another opportunity to gain points and push up the standings.
A successful week could make all the difference as the Chiefs aim to build on their recent success, maintain consistency, and climb the leaderboard. With an intense schedule, each game will be a valuable opportunity for this young team to prove themselves and gain traction in the league.
