SPOKANE, Wash. – The Spokane Chiefs are preparing to open their home schedule Saturday night, with a mix of returning players and new additions looking to establish the identity of this year’s team.
Spokane returns 17 players from last season, giving the Chiefs plenty of familiarity as they work to build chemistry with a group of newcomers.
“I think with this group we have this year, I mean, it’s really tight,” forward Gavin Burcar said. “So I think we can do a lot with this group here.”
Burcar enters the season with added confidence after a standout summer with Team USA at the Hlinka-Gretzky Cup. He helped the Americans win a silver medal and said the experience helped him find his game.
“Obviously just gained a ton of confidence from that,” Burcar said. “Just really found my game there.”
Now, Burcar’s focus is back on Spokane as the Chiefs work to build the habits they believe can make them competitive throughout the season.
“We’ve just done a lot of structure,” Burcar said. “That’s how you build that team.”
One of the team’s new faces is Czech import Jan Brabenec, who is adjusting to a new country, a new team and the WHL.
Brabenec said his teammates have made that transition much easier.
“They are so amazing,” Brabenec said. “They are so good. So friendly.”
Brabenec said the WHL is faster and more physical than what he experienced previously, but he is excited to continue settling into his new surroundings.
“Everyone asks me if everything’s okay,” Brabenec said. “Yeah, I feel amazing here.”
The Chiefs will also rely on returning goaltender Carter Esler, who is entering his third season with Spokane.
Esler said consistency will be key as he looks to establish a rhythm early in the year.
“I think consistency is one of the biggest things as a goalie,” Esler said. “Just kind of taking it one game at a time.”
Head coach Brad Lauer said Esler has continued to take steps forward each season and will be an important piece of the Chiefs this year.
“This is a big year for him, obviously his draft year,” Lauer said. “He’s a big part of our team.”
For Lauer, the focus isn’t on one player. It’s about establishing a consistent standard throughout the lineup.
The Chiefs made adjustments to their system during the offseason, and Lauer expects some growing pains as the team continues to learn it.
“We just want to see the compete level to be there night in and night out and the work ethic,” Lauer said. “And when you have that, every night, you’re going to give yourself a good chance to win.”
The Chiefs will get their first chance to showcase that identity in front of their home crowd Saturday.
Lauer expects Spokane fans to make their presence felt.
“You don’t have to tell them to come out,” Lauer said. “They’re just going to come. I think the fan support we have here is tremendous.”
Spokane hosts Tri-City Saturday night at Spokane Veterans Memorial Arena for its home opener.
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