Now that the Chiefs have made the Memorial Cup final, the only question remains is who will they play?

Spokane saw to it that it wouldn't be Gatineau, as the Chiefs eliminated the Quebec champs 3-1 last night. Now it comes down to either Ontario League champ and host Kitchener or OHL representative Belleville.

Spokane was in an absolute battle with both teams this past weekend, beating the hometown Rangers 2-1 Sunday, and the Bulls 5-4 in overtime in the Chiefs opener Saturday. Both teams are very talented offensively and play good systems. Either team is going to be a hand full for Spokane, but the Chiefs will be prepared for either club come Sunday.

The Chiefs went through about an hour workout today as they worked on breakouts, and skill drills. The drills really kept the team sharp on the things they will need to utilize in Sunday's title game. The team looked sharp and that's a good sign that this team in focused on the real goal and that's winning the Cup.

Often teams or players will talk about the great experience and how good it is just to be there. Don't believe it. Every player and coach comes to a championship event with one thing in mind..to win it. The Chiefs are now just one of three teams that can. It's quite a testimony to those who vote on the Canadian Jr. Hockey League poll every week that the top three teams in the final regular season poll are the ones that are left. Kitchener finished first, Spokane second, and Belleville third.

Tri-City and Vancouver, the two teams the Chiefs had to beat to win the West in the WHL, finished 4 and 5. Let's just say if Spokane wins the Cup Sunday against either Kitchener or Belleville, they will have earned it.

It was a gray, windy day here in Kitchener. Spokane was given the day off after practice as there were no team meals for lunch or dinner.

The staff and myself will be taking in the Belleville-Kitchener round-robin game tonight. The winner will get home ice for Friday night's semi-final game. Whoever comes out of that battle will meet the Chiefs Sunday at 1:30pm Pacific time for the Cup.

I hope the people in Spokane appreciate what a great team this group is. The Chiefs are one win from taking quite arguably the toughest trophy to win in hockey and winning the second Cup in franchise history. I know everyone in town still talks about and remembers the '91 team, and well they should. I just hope that Spokane will do the same for this group.

They're a unique team on the verge of doing something very special and I just hope they finish the job they've set out to do here in Kitchener. They deserve it.
Tomorrow, the boys will get away from the ice for the day and head to Toronto. On tap is a visit to the Hockey Hall of Fame, which I'm very stoked about, a trip to Gretzky's restaurant, and then the team will take in the Blue Jays-Angels game at Skydome. A great day for sure. I can't wait to tell you about it tomorrow.

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