Northwest Notes December 21, 2010

| December 21, 2010 8:00 PM

Cowen named alternate captain for World Juniors

Hockey Canada has announced that Jared Cowen will serve as alternate captain at the 2011 IIHF World Junior Hockey Championships. Cowen, a two-year captain of the Spokane Chiefs, will represent his country for the second straight year. The 19-year-old from Allan, Saskatchewan won a silver medal at last year's World Junior tournament.

Defenseman Ryan Ellis of the Windsor Spitfires from the Ontario Hockey League was named captain. Calvin de Haan of the Oshawa Generals (OHL) and Brayden Schenn from the WHL's Brandon Wheat Kings will be the two other alternates. The tournament will take place in Buffalo, NY (USA) from December 26, 2010 through Jan. 5, 2011.

Archer promoted from Vikings' practice squad

Former Spokane Shock signee QB RJ Archer was activated from the Minnesota Vikings' practice squad for Monday's game against the Chicago Bears.

Archer joined Spokane's roster in November and was then placed on "Other League Exempt" after he was signed to Minnesota's practice squad.

Chiefs, fans to open up Avista Stadium rink

Fans will have the opportunity to take the ice at Avista Stadium when the Chiefs open the facility to the public on Friday, Jan. 14 as a part of the festivities leading up to the Rockstar Outdoor Hockey Classic. The Chiefs will host the Kootenay Ice the following day in the WHL's first ever outdoor hockey game.

The Chiefs will hold two different sessions, from 4-5:30 and from 6-7:30 p.m. on Friday night, and allow fans to skate on the ice.

Children 12 and under can enter the gates for $3 while all others can enter for $5.

A select amount of skates will be provided by Eagles Ice-A-Rena. Fans are encouraged to bring their own.

Fans are also invited to watch the Chiefs practice at Avista Stadium on Jan. 13 at 1:00. It will be the only time the team will get the chance to skate on the ice prior to the Saturday game. Practice is free and open to the public.

Tickets to the Rockstar Outdoor Hockey Classic are available by calling the Chiefs ticket office at (509) 535-PUCK or TicketsWest at (800) 325-SEAT.