Northwest Notes Jan. 12, 2011
Fans allowed to skate at Avista Stadium
The Spokane Chiefs will hold an open skate at Avista Stadium on Friday as part of the festivities leading up to the Rockstar Outdoor Hockey Classic.
All fans who participate in the skate at Avista Stadium on Friday will be required to fill out a waiver prior to skating.
The Chiefs will host the Kootenay Ice on Saturday in the Western Hockey League's first outdoor game.
For children under the age of 18, a parent or guardian must fill out the waiver.
Sessions will be from 4 to 5:30 p.m. and from 6 to 7:30 on Friday.
Children under 12 are $3 and all others are $5. Fans are encouraged to bring their own skates.
Fans are also invited to watch the Chiefs practice at Avista Stadium on Thursday at 1 p.m. The practice is free and open to the public.
Tickets for the game are available by calling the Chiefs ticket office at (509) 535-PUCK or (800) 325-SEAT.
Chiefs stand pat at WHL trade deadline
The Spokane Chiefs did not make a trade prior to the WHL trade deadline, but will reassign defensemen Kyle Krzyzniak to the Dauphin Kings of the Manitoba Junior Hockey League.
"We were interested in improving our team, but in the process we felt the changes necessary to compete any trades would hurt our team strengths and team chemistry," Spokane general manager Tim Speltz said. "We are very comfortable with our team as it stands."
Spokane is currently in second place in the U.S. Division with 53 points, four behind the Portland Winterhawks. The Chiefs are the top scoring team in the WHL averaging 4.21 per game, second best in goals at 2.64 allowed per game and boast the top penalty killing unit in the WHL at 86.4 percent.
The Chiefs will embark on a four game in five night stretch this week, including tonight's trip to Portland.
AFL hires new supervisor of officials, make rules changes
TULSA, Okla. - Arena Football League commissioner Jerry B. Kurz announced the hiring of long-time official Carl Paganelli as the new supervisor of officials.
With the addition of Paganelli, the AFL adopted a number of rule changes and adjustments that will boost the pace of the game.
Paganelli, who is currently serving as supervisor of the Mid-American Conference officials, served as the supervisor of officials for the AFL from 1993-01 and has also served for the af2, XFL and the Fresno Football Officials Camp.
He will also oversee the multiple rule changes and adjustments during the 2011 season.
Paganelli will also oversee the multiple rule changes and adjustments during the 2011 AFL season. Instead of being docked 5-yards for a high-motion man offside, the penalty will result in a 10-yard penalty. The penalty for defensive offside will also be adjusted and rosters will include 21 active players and three inactive players for a 24-man roster.