Crap.

48 Teams. That's how many junior hockey teams make the playoffs. 16 teams from the WHL, 16 teams from the OHL, and 16 teams from the QMJHL. All 48 teams have one goal in common: Win the Memorial Cup. For 47 of those teams the season ends in disappointment.

Tuesday was the day of disappointment for the Spokane Chiefs.

Spokane lost 1-0 in overtime to the Vancouver Giants on Tuesday. Both Tokarski and Sexsmith were stellar in net. I had a hunch that this game was headed for overtime but I didn't think it would be 0-0 after three periods. It didn't take very long for the dreaded event to happen. I'm so bummed that all I remember was a shot that looked like it bounced off of Tokarski's pad and found the net. Game over. Just like that. Vancouver takes the series 4-3 and will face the Kelowna Rockets in the western conference finals. The eastern conference finals will be the Calgary Hitmen and the Brandon Wheat Kings.

Even though I'm bummed right now I must say that was one of the best 7 game series that I have witnessed. You can even argue that it was better than the Spokane vs. Tri-City series from last year. I'm glad this series lived up to the hype.

So that's it, then. The season is over for the Chiefs. Now it's on to the offseason.

First off, even though I have been going to Chiefs games for well over a decade now this was the first year I had season tickets. It was a great time had by me and everyone else in our section. This was a great experience for me and I look forward to coming back next season. For the people who I have gotten to know in section 104 that won't be returning next season, you will be missed. It won't be the same without you there. for those who are returning, I can't wait for September!

As for Justin McCrae and Trevor Glass: I will miss them. They were acquired in a trade last season and played important parts in the Chiefs memorial cup run. I enjoyed watching them during the year and a half they were in Spokane. As for Brady Calla, he was only a few short months but his time was memorable. I had to get over the fact Seth Compton was traded for him but he filled in wonderfully. Trade well made. His time in Spokane was short but memorable. He did get a Gordie Howe hat trick in one of his first games as a Chief. I'll always have that.

I will also be on pins and needles to see who else won't be coming back next season. You can only have three 20 year olds on the team. With this roster the Chiefs will have seven (Bowman, Tokarski, Roman, Spurgeon, Bartman, Donaghy, and Letts). If you do the math you realize some of them will have to go. I have my predictions which I will share at a later date. However, I will predict that Jared Spurgeon will be captain next season. I do think he will be back.

In the meantime I have to find other things to do. The NHL playoffs are starting but I have a sinking feeling that my Flyers won't be around long. Baseball started up, which will help. I am a hopeless Mariner fan and will be going to see them play this Summer. I usually catch a few Spokane Indians games as well. I do like soccer and follow Chelsea in the English Premier League. I watched them advance to the next round of the UEFA champions league (suck on that, Liverpool)! I'm going to start following the Seattle Sounders. Maybe catch a game this Summer as well. There's always movies. I'll catch several movies in the coming months (Star Trek better not stink). Actually, with the price of movies anymore none of the movies I see better stink.

Anyway, back to hockey. Thanks to the Spokane Chiefs for a great season. There were highs and lows but the time spent in the Spokane Arena was well worth it. I'll be back next season, loud and rowdy as ever! I would also like to thank everyone who has read my blog. I appreciate it. This has been fun for me. I will still be posting during the offseason so stay tuned and until next season...

GO CHIEFS GO!