Adam Helewka realizes all too clearly that one of the Spokane Chiefs' four 20-year-old players will have to go. Read story

Western Hockey League rules stipulate that teams can only carry three 20-year-old players on their final roster. Spokane's preseason roster has four overage players: forwards Helewka and Riley Whittingham, defenseman Jason Fram and goaltender Garret Hughson.

 

Helewka (San Jose Sharks) and Fram (Calgary Flames) will attend National Hockey League camps, so there's always a chance that at least one of them won't return to the Chiefs. But Spokane has to be prepared for both coming back and the prospect of one of the quartet getting traded.

 

"I think whatever happens, happens," Helewka said Sunday after helping his White team to an 8-1 victory over the Red and the Chiefs' annual Red-White intrasquad scrimmage game. "You can't really think too much about it. Obviously, we know it's there. You just have to kind of not worry about it and go out and play and do your best, I guess."

 

Helewka leaves for Sharks camp on Sept. 9.

 

"So we'll see how that goes for me," he said. "You never know what can happen. ... I'm excited. A little nervous, but it's good going to camp. It will get me ready -- well-prepared physically and mentally."

 

Chiefs 18-year-old defenseman Evan Fiala will attend the NHL Florida Panthers' camp.

 

 

---

---