Final games a sentimental journey

It will be a different kind of celebration when the Spokane Chiefs honor their 20-year-olds Saturday night.

The evening has been a farewell the past two seasons, representing those players’ final time on Arena ice as Spokane missed the Western Hockey League playoffs.

This season, the Chiefs have clinched a playoff spot and are guaranteed at least two home playoff games. So, Saturday won’t be the last home game for Derek Ryan, Evan Haw and Stephane Lenoski. But they’re trying to motivate themselves and their teammates by aiming for as many more as possible.

“As the time winds down, it’s a time where they’re very focused on what has to happen,” said coach Bill Peters. “I know they really don’t want it to end. They really enjoy Spokane, and I know they want that playoff run to go as long as it can and we want to give them every opportunity to play deep in the playoffs.”

That sentiment was affirmed by all three on Wednesday.

“I just want to try and make the most of it, obviously, and try and play the best I can,” said Ryan, a Shadle Park High graduate. “I’d love to be with these guys in May for Memorial Cup, so let’s go see what we can do.”

All three have been, even in their most average games, steady performers this season for Spokane. In addition, Ryan and Haw have been workhorses on the ice – and leaders off it as assistant captains. Lenoski joined the team in a trade earlier this year.

Ryan has remained injury-free while other forwards have fallen for extended periods of time and is tied for the team lead with 53 points. He’s been moved from line to line as players came and went, all the while logging significant specialty-team minutes because of his superior conditioning. His effort is constant and he never gives up on a puck.

“He’s a very unselfish player,” said Peters. “He’s done everything that we’ve asked for this year … never complains about anything, just wants to play. I think he’s had a great year, just battling so much harder and competing and leading by example.”

For many hockey fans in Spokane, the impending conclusion of Ryan’s major junior career is more like a graduation. He grew up in front of them in area rinks, then moved onto the Spokane Braves, before finally joining his hometown WHL team.

“As he’s matured in our league, he’s gotten so much more competitive, gotten stronger every year, and more confident,” said Chiefs general manager Tim Speltz. “For us, ‘Doc’ is sometimes one of the guys who doesn’t get all the accolades, but he’s played every game and gotten better on his faceoffs and defensively.

“He’s a guy that wants to round out his playing career with a good run and we’re looking forward to it.”Ryan broke in with the Chiefs the last time they were in the playoffs and doesn’t want to be in the same spot as the departing veterans on that team. Spokane was run out of the playoffs by Everett in four straight games in 2004.

“It was a disappointing feeling, at the end, seeing all the 20-year-olds crying in the locker room and going out on a sweep – it’s never fun,” said Ryan.

Haw has steadily improved since coming over in a trade from Saskatoon last season. He was acquired largely for his toughness and leadership abilities and has provided those skills. His reputation as an enforcer has allowed him to avoid mixing it up much.

“Evan Haw is a tough guy to play against,” said Speltz. “When you’re his size (6-foot-4, 220 pounds), you don’t have a lot of guys keen and eager to challenge him. He’s such a valuable player on the ice.”

Haw started this season slow while adapting to new WHL rules which are less tolerant of clutching and grabbing.

“He’s really turned himself into a player,” said Peters. “He’s got a great stick defensively and has been an outstanding penalty killer for us and has been a leader on the back end.”

Haw said he feels the hockey clock ticking.

“It feels just like yesterday I was 16 and just coming into my first camp, coming into my first game,” said Haw. “It’s kind of scary. At the same time, I’m excited. I just hope the younger guys work really hard for us older guys because one day they’ll be in our position and they’ll want the same thing.”

Lenoski has been a versatile player for Spokane since his arrival. Speltz praised him for his maturity and steadiness.

“Stephane came over from Chilliwack and has been excellent for us,” Peters said. “He gets the puck moving for us. He’s a top-four guy who plays in all situations for us. So, there’s not much more you can ask for out of your 20-year-old leadership group.”

Like his fellow 20-year-olds, Lenoski is sentimental about the final stretch of games.

“I’ve thought about it a bit, but I don’t know if it’s really hit me yet (and won’t) until it’s over,” Lenoski said. “I just keep telling myself to play every game like it’s your last and just enjoy it, because it’s been a fun ride.

“It has to come to an end this year at one point. I just hope it can last longer by having a good playoff run.”