The Chilliwack Chiefs have announced the trade of one player and the signing of another this week.
The team has traded Dakota MacIntosh to the Salmon Arm Silverbacks in exchange for future considerations, saying in a press release that MacIntosh was "a key part of the success the Chiefs have had thus far this season."
Brian Maloney, head coach and GM, thanked MacIntosh for his time and effort both on and off the ice.
"He represented our program extremely well and was a valued member of our locker room," Maloney said. "We wish him all the best in Salmon Arm and know he will be a key contributor there for the remainder of the season.”
They have also signed goaltender Quentin Miller, a 20-year-old Montreal Canadiens draft pick.
Born in Montreal, Miller has spent the past two seasons in the QMJHL with the Quebec Remparts and Rimouski Oceanic, and won the 2022/23 Memorial Cup. Throughout his time in the QMJHL, Miller has registered a 2.64 GAA and a .908 save percentage over 62 games.
The Chiefs press release said Miller will be "heavily relied upon" in the Chiefs net as they look to pursue a league championship.
“We are really thrilled to add Quentin to our group, he is a goaltender with a lot of experience and is hungry to continue to develop his game," Maloney said. "He will immediately help our group on and off the ice with his veteran experience.
Miller was drafted 128th overall in the 2023 NHL entry draft.
When asked about his commitment to the Chiefs, Miller spoke to the opportunity to continue to develop as a player in a community like Chilliwack.
“I’m really excited to be heading to Chilliwack," he said. "It’s a great opportunity to keep developing as a player, and I’m ready to do what I can to help the team succeed. I’m looking forward to starting this new adventure with the team and community.”
Still Winning
The Chiefs are also continuing to hold onto the top spot in the Coastal Conference, winning both games over the last weekend.
"Friday (Jan. 3), we walked into Langley and skated away with a 5-1 victory thanks to a goal and an assist from Nico Grabas, two assists from Lucas Sorace and 29 of 30 saves from first star, goaltender Sebastian Gatto," said Barry Douglas, team vice president, in his post-weekend email.
"On Saturday back in the friendly confines of the Chilliwack Coliseum, Carter Anderson scored a hat trick as the Chiefs defeated Prince George 5-2," he said. "With the pair of Ws, our record improved to 21 wins, seven losses and three overtime losses good for 45 points, which is four more than second-place Cowichan Valley and five more points than third place Victoria."
The action continues this weekend, with both a home and away game against the defending BCHL champs, the Surrey Eagles.
They'll be in Surry on Friday and back to the Chilliwack Coliseum on Saturday for a 6 p.m. Local recording artist Kianna McChesney will be singing the national anthem, and Cheam Skating member Halle Vanderhoek will perform in the first intermission.