A Legacy on Ice: Ty Cheveldayoff Joins the Spokane Chiefs, Bringing Size and Family Pedigree

Well, here’s some news that should get the Spokane Chiefs faithful buzzing a bit: the club has officially added another promising piece to its roster. And not just any piece, mind you, but a big one, literally and figuratively. They've inked defenseman Ty Cheveldayoff to a Western Hockey League Standard Player Agreement.

You see, when we talk about names that carry a certain weight in the hockey world, Cheveldayoff is certainly one of them. Hailing from St. Paul, Alberta, young Ty is part of a rather impressive hockey family tree, you could say. His cousin? None other than Kelly Buchberger, a familiar face from his days with the Edmonton Oilers, a true warrior on the ice, and later a respected coach. And his uncle? That would be Kevin Cheveldayoff, currently pulling the strings as general manager for the Winnipeg Jets. So, yeah, the puck, one might argue, runs in the blood here.

Now, let's talk about what Ty brings to the ice beyond just a storied surname. First off, he’s a presence. At a sturdy 6-foot-4 and 195 pounds, this blueliner certainly has the frame to make an impact in the physical grind of the WHL. He’s not just a big body, though; far from it, actually. Last season, playing for Northern Alberta Xtreme (NAX) in the CSSHL U18 league, he showcased a knack for offense that’s quite appealing. He racked up 23 points – that’s 9 goals and 14 assists – over 36 games. Those are some pretty respectable numbers for a defenseman, if you ask me.

The Chiefs, it seems, have had their eye on Cheveldayoff for a while now. They listed him as a prospect back in 2020, and honestly, it looks like that patient approach is paying off. General Manager Scott Carter didn't hold back his enthusiasm, remarking on Ty's impressive season and the noticeable improvements in his game. "He’s a big body that moves well for his size," Carter noted, "and he can contribute on both sides of the puck." That kind of versatility, especially from a young defenseman, well, it’s golden for any team looking to build for the future.

So, what does this all mean? For the Spokane Chiefs, it signifies another step in solidifying their defensive corps with a player who brings both physical upside and offensive touch. For Ty Cheveldayoff? It’s the next big leap in his hockey journey, stepping onto a larger stage with the weight of family expectation and, more importantly, his own burgeoning talent propelling him forward. And for us fans, really, it just means more exciting hockey is on the horizon. Can't argue with that, can you?