Beyond the Scoreboard: Community Powers the Chilliwack Chiefs

(Photo Caption:  Chilliwack Chiefs players bring the Book Man ‘Read with the Chiefs’ program into a local elementary school, supporting student literacy )

Published by The Chilliwack Progress

How can you measure a sports team’s value to a community? While the on-ice or field results are part of it, the bigger measure is how a team supports and becomes part of the community at large. By that measure, the Chilliwack Chiefs have truly shown they are ‘Chilliwack’s team.’

During the 2024-25 season, Chiefs players spent over 800 hours volunteering around the community, including: delivering Meals on Wheels to local residents unable to prepare meals for themselves; the Salvation Army’s Christmas Kettles; in local schools, through the Book Man ‘Read with the Chiefs’ program supporting student literacy, and with the Chilliwack Bowls of Hope preparing food for school lunch programs; playing and coaching with local Special Olympics athletes; supporting kids in the community with the Chiefs Kids Club; and visiting local seniors care homes. During the current season, Chiefs’ players have already contributed over 615 volunteer hours around the community.

“Volunteering is a huge part of a player’s development, not just as an athlete but as a person” notes Chiefs’ Coach Brian Maloney. “I played junior hockey here in Chilliwack, and now, being back as a coach, I see it from a completely different perspective. As a player, you appreciate the support, but as a coach, you really understand how much the community does for the organization.”

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“When our players get out into the community, they learn perspective, gratitude, and responsibility. They realize they’re part of something bigger than themselves. It also shows what this organization stands for. We’re not just here to win hockey games; we’re here to represent this community the right way. The support we get from our fans is what makes junior hockey so special, and giving back is our way of honouring that.”

“It’s amazing to have the opportunity to make a positive impact and be part of so many different events and initiatives” says Chiefs’ captain Nico Grabas. “Being involved in the community is a really rewarding experience. The support and appreciation we receive makes it easy to say ‘yes’ whenever we’re given the chance to help out.”

“Giving back is extremely important to us. Being involved off the ice is one way we can show that appreciation. It benefits not just the community, but us as players too. It reminds us of who we’re playing for, and why it matters.”

Another benefit to the community is the many events and initiatives the 2023 Chamber of Commerce Community Impact award winning Chiefs support with donations, including prizes for: numerous golf tournament fundraisers, the Hoedown for Hospice, the Stó:lō Christmas Hamper Fund, the Fraser Valley Child Development Centre, the Lend-a-Paw Fundraiser; Hearts of Gold Gala, the Chilliwack Chamber of Commerce events and UFV Student events. The team also presents the annual Matthew Hutchinson Memorial Awards, recognizing individuals who exemplify excellence in their field and a deep commitment to serving others.

It’s a team and organization that represents a huge commitment and value to its home community, as noted by their motto: Chiefs Hockey.  Chilliwack’s Team.