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WHL Spokane Chiefs

Beckman Shines in Season-Opening Shootout Defeat

March 20, 2021 - Western Hockey League (WHL)
Spokane Chiefs News Release


Kent, Wash. - The Spokane Chiefs picked up a point in the standings but fell in a shootout, 4-3 to kick off the abbreviated 2020-21 regular season on Friday night. Reigning WHL Player of the Year Adam Beckman led the Chiefs with three points.

Beckman picked up right where he left off over a year ago, scoring his first goal of the season from a sharp angle just 24 seconds into regulation.

The Chiefs added on midway through the second as second-year defenseman Raegan Wiles picked up his first career goal -- and first point -- with a laser of a shot inside the left post. Beckman and Eli Zummack each picked up assists on the play.

The Thunderbirds stormed back with three-straight goals to take the lead early in the third. Rookie Jeremy Hanzel scored his first goal late in the second before overage forward Keltie Jeri-Leon scored back-to-back at 4:58 and 6:03 of the final regulation frame.

Spokane rebounded with a 5-on-3 power play goal from forward Erik Atchison, who got a piece of the puck in front off a Beckman shot.

After a scoreless overtime period, Seattle prevailed in the shootout, with both Henrik Rybinski and Payton Mount scoring to seal it.

Campbell Arnold earned the start in goal for Spokane, making 34 saves on 37 shots. Thomas Milic was in goal for Seattle, with 29 saves on 32 shots faced. Spokane finished 1-for-4 on the power play and 2-for-3 on the penalty kill.

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The Chiefs continue their season-opening road trip on Saturday night as they take on the Everett Silvertips. Puck drop is scheduled for 6:05 p.m.

Fans can catch the action via WHL Live (watch.chl.ca) or on the radio on 94.1 FM The Bear.

Check out the Spokane Chiefs Statistics



Western Hockey League Stories from March 20, 2021


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