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WHL Spokane Chiefs

Berty, Catton Combine for 8 Points in 6-2 Thrashing Over Rival Tri-City

December 31, 2023 - Western Hockey League (WHL)
Spokane Chiefs News Release


Spokane, Wash. - The Chiefs welcomed the Tri-City Americans to Spokane for the first time since the home opener on Saturday night in front of a crowd of 9,464. History was waiting to be written as the Chiefs entered the game just three goals shy of 10,000 in the history of the franchise. The milestone was never in doubt as the Chiefs thrashed rival Tri-City, 6-2.

Spokane played their inaugural game in the 1985-1986 season with Grant Delcourt scoring the first goal in team history, just 36-seconds into the first game on October 4th, 1985. Delcourt would go on to score a total of 73 goals for the Chiefs over two seasons in Spokane. Mitch Holmberg is the current franchise career leader in goals scored with 147 across five seasons from 2009-2014. Valeri Bure holds the franchise record for goals in a season with 68 during the 1992-1993 campaign. The franchise high for team goals in a season is 435, scored in the 1990-1991 campaign that ultimately included the Chiefs' first Memorial Cup Championship. The individual record for goals in a game by a Chiefs player is five, held by four players: Terry Perkins (March 22, 1986 at Victoria), Ray Whitney (September 28, 1990 at Tri-City), Pat Falloon (January 12, 1991 vs. Tri-City), and Ryan Duthie (March 16, 1994 vs Victoria). Earlier this season, fans were given the opportunity to enter the Coca-Cola Sweepstakes and predict who they believe would score the 10,000th goal in franchise history. One lucky fan who guessed correctly will receive a jersey autographed by the goal scorer.

On the ice, the first period was action packed. Parker Bell was called for a penalty less than a minute into the contest with Spokane capitalizing on the power play.

Paupanekis recorded his first career WHL assist on the goal with the Chiefs taking the lead less than two minutes into the contest.

The Chiefs' top attacking line combined for the next goal as they have many times so far this season, with Chase Bertholet scoring off the feed from Roulette and Catton. For Bertholet it was his ninth of the season at 8:09 of the first.

Cash Koch pulled one back for Tri-City with his fourth of the season at the 13:57 mark. Assists went to Jackson Smith and Lukas Dragicevic.

The first period would wrap up with the Chiefs leading 2-1 in goals and 18-9 in shots.

The second period would feature just one goal, but it was a historic one. Chase Bertholet was on the receiving end of an exquisite steal and spinning backhand pass from Berkly Catton to tap home the 10,000th goal in Spokane Chiefs history at the 1:42 mark of the frame.

Tri-City would strike first in the third period with a goal from Dragicevic at 4:28 to bring the game back to a one goal lead.

It would not last long as Ben Bonni scored just 13 seconds later off the feed from Saige Weinstein.

It was Bonni's second consecutive game with a goal and Weinstein's second consecutive game with an assist.

The Chief's top line combined for another goal at 7:51 with Roulette scoring his 23rd of the season and assists from Catton and Bertholet. Catton stole the puck again, played a give and go with Bertholet, and then found Roulette net front for the tap in.

Weinstein wasn't satisfied with just providing assists, and turned goal scorer himself for the Chiefs' sixth and final goal of the night.

Stop us if you've heard this one before... the slick feed from Berkly Catton found Weinstein crashing on net where he finished with a crisp backhand at 10:02 of the third.

The final ten minutes passed without another score, but was not devoid of action. Both teams had excellent scoring chances and multiple penalties called as the rivalry bubbled over.

Dawson Cowan was outstanding in net yet again making 31 impressive saves.

The Chiefs' top line was dominant in this one with Roulette (1G, 1A), Bertholet (2G, 2A) and Catton (4A) all stuffing the box score.

Spokane went 1-2 on the power play, 5-5 on the penalty kill, and led the shot tally 38-33.

Spokane will play seven consecutive road games, including tomorrow night in Tri-City, before returning home on January 19 for Gonzaga Night, Pride Night, and Fred Meyer Wall Calendar Giveaway Night.

For all promotional and ticket information visit SpokaneChiefs.com. The Spokane Chiefs Holiday Flex Pack is still available online for just one more day. Get 2 FREE tickets with every flex pack purchased between now and 12/31.

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Ticket packages, Chiefs gear, theme night swag, and the latest news are all available at spokanechiefs.com. The Spokane Chiefs are a member of the U.S. Division of the Western Hockey League, the world's finest development league for junior hockey players. Since 1985 the Chiefs have been a pillar in the Spokane community, offering family-friendly entertainment and a winning tradition, which includes: two Memorial Cup Championships.

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