Sports stats



WHL Spokane Chiefs

Catton's Hat-Trick and Five Points Lead Chiefs to 6-3 Win

March 6, 2024 - Western Hockey League (WHL)
Spokane Chiefs News Release


SPOKANE,WA - Berkly Catton's first career hat-trick and five-point night lifted the Spokane Chiefs to a 6-3 win over the Victoria Royals on Tuesday night in the Spokane Arena. Catton's career best five points pushed the 17-year-old past the century mark and gives him 103 on the season, good for a tie for the second most in the WHL.

The win was the Chiefs' 26th of the season and gives Spokane 58 points, 11 more than the idle Tri-City Americans in the race for the eighth and final playoff spot in the Western Conference.

"For sure," Catton said when asked if the level of play in the WHL has increased in the month of March.

"But I think the Chiefs have as well. We've been getting better every game and it's pretty exciting, honestly."

Catton's teammates celebrated the 100-point occasion by ambushing him on the bench and showering him with water during a post-game interview.

"These are my best buddies," he tried to say before getting one last bottle dropped on his head.

Victoria took a 1-0 lead with the first of their three power play goals 5:41 of the first period. It would be the last time they lead as Lukas Kral scored at 9:52, from Will McIsaac and Hayden Paupanekis, to tie it up. Catton's first of the night was from the slot after Conner Roulette and Shea Van Olm forced a Royal turnover. Van Olm's pass found an open Catton for a one-timer at 13:39 of the opening frame.

The period would end tied as Victoria scored at 17:34 for a 2-2 game.

Chase Bertholet's 22nd goal pushed Spokane to a 3-2 lead at 3:02 of the second and was Catton's 100th point of the year. Victoria evened the score at 13:40 with their final tally of the night.

Brayden Crampton's shot on the power play from the blueline at 15:19 of the middle frame was the eventual game winner. Roulette and Catton earned assists as well.

Catton's second was scored after he raced past a pair Royals and lifted the puck just under the bar, glove side, past Braden Holt 1:40 into the third.

Hats flew at 10:57 with Catton's third of the night and 48th of the season.

Spokane outshot Victoria 35-31, including 20-9 in the third. The Chiefs were 1-2 on the power play while Victoria was 3-5.

Check out the Spokane Chiefs Statistics



Western Hockey League Stories from March 6, 2024


The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

OurSports Central