WHL Spokane Chiefs

Chiefs Bounce Back with Strong 6-3 Win over Wenatchee Friday Afternoon

Published on September 15, 2023 under Western Hockey League (WHL)
Spokane Chiefs News Release


Kennewick, Wash. - The Spokane Chiefs bounced back from Thursday's overtime loss with an impressive 6-3 win over the Wenatchee Wild Friday afternoon. The contest saw five Spokane rookies put points on the scoresheet (Harrington - 2A, Paupanekis - 1A, Král - 1G-1A, Martin - 2G and Gillespie - 1A). The game also featured two goals apiece from second-year forward Cole Wadsworth and rookie centerman Owen Martin.

The Chiefs were first to the twine at 3:36 after 17-year-old forward Wadsworth capitalized on the man advantage and potted his first goal of the pre-season. Rookie Chase Harrington and defenseman Brayden Crampton earned assists on the play.

Spokane followed that up with another power play goal at 6:41 - this one from Carter Streek to give the Chiefs a 2-0 lead they'd carry into the first break. Rookies Hayden Paupanekis and Lukáš Král were credited with the assists.

Wenatchee narrowed the gap with a goal from Ashton Brown at 8:36 in the second period, but Spokane pulled away to a 4-1 lead after back-to-back goals from Martin at 11:24 (from Berkly Catton and Jaren Brinson) and 15:51 (from Harrington and Crampton). Martin leads the team so far in goals this pre-season with four.

The Wild made it a 4-2 game at 3:36 in the third with a power play goal by Kenta Isogai before Wadsworth netted his second of the game at 13:16 with help from rookie Brody Gillespie and defenseman Will McIsaac.

Wenatchee bounced back with another power play goal at 16:03 to make it 5-3, but it wasn't enough as Czech forward Král once again put the Chiefs up by three at 19:00. Catton earned his second assist of the day - and his eighth of the pre-season - on the play. Spokane held on for the final minute of play to skate to a strong 6-3 victory, bringing their exhibition record to 3-2-1-0.

Overall, the Chiefs went 3-for-6 on the power play and 3-for-5 on the penalty kill. Spokane was outshot 35-27. Dawson Cowan played all 60 minutes in net, turning aside 32 shots faced. He currently sits at a 2.82 GAA and .924 SV%.

The Chiefs are set to close out their exhibition slate Saturday afternoon as they take on the Portland Winterhawks for a third and final time this pre-season at 2:05 p.m. in Kennewick.

Check out the Spokane Chiefs Statistics

Share: Facebook | Twitter/X | LinkedIn | Reddit | Email



Western Hockey League Stories from September 15, 2023


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