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.
Western Hockey League Stories from September 15, 2023
- Brandon Boys Lead the Charge as Wheat Kings Overwhelm Warriors - Brandon Wheat Kings
- Power Plays Combine for Five Goals Friday as Spokane Defeats Wild, 6-3 - Wenatchee Wild
- Chiefs Bounce Back with Strong 6-3 Win over Wenatchee Friday Afternoon - Spokane Chiefs
- Oil Kings Sign G Hudson Perry - Edmonton Oil Kings
- Oil Kings Claim F Kian Bell off Waivers - Edmonton Oil Kings
- Cougars Kick off Final Weekend of Pre-Season in Grande Cache against Edmonton - Prince George Cougars
- 2023-24 Season Preview - Prince George Cougars - Prince George Cougars
- Warriors Finish Preseason with Home-And-Home against Brandon - Moose Jaw Warriors
- WHL Announces Partnership with Dr. Oetker Giuseppe Pizzeria - WHL
- Spokane Falls in Overtime to Portland After 7-6 Thriller Thursday Night - Spokane Chiefs
- Cougars Season Member Pick-Up Tuesday September 19th - Prince George Cougars
- Game Day Preview: Pre Season Game 3 vs Swift Current - Medicine Hat Tigers
- Wong Named 62nd Captain in Saskatoon Blades History - Saskatoon Blades
- Buttazzoni, Zakreski, Yaremko Lead Hawks Past Chiefs 7-6 in OT - Portland Winterhawks
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.
