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Spokane Chiefs

Chiefs' Comeback Falls Short as High-Powered Cougars Win 6-3 on Teddy Bear Toss Night

December 2, 2023 - Western Hockey League (WHL)
Spokane Chiefs News Release


Spokane, Wash. - Saturday was a night that Spokane Chiefs hockey fans, players, and staff all look forward to throughout the year, it was the Teddy Bear Toss! Spokane hosted the Prince George Cougars in front of 8,500+ rowdy fans for one of the most festive games of the season.

On the ice, the first period was less than ideal with Prince George scoring three unanswered goals on 15 shots. Oren Shtrom, Zac Funk, and Ondrej Becher were all on the scoresheet at 0:53, 15:11, and 15:33 respectively. Both teams were 0/1 on the power play and Conner Roulette came closest to scoring for the Chiefs, clanging a shot off the post.

The second period began as the first end, with Prince George finding the net. Jett Lajoie and Ondrej Becher made it 5-0 in favor of the Cougars.

At 11:09 it was the moment everyone was waiting for, as Owen Martin found the net for the Spokane Chiefs on the power play and teddy bears began raining down on the ice.

Brayden Crampton and Conner Roulette added assists on the play. There was a slight delay while Chiefs players, staff, and local volunteers from area high schools helped clear the ice with help from pickup trucks provided by Chiefs' sponsor Corwin Ford.

The Chiefs would continue pushing the momentum with a goal from Ben Bonni at 18:52, his third of the season. Ty Cheveldayoff fought for the puck along the boards before passing to McIsaac at the blue line. The puck went back to Cheveldayoff before he fired net front where Bonni popped it home.

The Chiefs would add a third less than thirty seconds later. Conner Roulette had two cracks at the net before Catton slammed home the rebound, for his 15th of the year.

And just like that we've got ourselves a ballgame folks!

Shots were 13-8 Spokane in the second, with both teams scoring on the power play in the period.

The Chiefs had gained the momentum but could not force through a fourth to keep the comeback rolling. Prince George iced the game later in the third period thanks to a Matteo Danis goal at 16:15.

While the result of the game did not go the way of the Chiefs, the Spokane community showed out with a total of 6,569 teddy bears and other stuffed animals thrown on the ice after Owen Martin scored the Chiefs' opener. Players and staff will donate the bears to the Spokesman-Review Christmas Bureau as well as Toys For Toys next week.

Michaluk bounced back after a tough first period in net for Spokane, making a total of 23 saves. The Chiefs ended the night going 1/4 on the power play and 2/3 on the penalty kill.

Spokane will be back in action tomorrow night at Spokane Arena for another special edition of Neurodiversity Awareness Night. This game provides a unique opportunity to reach fans with neurodiversity and offer an enjoyable, inclusive experience that they would not otherwise have at a typical Chiefs game. This game will involve different features that include PA, music, lighting, ticketing, concourse, Integra Rooms, sensory kits, and more.

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Western Hockey League Stories from December 2, 2023


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