WHL Spokane Chiefs

Chiefs Drop New Year's Eve Game 7-6 to Americans in OT

December 31, 2022 - Western Hockey League (WHL)
Spokane Chiefs News Release


Kennewick, Wash. - The Spokane Chiefs lost 7-6 to the Tri-City Americans in the last game of 2022 in what proved to be a thrilling back-and-forth contest.

The Americans opened the scoring six minutes into the first period when Tyson Greenway capitalized on the man advantage.

But the Chiefs were quick to answer, as Kooper Gizowski scored a power play goal of his own at 8:56 with help from Blake Swetlikoff and Mac Gross.

Roll the tape!! https://t.co/PXSYlz2ZHfpic.twitter.com/1zlixfzDlh

- Spokane Chiefs (@spokanechiefs) January 1, 2023

Spokane added on later in the period with a second power play goal at 15:54, this one by Chase Bertholet. It marked Bertholet's 14th goal of the season, while Raegan Wiles and Ty Cheveldayoff notched assists on the play. The Chiefs carried the 2-1 lead into the first break.

Spokane tacked on another just under two minutes into the second period as rookie forward Tommaso De Luca netted his 12th of the year to pad the lead to 3-1.

Tri-City got one back with another power play goal, this one by Jake Sloan, halfway through the frame to bring them within one.

The Chiefs held them off for the rest of the period, though, and went into the final break up 3-2.

The Americans came out hot in the final period, as Tyson Greenway was quick to tie things up just 15 seconds into play with his 19th goal of the year.

Mac Gross answered at 8:05 when he found the twine to tip things back in the Chiefs' favor, 4-3.

Blake Swetlikoff backed that up with another goal as he came crashing toward the net and pushed the puck over the line to give the Chiefs a 5-3 advantage.

Tri-City wasn't done yet, though, as Marc Lajoie cut the lead to one at 13:57.

Berkly Catton answered right back at 15:01 with his 10th goal of the year before Tri-City went on to score back-to-back power play goals at 17:21 and 19:12 to bring it to 6-6 and force overtime.

The Americans wasted no time sealing the 7-6 win in overtime, as Parker Bell scored just 17 seconds into the extra frame.

Dawson Cowan started in net for the Chiefs, turning aside 31-of-38 shots faced.

Spokane went 3-for-5 on the power play and 2-for-6 on the penalty kill. They outshot the Americans 39-38.

Up next, the Chiefs will head back to home to host the Victoria Royals on Friday, January 6 in their first game of the new year. The teams haven't faced each other since opening weekend, which saw Spokane skate to back-to-back victories on the road.

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The Chiefs' next home game is Friday, January 6 versus the Victoria Royals. It's the Fred Meyer Wall Calendar Giveaway - the first 3,000 fans through the gates will receive a Spokane Chiefs wall calendar courtesy of Fred Meyer! Tickets for January 6 and all regular season games are available online at spokanechiefs.com/tickets.

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Western Hockey League Stories from December 31, 2022


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