Chiefs Drop Preseason Opener to Winterhawks

Published on August 30, 2019 under Western Hockey League (WHL)
Spokane Chiefs News Release

The Spokane Chiefs dropped a back-and-forth preseason opener on Friday afternoon as they fell to the Portland Winterhawks 6-5.

An action-packed first period featured the Winterhawks jumping out to an early 2-0 lead before Chiefs second-year forward Erik Atchison notched Spokane's first goal of the preseason at 8:42 to cut the Portland lead to one. San Jose Sharks prospect Jake McGrew tied things 2-2 at 13:48 before Seth Jarvis reclaimed the lead for Portland heading into the first intermission.

Spokane defenseman Bobby Russell again pulled things even at 3:09 in the second before Eli Zummack pushed the Chiefs ahead 4-3 at 5:37. Portland managed to take advantage of a 5-on-3 chance midway through the period to re-tie the game at 4-4.

After the two sides traded goals to open the final period, the Winterhawks reclaimed the lead at 6-5 when they were able to again utilize a 5-on-3 power play chance with a trio of Chiefs in the penalty box. Box Score

Spokane goaltender Reece Klassen played the entire first period, stopping 7-of-10 Winterhawks shots while Luká' Pa?ík was 18-of-21 over the final 40:00. Portland's Joel Hofer finished the afternoon 22-of-27. Spokane went 2-for-7 on the power play while Portland went 3-for-7.

The Chiefs take on the Everett Silvertips tomorrow at 7:00pm. You can follow the action live online here.

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For more information, visit the Chiefs' Ticket Office at Spokane Arena, call 509-535-PUCK or go to spokanechiefs.com.

Western Hockey League Stories from August 30, 2019

• Blades Open 2019 Pre-Season with High Scoring Win - Saskatoon Blades
• Royals Blanked by Rockets - Victoria Royals
• Jarret Stoll Cup at Winnipeg ICE Training Camp Presented by Hilton Garden Inn Winnipeg South - Winnipeg Ice
• Pats Stymied by Blades in Preseason Opener - Regina Pats
• Hurricanes Sign Goaltender Picklyk - Lethbridge Hurricanes
• Davies' Hat Trick Leads Broncos to Pre-Season Win - Swift Current Broncos
• Rebels Acquire 2017 Top 10 Bantam Draft Pick in Deal with Giants - Red Deer Rebels
• Rebels Bench Boss Impressed with Veterans, Rookies in Camp - Red Deer Rebels
• Hitmen 2019 Training Camp Day Three Recap - Calgary Hitmen
• Chiefs Drop Preseason Opener to Winterhawks - Spokane Chiefs
• Nowoczin and Larocque Return to Midget Teams - Tri-City Americans
• Vancouver Giants Acquire 2000-Born Forward Brendan Budy - Vancouver Giants
• Rebels Trade With Vancouver - Red Deer Rebels
• Giants Drop Exhibition Opener to Seattle Thunderbirds - Vancouver Giants
• Royals Sign Island Product Riley Gannon - Victoria Royals
• T-Birds Drop Giants in First Preseason Game - Seattle Thunderbirds
• Broncos Sign Forward Aiden Bulych to SPA - Swift Current Broncos
• Roster Set for First Preseason Contests of 2019 - Spokane Chiefs
• Broncos Open Pre Season with Matinee in Regina against Moose Jaw - Swift Current Broncos
• Royals' Team Blue Outduels Team White in Intra-Squad Win - Victoria Royals

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