WHL Spokane Chiefs

Chiefs Fall Apart in Third, Lose 7-2

Published on March 21, 2015 under Western Hockey League (WHL)
Spokane Chiefs News Release


SPOKANE, Wash. - The Spokane Chiefs fell behind early and didn't recover, losing 7-2 to Seattle on Friday night at Spokane Arena. Forward Ryan Gropp led the Thunderbirds with four goals. Adam Helewka and Dominic Zwerger scored for Spokane.

The T-Birds opened the scoring just 6:39 into regulation with Gropp's first goal, as the NHL Draft-eligible took a pass Roberts Lipsbergs behind the net and beat goaltender Tyson Verhelst to the top right corner.

Nolan Volcan scored his ninth of the season late in the second period, slapping the puck past Verhelst from just inside the left circle.

The game unraveled for the Chiefs in the third period, as Seattle scored five goals in the final frame on their way to the blowout win. Gropp punched in his second on a rebound opportunity just 35 seconds in to make it 3-0.

Helewka used a nifty backhand to beat T-Birds netminder Taran Kozun and cut the lead to 3-1 at the 1:17 mark, assisted by Riley Whittingham. The goal was Helewka's team-best 42nd of the season.

Defenseman Jerret Smith scored from the point at the 6:12 mark to push Seattle's lead back to three goals.

Gropp scored his third and fourth goals - his 27th and 28th of the season - at the 9:58 and 15:17 marks, respectively.

Zwerger tapped in a rebound chance just 13 seconds after Gropp's fourth goal, assisted by Liam Stewart.

Cory Millette then scored only 19 seconds later, setting a new Chiefs franchise record for fastest three goals scored by two teams (32 seconds). The previous record was three goals in 35 seconds, scored on December 17, 1988 versus Medicine Hat.

Both teams were scoreless on the power play.

The Chiefs hit the road tomorrow night to face the rival Tri-City Americans in Kennewick. The game will be broadcast locally on SWX starting at 7 p.m., with Mike Boyle starting the radio show on CBS SportsRadio 1510 at 6:30 p.m.

They return home Sunday for the Coca-Cola Regular Season Finale against the division-leading Everett Silvertips. Tickets for Sunday's game are available in-person at the Chiefs' Ticket Office, over the phone at (509) 535-PUCK or (800) 325-SEAT, via TicketsWest outlets and online at www.ticketswest.com. The Chiefs' Ticket Office will be open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday.

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Western Hockey League Stories from March 21, 2015


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