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WHL Spokane Chiefs

Chiefs Frustrated, Deflate in Third Period as Rockets Win 6-3

October 7, 2023 - Western Hockey League (WHL)
Spokane Chiefs News Release


Kelowna, B.C. - The Spokane Chiefs headed up north for the third road game of the season and first against the Kelowna Rockets. The Chiefs entered the game on the back of two consecutive home losses after opening the season with two wins on the road.

Spokane started strong in this one with Martin finding Paupanekis flying down the right wing. The big forward played it across net face where Streek slammed it home for his first goal of the season. With this opener, the Chiefs have now scored first in all five games so far this season.

The rest of the period favored Kelowna as former Chief Michael Cicek found the net for his second goal of the season. The 19-year-old forward was moved to Kelowna early in the offseason with a 2026 5th Round WHL Draft Pick going to Spokane. Babcock would also score for the Rockets in the frame. Rockets finished the first with 18 shots to just six for the Chiefs.

The second period was action packed with Lukáš Král finding the net for the first time as a Spokane Chief! The 2023 Import clipped the puck out of mid-air after Carter Streek rang the crossbar with a fierce effort from close range. Brayden Crampton added another assist on the play, bringing his season assist total up to six. Streek now with a goal and assist on the night.

Later in the period the Rockets would get on the break with a 2 on 0 chance flashing wide of the net. An ensuing skirmish saw several penalties called with a number of players from both teams hitting the box and the locker room early.

The Chiefs came out for the third period on the penalty kill but an immediate whistle against Saige Weinstein saw the Chiefs two men down right away. The Rockets would score almost immediately thanks to Tij Iginla who then set up former Chief Michael Cicek for his second of the night. Back to back power play goals saw the Rockets jump up to a two goal lead 4-2 early in the third. The Chiefs would then get a power play of their own with strong chances falling to both Crampton and Roulette who were unable to make them count.

It was Berkly Catton who netted next. A delayed penalty afforded the Chiefs an extra skater and they used it to full advantage.

The Chiefs couldn't keep the momentum up, as it was Iginla who broke through the defense for the walk-in goal on Cowan to make it 5-3. Iginla completed his third period hat trick with an empty net goal with just seconds remaining.

Spokane went 1-3 on both the power play and the penalty kill and outshot Kelowna 39-36 including 33-18 in the final two frames. Streek with a goal and an assist while Lukáš Král found the net for the first time as a Chief. Dawson Cowan made 30 saves on the night with over half of those coming in the first period.

Up next the Spokane Chiefs head home for a Wednesday night match up against the Kamloops Blazers at 7:05 PM.

Check out the Spokane Chiefs Statistics



Western Hockey League Stories from October 7, 2023


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