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WHL Spokane Chiefs

Chiefs Pull Off Gritty 2-1 Win Over Americans in Last Home Game of 2022

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


Spokane, Wash. - The Spokane Chiefs pulled off a gritty 2-1 win over the rival Tri-City Americans in their last home game of 2022 on Friday night.

The first two periods were a battle between the goalies, as both teams went scoreless through the first 40 minutes of the game. Rookie netminder Dawson Cowan was an absolute wall for Spokane, turning away all 28 shots, and eventually all but one of Tri-City's 33 total shots in the game.

On the other side of the ice, Nick Avakyan stopped 21-of-23 shots faced throughout the night.

The first goal of the game came three and a half minutes into the third period, when Elouann Lemonnier scored his third of the year to put the Americans on top 1-0.

But the Chiefs answered with a scrappy goal at 5:14 as Jake Gudelj nudged the puck over the line after a Blake Swetlikoff feed bounced off a Tri-City skater and in front of the net.

Spokane added on at 11:43 with what would prove to be the game-winning goal when Berkly Catton picked up a Ty Cheveldayoff rebound and chipped it into the net for the 2-1 lead.

Just like that the Chiefs take the lead! Berk with the cat(ton) like reflexes gets his 9th of the season with a sharp backhand off the rebound.

The Chiefs' special teams showed out, successfully shutting down all eight of the Americans' power play opportunities. Spokane went 1-for-4 on the power play - the game-winner - and outshot Tri-City 38-34.

Up next, the Chiefs head to Kennewick for another New Year's Eve match-up against the Americans on Saturday at 6:05 p.m.

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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.

Check out the Spokane Chiefs Statistics



Western Hockey League Stories from December 31, 2022


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