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WHL Spokane Chiefs

Chiefs Start Slow, Drop Tight 5-4 Battle Versus Portland

January 28, 2024 - Western Hockey League (WHL)
Spokane Chiefs News Release


Spokane, Wash. - Spokane welcomed the Portland Winterhawks on Saturday night for the annual Military Appreciation Night presented by Pizza Factory. Pre-game ceremonies featured ceremonial pucks delivered from the rafters by Washington National Guard rappelers and then dropped by veterans from every major American conflict in the 20th and 21st century. The team wore specialty military jerseys that were then auctioned off during the game with proceeds benefiting the Washington Fallen Heroes Project.

On the ice it was a slow start that ultimately doomed the Chiefs. Portland jumped out to a three goal lead ten minutes into the game thanks to Cagnoni, Yaremko, and Sotheran.

It was Rasmus Ekström who continued his heater for Spokane, pulling one back on the power play at 17:53 in the first.

That marks three points over the two games this weekend for the Swede with assists going to Feist and Bertholet.

Brayden Crampton found himself in rare territory, crashing on net with the puck on his stick early in the second.

Cowan came up with a huge stop before Roulette and Bonni sent Crampton on his way for the snipe on the power play.

James Stefan made it 4-2 Portland at 4:20 of the period with assists from Klassen and Yaremko.

Spokane's Berkly Catton answered with his third goal of the weekend and 31st of the season, making it a one score game.

Stefan scored his second of the period to extend the lead before Roulette claimed his 29th of the season. Catton and Crampton added assists for two point nights each.

Period two would end with the score at 5-4 in favor of the Winterhawks. Spokane would push for the equalizer, ultimately coming up empty in the third.

It was a tale of special teams in this one, with Portland going 3/4 on the power play and Spokane going 3/7 on the man advantage. Six out of the nine goals scored were on the power play.

Spokane led the shot count 36-29 with Cowan making 24 saves, settling into the game after a rocky beginning.

After facing two top five teams in the league this weekend the Chiefs went 1-1 with an even goal differential, welcoming 15,171 fans to the Spokane Arena.

Spokane will return to the arena Tuesday to face Everett for another TicketsWest Player Magnet Giveaway at 7:05 PM.

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Ticket packages, Chiefs gear, theme night swag, and the latest news are all available at spokanechiefs.com. The Spokane Chiefs are a member of the U.S. Division of the Western Hockey League, the world's finest development league for junior hockey players. Since 1985 the Chiefs have been a pillar in the Spokane community, offering family-friendly entertainment and a winning tradition, which includes: two Memorial Cup Championships.

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Western Hockey League Stories from January 28, 2024


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