WHL Spokane Chiefs

Chiefs Topple Eastern Conference-Leading Oil Kings, 6-2

March 5, 2020 - Western Hockey League (WHL)
Spokane Chiefs News Release


Edmonton, Alberta - Spokane forward Adam Beckman became the first WHL player to reach 100 points as the Chiefs utilized a four-goal second period to topple the Eastern Conference-leading Edmonton Oil Kings, 6-2 on Wednesday night.

The Oil Kings struck first as defenseman Wyatt McLeod found a loose puck behind Spokane goalie Lukas Parik for his third of the season, giving Edmonton a 1-0 lead into the first intermission.

The second period was all Chiefs as they countered with four goals in the span of 5:31, beginning with Luke Toporowski's 27th at 4:03.

Rookie Owen MacNeil potted his third of the year at 5:10, finishing off a nifty move from linemate Brad Ginnell out of the left corner to create the scoring chance.

Veteran winger Leif Mattson appeared to surprise goalie Sebastian Cossa with a quick shot from the right wall at 7:09, then Jack Finley gave Beckman his century mark point with a goal at 9:34. Beckman fed Finley from the left wing, allowing the 2020 NHL draft prospect to rip home his 18th of the year inside the right post.

Spokane has now outscored opponents 95-55 during the second period this season.

The Oil Kings regained some momentum early in the third, controlling play and cutting the lead to two with a deflection goal from Vladimir Alistrov at 8:21, but Spokane buckled down thereafter.

Finley finished a perfect set-up from Mattson behind the net to earn his second of the night at 13:41, then defenseman Noah King capped the scoring with a 5-on-3 tally with under a minute remaining.

The Chiefs were recognized online just prior to the game with an honorable mention in the Canadian Hockey League's top 10 as an honorable mention. Edmonton sits at fifth in the same rankings.

Spokane is 32-3-1-0 when scoring four or more goals this season. They have won a season-high seven games in a row.

The Chiefs outshot the Oil Kings 41-27 on the night, finishing 1-for-4 on the power play and 2-for-2 on the penalty kill.

---

The Chiefs continue their three-game road trip at Red Deer on Friday night. Mike Boyle will have the radio call on 103.5 FM The Game beginning with the pre-game show at 5:30 p.m. PT, followed by puck drop at 6 p.m.

Spokane returns home on Tuesday, March 10 for Washington's Lottery Night and TicketsWest Player Magnet Giveaway at Spokane Arena as they host the Kamloops Blazers.

Tickets for all Chiefs home games are available now online and via the Chiefs' Ticket Office, over the phone at 509-535-PUCK or in-person at Spokane Arena during regular business hours.

Check out the Spokane Chiefs Statistics



Western Hockey League Stories from March 5, 2020


The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

OurSports Central