Howell, Sparks Expected to Make Chiefs Debut Tonight as Spokane Takes on Victoria

Published on January 9, 2026 under Western Hockey League (WHL)
Spokane Chiefs News Release

Victoria, B.C. - The Spokane Chiefs hit the road for the weekend for a pair of games against the Victoria Royals. The teams last faced each other on November 22, when the Chiefs came away with a 2-1 win at home. Defenseman Marek Howell and forward Tyus Sparks are expected to make their Chiefs debuts after being acquired from the Vancouver Giants earlier this week in exchange for Mathis Preston and a conditional draft pick.

TIME: 7:05 p.m.

LOCATION: Save-On-Foods Memorial Arena

JERSEY COLOR: White

LISTEN: 103.5 FM The Game (pre-game show starts at 6:30 p.m.) - Listen online.

WATCH: Victory+

FOLLOW: @spokanechiefs on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and X. #GoChiefsGo

Western Hockey League Stories from January 9, 2026

• Chiefs Fall, 2-1, to Royals Friday in First of Back-To-Back Contests this Weekend - Spokane Chiefs
• Winterhawks Come up Short Against Rockets on Pride Night - Portland Winterhawks
• Vees Earn Eighth Straight Win - Penticton Vees
• Game Preview: Cougars vs. Silvertips: 0 - Prince George Cougars
• Americans' comeback falls short in overtime loss to Giants - Tri-City Americans
• Tigers Win 16th in a Row, 8-3, over Thunderbirds - Medicine Hat Tigers
• Early Push Sends Warriors to Win over Wild - Moose Jaw Warriors
• Broncos Drop 6-1 Decision to Raiders - Swift Current Broncos
• Three Oil Kings Powerplay Goals Lead to Win in Saskatoon - Edmonton Oil Kings
• Giants Name Ryan Lin Captain - Vancouver Giants
• Paranych Pots Pair as Pats Snap Skid with 5-2 Win over Rebels - Regina Pats
• Hurricanes Announce Resignation of General Manager Peter Anholt - Lethbridge Hurricanes
• WHL Statement on Resignation of Peter Anholt - WHL
• Game Preview: Vees vs Blazers - Penticton Vees
• Game Preview: Game 39 vs. Thunderbirds - Medicine Hat Tigers
• Oil Kings Re-Assign Hejda to NAX U18 Prep - Edmonton Oil Kings
• Howell, Sparks Expected to Make Chiefs Debut Tonight as Spokane Takes on Victoria - Spokane Chiefs
• Broncos Release Jackson Gillespie - Swift Current Broncos
• Broncos Add Trae Johnson to Roster - Swift Current Broncos
• Warriors Head South to Begin Road Swing - Moose Jaw Warriors
• Oil Kings Continue Road Trip in Saskatoon - Edmonton Oil Kings
• Game Day Hub: January 9 vs Kelowna - Portland Winterhawks
• Preview: Americans at Giants - January 9, 2026 - Tri-City Americans

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.

Other Recent Spokane Chiefs Stories

• Chiefs Earn a Point, Fall in OT for First Time this Season
• Chiefs Host Warriors in Rare Cross-Conference Match-Up Saturday Night
• Esler Pitches Shutout, Chiefs Blank Silvertips, 4-0, in Everett
• Chiefs Looking for First Win against Silvertips on the Road Friday
• Harrington, Sparks, Gillespie Among 78 WHL-Developed Players Named to 2026 NHL CSS Midterm Rankings