WHL Spokane Chiefs

Koper's OT Goal Beats Seattle

Published on September 4, 2010 under Western Hockey League (WHL)
Spokane Chiefs News Release


Levko Koper's goal 3:29 into overtime capped a two goal comeback and gave Spokane a 4-3 victory against Seattle in the Chiefs first pre-season win of the year. Koper assisted on two other goals as the Chiefs evened their pre-season record at 1-1. Spokane will skate at 11:30 on Sunday morning against the Portland Winterhawks in Everett at the Silvertips Annual Pre-Season Classic.

Koper was joined by Tyler Johnson, Tyler Vanscourt (both one goal and one assist) and Blake Gal (two assists) with multiple points in Spokane's second of three pre-season games on the weekend.

"I was happy with the fact that we came back from a 3-1 deficit and found a way too win the hockey game," Chiefs Head Coach Don Nachbaur said.

"We are getting a good read on what we have and what we need to improve."

Johnson scored his goal, a power play marker, at 17:10 of the first to give the Chiefs a 1-0 lead. Spokane's advantage would hold up until midway through the second period when Seattle's Mitch Elliot tied the game at 10:30. It was the first of three straight goals by the Thunderbirds. Colin Jacobs gave them the lead at 3:34 of the third on a power play goal and Tyler Alos pushed the score to 3-1 at 10:21.

The Chiefs comeback began with a Brady Brassart tally at 13:54 with assists coming from Koper and Vanscourt. The rookie Vanscourt then evened things up with a power play goal at 16:27. Johnson and Blake Gal assisted on the play. Gal had the lone assist on Koper's winner with 1:31 remaining in the four-on-four overtime.

Spokane finished the game 2-7 on the power play and 5-6 on the penalty kill. The Chiefs held a 30-29 shot advantage.

Both teams played two goaltenders as Spokane's Chris Sharkey started the game and stopped all 17 shots he faced in 29:55. Mac Engel replaced him and made nine saves in 12 opportunities. He earned the win and played 33:34. Seattle's Calvin Pickard was 11-12 and Michael Salmon stopped 15 shots in 18 chances.

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Western Hockey League Stories from September 4, 2010


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