WHL Spokane Chiefs

Michaluk Posts 41 Saves in Chiefs' 4-3 OT Loss to Winterhawks

Published on January 30, 2023 under Western Hockey League (WHL)
Spokane Chiefs News Release


Portland, Ore. - Despite a strong 41-save performance from Cooper Michaluk, the Spokane Chiefs were unable to hold on against the Portland Winterhawks, falling 4-3 in overtime Sunday night.

It was a goalie battle until 14 and a half minutes into the game when defenseman Jaren Brinson drove home his first goal as a Chief with help from Cade Hayes and Brayden Crampton to put Spokane up 1-0. They carried the lead into the first break, as Michaluk stopped all 16 Portland shots that came his way in the opening frame.

The Winterhawks didn't find the net until nearly halfway through the second period, when James Stefan capitalized on the man advantage to even the score at one apiece.

But Michaluk was again a wall throughout the period, turning aside all but Stefan's goal for 14 saves. The Chiefs even regained the lead at 18:12 as overage forward Cade Hayes notched his tenth of the season off a beautiful backhander after a centering feed from rookie Tommaso De Luca.

Spokane added on at 1:27 in the third as Berkly Catton found the twine for the 14th time this season - a power play goal of his own to pad the Chiefs' lead to 3-1. De Luca and Raegan Wiles earned assists on the play.

The tide shifted into Portland's favor in the second half of the period, though, when Ryan McCleary brought the Winterhawks within one at 14:31. Chaz Lucius added on five minutes later to send the game into overtime with just 17 seconds left in regulation.

After a few spectacular saves by Michaluk and a 3-on-0 Chiefs breakaway opportunity, Marek Alscher called game at 3:09 in the bonus period to capture the 4-3 Portland win.

Spokane went 1-for-3 on the power play and 3-for-4 on the penalty kill. They were outshot by the Winterhawks 45-28. It was Michaluk's third 40-plus save game this year.

Up next, the Chiefs will head home to host the Swift Current Broncos this Friday and the Red Deer Rebels on Saturday.

-

The Chiefs' next home game is Friday, February 3 versus the Swift Current Broncos. It's an Avista "Way to Save" poster series giveaway! Tickets for February 3 and all regular season games are available online at spokanechiefs.com/tickets.

Check out the Spokane Chiefs Statistics

Share: Facebook | Twitter/X | LinkedIn | Reddit | Email



Western Hockey League Stories from January 30, 2023


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