Sports stats



WHL Spokane Chiefs

Penalties Prove Chiefs' Downfall in 6-1 Loss to Winterhawks

January 23, 2023 - Western Hockey League (WHL)
Spokane Chiefs News Release


Portland, Ore. - Penalties proved to be Spokane's downfall as the Chiefs fell to the Portland Winterhawks 6-1 on the road Monday afternoon.

The Winterhawks were quick to get on the board, as Gabe Klassen scored his 26th of the season just a minute and a half into play.

Berkly Catton answered when he took a feed from Chase Bertholet and fired a shot on goal, but it was saved by Dante Giannuzzi. Catton picked up his own rebound and skated over to the right circle to fling in a beautiful back-handed shot to the twine at 8:45 to tie things up 1-1.

Portland regained the lead at 12:48 thanks to a goal from Ryan McCleary, but the Chiefs kept it close at 2-1 for the rest of the opening frame.

The second period completely shifted things into the Winterhawks' favor, starting just 46 seconds into play when Jack O'Brien capitalized on the man advantage to pad their lead to 3-1.

Portland followed that up with three unanswered goals throughout the middle frame, two of which were more power play goals.

Cooper Michaluk came in to relieve Dawson Cowan in net for the third period and stopped all 16 shots he faced, but the Chiefs' offense wasn't able to close the gap.

Spokane went 0-for-4 on the power play and 5-for-8 on the penalty kill, but racked up 45 minutes' worth of penalties. They were outshot 34-27.

Up next, the Chiefs return home to take on the Seattle Thunderbirds this Friday on Gold Seal Plumbing Princesses and Heroes Night.

-

The Chiefs' next home game is Saturday, January 27 versus the Seattle Thunderbirds. It's Princesses and Heroes Night, presented by Gold Seal Plumbing! Tickets for January 27 and all regular season games are available online at spokanechiefs.com/tickets.

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 in 1991 & 2008, two WHL Championships in 1991 & 2008 and four Western Conference Championships in 1991, 1996, 2000 & 2008. Over 60 alumni have gone on to play in the National Hockey League.

Check out the Spokane Chiefs Statistics



Western Hockey League Stories from January 23, 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