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WHL Spokane Chiefs

Sauter Encouraged by Weekend

September 8, 2009 - Western Hockey League (WHL)
Spokane Chiefs News Release


Chiefs Head Coach Hardy Sauter came out of the team's first week of pre-season hockey encouraged with his team, "Our weekend went extremely well," he said.

The Chiefs came home on Sunday after three games versus U.S. Division opponents, and despite a 1-2 record, Sauter saw positive signs, especially from the newcomers. "Our young guys got to play in all three games and each one got better every day."

Fourteen rookies saw action in losses against Portland and Tri-City and a shutout win versus Seattle on Sunday.

"We were sluggish in the first game, much better in the second and got even better in the third game. Each player made continual adjustments to the speed and intensity in all three games."

Eighteen-year-old Matt Marantz, a forward out of Calgary, made an impact on the Chiefs lineup with two goals and an assist in three games.

"He's an above average skater, very smart and can play in all situations," Sauter said.

"We think that, although he's technically a first year player, he has a little more seasoning than most rookies. He looks like one of the guys who is going to crack the lineup to begin the season."

Marantz was listed by the Chiefs in December, 2008.

The Chiefs will practice on Tuesday and Wednesday at Eagles Ice-A-Rena before their next pre-season game, Thursday, September 10th at 7:00 versus Everett in the Tri-City Americans pre-season tournament. Spokane's final pre-season game will be played on Saturday, September 12th against Tri-City in Kennewick at 7:00.

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Western Hockey League Stories from September 8, 2009


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