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WHL Spokane Chiefs

Smith Breaks His Own Franchise Record in 9-2 Dismantling of Seattle

February 29, 2020 - Western Hockey League (WHL)
Spokane Chiefs News Release


SPOKANE, Wash. - New Jersey Devils prospect Ty Smith scored just the fifth-ever hat trick by a defenseman in Spokane Chiefs history and set a new franchise mark for points by a rearguard with eight on Friday night, guiding the hosting Chiefs to a dominating 9-2 win over the Seattle Thunderbirds.

Smith, a first-round pick by the Devils in the 2018 NHL Entry Draft and reigning CHL Defenseman of the Year, started early with an assist on Eli Zummack's 22nd goal of the season just 3:47 into regulation.

He scored his first of the night at 11:37 of the opening frame, finding a lane through traffic to beat starting goaltender Blake Lyda and make it 2-0.

After the T-Birds made it 2-1 on the ensuing bump-up shift, the Chiefs jumped right back on the scoresheet as Smith potted his second of the night on a power play at 14:25. Leif Mattson wrapped up the first period with another power play tally at 19:14, with the primary assist going to Smith as Spokane entered the first intermission with a 4-1 lead.

Luke Toporowski ripped home his first of two goals midway through the second on a tic-tac-toe passing sequence started by Smith near the blue line. Smith sent the hats flying under three minutes later, sliding in his 15th of the year off a perfect set-up from Zummack while teams were 4-on-4.

The Lloydminster, Alberta product capped the night with two more helpers on goals from rookie Owen MacNeil and "D" partner Noah King to reach the record total, breaking his own mark from Feb. 23, 2018, when he piled up two goals and seven assists against the Prince George Cougars.

The Chiefs' record for points in a single game is nine, set by Maxim Bets (2G-7A) on March 16, 1994. The WHL mark is 10, reached most recently in 1990 by Brian Sakic of the Tri-City Americans.

Spokane finished the game 2-for-3 on the power play and 2-for-3 on the penalty kill. They outshot the Thunderbirds 39-25.

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The Chiefs are right back in action Saturday, February 29 as they take on the Tri-City Americans for Chiefs Fight Cancer presented by Pizza Factory. The Chiefs will be wearing special cancer awareness-themed jerseys that will be auctioned off during the game with proceeds benefiting Every Woman Can. The first 5,000 fans in attendance when the gates open early at 4:00pm will receive a rally towel modeled after the Chiefs' cancer awareness jerseys.

All fans 21 & up are invited to enjoy a variety or craft beers, music from a live DJ, and prize giveaways at WinterBrewBash at the Bud Light Bar from 4 p.m. - 6 p.m. inside the Spokane Arena prior to the game. Find more info at spokanechiefs.com/winterbrewbash.

The Spokane Police Officers will be playing an intersquad hockey game on the Arena's ice with puck drop at 5:00pm. All fans with a ticket to the Chiefs vs. Americans game will be granted entry.

Tickets for Saturday night and all Chiefs home games are available now online and via the Chiefs' Ticket Office, over the phone at 509-535-PUCK or in-person at Spokane Arena during regular business hours.

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Western Hockey League Stories from February 29, 2020


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