WHL Spokane Chiefs

Special Teams Plague Spokane, Cougars Score Three Straight to Win 5-2

Published on March 4, 2023 under Western Hockey League (WHL)
Spokane Chiefs News Release


Prince George, B.C. - The Spokane Chiefs visited B.C. on Friday night for the first of two consecutive games versus the Cougars of Prince George.

Special teams plagued the Chiefs during the first period as the Cougars jumped out to an early 1-0 lead on the power play. Hudson Thornton registered his 19th of the season with assists from Wheatcroft and Samson at 3:43. Cole Dubinsky would dazzle the crowd later in the first going coast-to-coast to score an unassisted shorthanded goal for the Cougars at 13:10.

Spokane would not be held down and scored on that same power play just 55 seconds later. Wiles took the pass along the right slot from Streek and smashed a shot at the Cougar netminder. Hayes was on the spot net front to bundle the puck across the line for his 18th of the season.

Carter Streek would tie the game up with his 15th of the season on a quick 3-on-2 break down the ice. De Luca carried the puck along the right before dragging over to Streek who smashed it home. Spokane defenseman Jaren Brinson was later credited with a secondary assist on Streek's goal.

The Chiefs looked to build momentum but it was Prince George who jumped back on top with a flurry of two quick goals from the blue line. Thornton scored his second of the night, making it two consecutive games with at least two goals for the Cougar defenseman. Kmec followed suit with another long-range goal less than a minute later and all a sudden Prince George was up 4-2 going into the 3rd.

Spokane could never break the deadlock in the third period, with hopes of a late comeback dashed by another shorthanded goal. The Chiefs went on the power play with less than two minutes remaining and pulled Michaluk to gain a 2-man advantage. The Cougars won a face-off in their defensive zone and it was Ethan Samson who cleared from his own goal line, finding the Spokane net down the length of the ice.

Spokane's rookie goalie was a bright spot on the night despite giving up four goals. Michaluk stopped 41 shots throughout the game, including several big saves to keep Spokane in the contest when it was still early. He earned 3rd Star for his efforts. Carter Streek assisted and scored tonight, bringing his point tally to 24 (15G, 9A) for the season. Tonight was his 4th multi-point game of the season.

Spokane was just 1/2 on the Power Play and gave up a shorthanded goal during both chances. The Chiefs managed just 22 shots on goal to the Cougar's 46 who went 1/5 on the powerplay.

Up next, the Chiefs will continue their road trip with revenge on the mind as they play Prince George again tomorrow night.

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The Chiefs' next home game is Friday, March 10 against the Portland Winterhawks. It is the Coeur d'Alene Casino 30th Anniversary Celebration. Tickets for March 10 and all regular season games are available online at spokanechiefs.com/tickets.

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Western Hockey League Stories from March 4, 2023


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