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WHL Spokane Chiefs

Spokane Secures Season Series in 6-4 Win over Tri-City

February 16, 2020 - Western Hockey League (WHL)
Spokane Chiefs News Release


Kennewick, Wash. - The Spokane Chiefs jumped out to an early 4-1 lead and held on late to defeat the rival Tri-City Americans, 6-4 on Saturday night in Kennewick. Luke Toporowski and Adam Beckman led the way with a goal and two assists apiece.

The first period was all Chiefs as they jumped out to a 2-0 lead with goals from Ty Smith and Leif Mattson, each set up by Toporowski and linemate Eli Zummack.

After an Edge Lambert goal for the Americans made it 2-1, Toporowski struck back for his third point of the period, chipping in a shorthanded goal at 19:01 to make it 3-1. Filip Kral centered the puck with a backhand from the right wing and Toporowski got there in time, using his speed to crash the net for his 20th of the season.

Zummack scored on a smooth backhand in tight at 4:54 of the second frame to make it 4-1. The veteran forward now sits at 199 career WHL points.

The Americans fought right back, scoring twice within 57 seconds in the second period as Sasha Mutala and Samuel Huo got the puck past Spokane goalie James Porter Jr. Veteran forward Jadon Joseph tied it up at 4-4 early in the third with a rebound chance.

The Chiefs regrouped and regained the lead midway through the final 20 minutes as Toronto Maple Leafs prospect Filip Kral found some open space in the high slot and wired a perfect shot inside the left post and over goaltender Talyn Boyko's right shoulder.

Spokane sealed it with an empty-netter from Adam Beckman, who finished the night with a goal and two assists to become the first WHL player to 90 points this season. The Minnesota Wild prospect continues to feast on the rival Americans, posting 35 points (19 goals, 16 assists) in 21 career contests.

The Chiefs outshot Tri-City 34-31 on the night, finishing 1-for-2 on the power play and 2-for-4 on the penalty kill. They are now 7-1-1-0 against Tri-City this season, with three games remaining in the head-to-head series.

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The Chiefs continue their five-game road swing on Wednesday night at Lethbridge. Mike Boyle will have the radio call on 103.5 FM The Game with the pre-game show starting at 5:30 p.m. PT and puck drop at 6 p.m. PT.

Spokane returns home on Friday, February 28 for Shriners Hospital for Children (Spokane) School Night and Jersey Lunchbag Giveaway. The first 2,000 kids 12 and under will receive a Spokane Chiefs lunchbag courtesy of Shriners Hospital for Children.

Tickets for February 28 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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