WHL Spokane Chiefs

Two Hats, One Win

February 19, 2009 - Western Hockey League (WHL)
Spokane Chiefs News Release


Two hat tricks, two penalty shots and seven goals added up to one win and two points on Wednesday night when the Chiefs defeated the Seattle Thunderbirds in the Spokane Arena. Drayson Bowman and Tyler Johnson each had a hat-trick in the 7-3 victory.

For Bowman it was his second hat trick of the season while Johnson recorded his first career three goal game. The Chiefs had a 3-1 lead after the first period with goals by Bowman, Johnson and Ondøej Roman. Bowman's first came on his first penalty shot of the night, awarded to the Chiefs after a Seattle skater covered the puck in the crease with his glove. Bowman faked to the forehand and drug it back across Calvin Pickard's crease with one hand on the stick to direct it into the net for his 33rd goal of the year.

Johnson's goal was assisted by Mitch Wahl, who had three helpers on the night, and Levko Koper.

Johnson and Bowman traded two goals apiece in a four goal second period for Spokane. Bowman's second came on the power play from Johnson and Jared Spurgeon and his third was a shorthanded penalty shot after he was brought down on a break away.

The Thunderbirds scored at 4:49 and 5:20 of the third period for their final two goals of the game.

The Chiefs won their fifth in a row and their 17th in the last 19 games. Spokane pulled back within two points of the Tri-City Americans for first place in the U.S. Division. The win also clinched home ice advantage in the first round of the playoffs for Spokane, guaranteeing them one of the top four spots in the conference standings.

Wednesday night's game was the first of a home-and- home series with the Thunderbirds with the second half coming on Friday night at 7:30. Mike Boyle will go on the air on 1510 KGA at 7:00 with Comcast Hockey Tonight.

Saturday night, Spokane will travel to Kennewick to take on Tri-City in their ninth match-up of the year. The game can be seen live on Comcast channel 78 and heard on KJRB 790 AM.

Check out the Spokane Chiefs Statistics



Western Hockey League Stories from February 19, 2009


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