September 14, 2023 – Western Hockey League (WHL) – Spokane Chiefs News Release
Spokane, Wash. – The Spokane Chiefs faced off against the Portland Winterhawks for the second of three matchups this preseason. The Chiefs knocked off Portland 3-2 on September 9th in Everett. Tonight’s game marked the only opportunity for Chiefs fans to see the team in action at home before Blue Moon Opening Night on September 30.
It was an eventful beginning to the game as the Chiefs peppered Portland’s goal with chance after chance. It was the Winterhawks who found the net first against the run of play with a goal from Josh Zakreski. Diego Buttazzoni added a second goal just a few minutes later to make 2-0.
Chase Bertholet got the Chiefs on the board with crisp near post finish at 16:25 thanks to an assist from Will McIsaac and Berkly Catton.
The goal fest would take off from there. The first period finished 3-1 to Portland, the second period finished 4-3 to Portland, and the third period finished 6-6 to send it to overtime.
Conner Roulette and Carter Streek found the net in the second period with assists from Catton, Bertholet and Martin, Král respectively.
End of 2: 4-3, POR
Goals:
Roulette (from Catton & Bertholet)
Lukáš Král found the net himself in the third period thanks to assists from McIsaac and Streek. Conner Roulette was involved in both the final two Chiefs’ goals, scoring off a Catton assist and then providing a helper on a Bertholet goal, along with Crampton.
Chase Bertholet scores again for his second of the night. Assists to Brayden Crampton and Conner Roulette who has been all over the stat sheet tonight.
The game would go to overtime with Portland finding the winning goal from Diego Buttazzoni who finished the night with three goals, one assist, and four points.
Conner Roulette and Chase Bertholet both finished the night with two goals, one assist, and three points while Berkly Catton dished three assists for three points.
Cooper Michaluk made 29 saves and the Chiefs registered 44 shots on target in the offensive zone. Spokane scored twice on the power play in five attempts while killing off three of four penalties.
Up next the Chiefs head down to Kennewick to play Wenatchee and Portland at the Toyota Arena on Friday and Sunday respectively. Spokane will be back in action at the Spokane Arena for the Blue Moon Opening Night on September 30 against the Tri-City Americans.
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