Chiefs comeback falls short, Birds win 5-3
Spokane, Wash – The Chiefs hosted the Birds on Wednesday night for another midweek clash. The two teams had split the previous two match-ups this season but it was Seattle who came out on top tonight, 5-3.
It was a story of special teams in the first period as the Chiefs hit the power play just thirty seconds into the game. Spokane ultimately went 0-4 with a man advantage in the first period alone, with Seattle scoring twice on the power play themselves. Sam Popowich scored at 11:35 and Gracyn Sawchyn scored a backbreaker with just three seconds remaining in the first to make it 2-0.
Spokane would strike first in the second thanks to the 20th goal of the season from Berkly Catton at the 1:52 mark.
That's Goal 20 for Berk this year! It's 2-1 them now, apples for Cheveldayoff and Mayes.#GoChiefsGo pic.twitter.com/Q47bwYgb3c
— Spokane Chiefs (@spokanechiefs) December 14, 2023
Catton received the puck near the blue line and drove forward before beating the Seattle goaltender on his near post.
Seattle scored on the power play for a third time with a goal from Sawyer Mynio at 16:40. Sawchyn recorded his third point of the night with the assist on the goal.
Defenseman Saige Weinstein found the net for a rare goal from the Colorado Avalanche free agent signee, bringing Spokane back within one entering the third period.
🚨 SAIGERRRR 🚨
Weinstein puts us within one with his second goal of the year with just 38 seconds left in the period!#GoChiefsGo pic.twitter.com/ugqiJsrYbz
— Spokane Chiefs (@spokanechiefs) December 14, 2023
The shot attempts picked up in the second period, more than doubling the first. After two, Seattle tallied 31 shots to Spokane’s 26.
Mynio would score again on the power play shortly into the third period to make it 4-2 in favor of Seattle.
Hayden Paupanekis notched his fifth goal of his season at 15:39 to bring Spokane back within one but the Chiefs could not complete the comeback.
Moments after Spokane hit the post on one end, it was Sam Popowich who finished off a breakaway for the insurance goal and sealed the victory for Seattle.
Berkly Catton marked his 100th career WHL game with a goal and assist. Seattle finished with 43 shots and went 4/6 on the power play. Spokane recorded 41 shots and went 0/6 on the power play. Dawson Cowan made 38 saves in net for the Chiefs.
Spokane will return to the arena on Friday night against Portland for the Coors Light Seattle Kraken Trip Giveaway. Puck drop is at 7:05 PM with doors open at 6 PM.
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Ticket packages, Chiefs gear, theme night swag, and the latest news are all available at spokanechiefs.com. The Spokane Chiefs are a member of the U.S. Division of the Western Hockey League, the world’s finest development league for junior hockey players. Since 1985 the Chiefs have been a pillar in the Spokane community, offering family-friendly entertainment and a winning tradition, which includes: two Memorial Cup Championships.
