Spokane battles back twice but falls in overtime, 4-3
Spokane, Wash. — The Spokane Chiefs battled back from 2-0 and 3-2 deficits to force overtime but ultimately fell to the visiting Everett Silvertips, 4-3 on Sunday night at Spokane Arena.
Everett struck first with back-to-back goals just prior to the midway point of the first period as veterans Jackson Berezowski (7:06) and Jacob Wright (9:55) found the back of the net. The Silvertips controlled most of opening frame, including a 10-4 shots advantage.
Spokane responded after the intermission as second-year forward Ty Cheveldayoff went top shelf off a great feed from rookie linemate Michael Cicek at 5:22. The assist was Cicek’s first career WHL point.
They managed to even the game at 2-2 about nine minutes later as overage winger Luke Toporowski scored his second of the season. The Bettendorf, Iowa native drove the puck to the net while shorthanded and appeared to get stopped, but video review confirmed the puck did in fact cross the line.
Everett regained the lead with just 1:40 remaining in the frame, scoring just after a four-minute power play expired as center Ryan Hofer ripped the puck past goalie Mason Beaupit to make it 3-2. [related_links]
It looked like the Tips would win in regulation before Chiefs defenseman Mac Gross fired a rocket from the left point through traffic to tie the game with just 1:52 remaining to play. Toporowski earned his second point of the night with an assist, joined by Blake Swetlikoff.
It was 19-year-old forward Ronan Seeley who ultimately scored the game-winning goal for Everett, marking his 10th career score and third game-winner.
Penalties were a problem for the Chiefs for the second-straight night as they took seven minor penalties, going 6-for-7 on the penalty kill. They were 0-for-2 on two power play chances. Everett led shots on goal, 32-17.
Close, but not quite. Back at it on Friday.#GoChiefsGo pic.twitter.com/JwHd2Lz1jl
— Spokane Chiefs (@spokanechiefs) October 4, 2021
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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 in 1991 & 2008, two WHL Championships in 1991 & 2008 and four Western Conference Championships in 1991, 1996, 2000 & 2008. Over 60 alumni have gone on to play in the National Hockey League.
The Chiefs’ 2021-22 regular season continues on Friday, October 8 when they host the Seattle Thunderbirds at Spokane Arena. It will be Numerica Magnet Schedule Giveaway as the first 3,000 fans through the gates will receive a Chiefs refrigerator magnet courtesy of Numerica Credit Union. Tickets for Friday and all regular season games are available online at spokanechiefs.com/tickets.
