Kent, Wash. — The Spokane Chiefs kicked off their six-game road trip in winning fashion Saturday night, securing a gritty 2–1 victory over the Seattle Thunderbirds. Strong goaltending, disciplined defense, and timely scoring helped Spokane earn two crucial points on the road.
Penalty-Filled First Period Sets the Tone
The opening frame was a physical, penalty-heavy battle with neither team able to capitalize on the man advantage. Chiefs goaltender Carter Esler stood tall, turning aside all six shots he faced to keep the game scoreless heading into the first intermission. Both teams showed defensive resilience as tempers flared early.
Mathis Preston Breaks the Deadlock in the Second Period
The scoring drought ended midway through the second period when Mathis Preston, an NHL Draft–eligible forward, broke the tie with his sixth goal in just seven games. Defensemen Nathan Mayes and Owen Schoettler picked up assists on the play, helping Spokane seize a 1–0 lead and control momentum through much of the frame.
Ethan Hughes Scores First Goal as a Chief
In the final minute of the second period, the Chiefs’ power play finally clicked. Ethan Hughes found the back of the net for his first goal in a Spokane sweater after a perfect setup from Assanali Sarkenov, while Cohen Harris added a secondary assist. The goal extended the Chiefs’ lead to 2–0 entering the third and showcased Spokane’s growing chemistry on special teams.
Esler and Chiefs’ Defense Hold Strong in the Third
Seattle battled back early in the third period, cutting the deficit to one when Brayden Holberton scored his first of the season at 9:10. From there, it was all about defensive grit — Esler delivered several key saves, and Spokane skaters sacrificed their bodies with multiple blocked shots to protect the narrow lead. The Chiefs ultimately held firm to secure the 2–1 win.
Special Teams and Goaltending Lead the Way
Spokane’s special teams were decisive in the victory, going 1-for-4 on the power play and a perfect 5-for-5 on the penalty kill. The Chiefs also outshot Seattle 35–21, while Esler narrowly missed recording his second consecutive shutout after stopping 20 of 21 shots.
Offensively, Preston continues to lead the way for Spokane with 10 points (6G–4A) through the first seven games, establishing himself as one of the WHL’s most dynamic young forwards.
Next Up: WHL Championship Rematch in Medicine Hat
The Chiefs continue their six-game road trip north of the border with a 2025 WHL Championship rematch against the Medicine Hat Tigers on Tuesday night. Spokane will look to build on its strong defensive effort and extend its early-season momentum.
Read more at chl.ca