Spokane routs Winterhawks in Game 1 of WHL Western Conference finals, 10-4

It was a rough start for the Portland Winterhawks as they gave up the first goal in 34 seconds and many more followed as the Spokane Chiefs pulled away for a 10-4 win in Game 1 of the Western Hockey League Western Conference finals on Friday at Spokane Arena.

Spokane outshot Portland 20-9 in the first period and led 5-3 after the first 20 minutes. The Chiefs would go on to outshoot Portland 40-29 in the game.

Winterhawks goalie Ondrej Štěbeták was lifted for backup Marek Schlenker not quite halfway through the first period after allowing three goals on seven shots.

As for Portland’s offense, Diego Buttazzoni had two goals, giving him 11 for these playoffs, and an assist, Tyson Jugnauth added a goal and an assist, and Josh Zakreski had a goal.

Spokane center Brody Gillespie, who grew up in Hockinson before attending high school in Kelowna, B.C., scored his first career WHL playoff goal. Gillespie was the No. 1 overall pick by the Chiefs in 2023 WHL U.S. Priority Draft as a 15-year-old.

Up next

Game 2 of the best-of-seven series is 5 p.m. Sunday at Spokane and can be streamed for free on the Victory+ app.