September 5, 2004 in Sports

Chiefs fall 5-2 to Portland in tournament

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EVERETT — The Spokane Chiefs fell to the Portland Winter Hawks, 5-2, Saturday afternoon in a Western Hockey League exhibition tournament game in the Everett preseason tournament.

Spokane’s two goals came courtesy of a power-play goal by veteran Adam Hobson in the first period and a third-period goal from rookie J.P. Szaszkiewicz, a 16-year-old who has one goal and one assist in two tournament games.

Hobson’s goal was assisted by veterans Chad Klassen and Jevon Desautels. Rookie center Chris Bruton, 17, got the assist on the second goal.

Spokane (0-1-1 in preseason) trailed Portland 2-1 after the first period and 4-1 after the second.

The Chiefs were outshot 31-26 by Portland, whose goals included two power-play goals, one short-handed goal, and a four-on-four score.

Spokane played two rookies in goal on Saturday in an attempt to pick a backup for starter Jim Watt, who made 36 saves in Friday night’s 3-3 tie with the host Silvertips.

Brandon Tyer, 16, played 29 minutes, 5 seconds and gave up three goals on 12 shots. Kirk Irving, 17, played the remaining 30 minutes, 55 seconds and allowed two goals on 19 shots.

Kevin Opsahl went the distance in goal for Portland, making 29 saves.

Today, the Chiefs play the Tri-City Americans at 11 a.m. in their final tournament game.

Single-game tickets go on sale Wednesday

Individual game tickets for the Chiefs go on sale Wednesday at the Chiefs office on the southeast corner of the Spokane Arena and at all TicketsWest outlets. Spokane’s home opener is Oct. 2 against Kootenay.

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