PORTLAND – It wasn’t a matter of if, but when, for the Spokane Chiefs.

The defending Memorial Cup champion Chiefs were outshot significantly Saturday, but they more than made theirs count as Spokane shut out the Portland Winter Hawks 3-0 in a Western Hockey League match.

Spokane goaltender Dustin Tokarski had 40 saves, 18 coming in the second period and another 14 in the third.

Brett Bartman got the winning goal 1:14 into the third period with a slapshot from the point. It was his first WHL goal.

Stefan Ulmer and Jared Cowen also scored. Ulmer’s goal came at the 11:30 mark and Cowen got the final tally with 4:45 remaining.

Mitch Wahl assisted on all three goals. David Conrad assisted on Bartman’s goal, his first WHL point.

The Chiefs only had to kill off five power plays, three fewer than they allowed in their season-opening loss (4-2) Thursday against Kootenay.

Spokane took 17 shots and Portland goalie Keith Hamilton had 14 saves.

Spokane returns to action Saturday in its home opener against rival Tri-City.