Subscribe now
Spokane Chiefs

Spokane Chiefs sign Jack Finley, Tyson Feist to player agreements

Jack Finley, the Chiefs’ 2017 WHL Bantam draft first round pick (sixth overall), puts on his new jersey during the Spokane Chiefs press conference outside the Spokane Arena on Tuesday, June 6, 2017. (Kathy Plonka / The Spokesman-Review)
By Dave Nichols daven@spokesman.com(509) 459-5441

Spokane Chiefs prospects Jack Finley and Tyson Feist both signed Standard Player Agreements and committed to playing in the Western Hockey League on Tuesday afternoon.

Both players were recognized at the Chiefs’ press conference at Spokane Arena introducing Dan Lambert, the team’s new head coach.

“We’re very excited to have these two young men sign and become Chiefs,” said general manager Scott Carter at the press conference introducing new head coach Dan Lambert.

Finley, 14, was the Chiefs’ first round (sixth overall) pick in May’s 2017 WHL Bantam Draft out of Kelowna, B.C.’s Pursuit of Excellence Hockey Academy Bantam Prep team. The 6-foot-3, 185-pound forward posted 23 goals and 25 assists in the CSSHL.

“It’s a dream come true,” Finley said. “It feels like family already.”

Jack’s father, Jeff, played one season (2005-06) with Coach Lambert with the Hannover Scorpions of the German DEL.

Carter described Finley as a physical player with good hands that should impact the Chiefs immediately. Finley said he models his game after NHL All-Star Ryan Getzlaf. “He’s a power forward. He impacts the game so much and I think he’s a leader as well.”

If Finley feels any pressure about being the Chiefs’ top pick, he didn’t express it. “I don’t think it’s pressure. I want to play to my capabilities every time I’m on the ice. It gives me something to work toward. Hopefully I can play like a sixth overall pick someday down the road.”

Feist, 16, was originally a 2016 Chiefs’ Training Camp invitee, then listed by Spokane in September while playing for the Elite 15s team at the same POE Hockey Academy. After coming to camp at approximately 5-foot-10, Feist sprouted during the 2016-17 season and now measures 6-foot-2, 170.

The defenseman from Dawson Creek, B.C. scored three goals and added 14 assists for 17 points with the Elite 15s, adding 44 penalty minutes.

“Tyson was a list player from last year’s training camp and has continued to grow, improve and impress,” added Chris Moulton, Chiefs’ assistant general manager of hockey operations.

“He was an on-ice leader for his team at POE and worked very hard to advance his game, becoming a well-rounded defender.”