Played on Feb 27, 2026
Game Played in Toyota Center – WA
General Game Notes: This was a lot closer game than even a three to zero score suggests. Spokane was able to open up the scoring on the power play, score an impressive even-strength goal and close the game out with an empty net goal. It was capitalizing offensively at the right time, combined with an impressive defensive stance. That the Chiefs were able to grab the win tonight.
Carter Esler (G, L, 5’10”, 166, Spokane Chiefs, 11/28/2008)
Game Rating
A
Esler’s playing style is characterized by his ability to cover a significant amount of net space without relying on size advantages. He excels at making routine saves with ease and demonstrates sufficient athleticism for desperation stops. However, he has room for improvement in certain areas, such as limiting rebounds after the initial save.
1 Viewing
Comments: The star of the show tonight, earning a well deserved shout out. He never really is out of a play, thanks to his quick recoveries and exceptional lateral movement across the crease. A highly competitive goalie, he consistently battles for second efforts and does not give up on pucks. While his game can occasionally become a bit chaotic, that same intensity is why his effective He plays an aggressive, challenging style and when he is on, shooters have a tough time beating him clean or creating rebounds. He limits their options by staying on top of the play, taking away space, flashing strong hands up high, and sealing the ice quickly and efficiently down low.
Nolan Saunderson (D, L, 5’11”, 172, Spokane Chiefs, 01/31/2008)
Game Rating
B
1 Viewing
Comments: Saunderson plays a tenacious, detailed oriented game, showing strong habits both with and without the puck. He owns a solid point shot and is capable of making a clean, reliable first pass. While his overall style can come across as a bit understated, he has good talent for his size and uses it effectively within his role. More often than not, he plays as a smart, dependable defender whose clear focus is getting stops and moving the puck safely out of his zone. Defense is clearly his first instinct, even though he possesses offensive tools that he could be using more often, like his skating.
Cohen Armstrong (RW, R, 6’0″, 186, Spokane Chiefs, 05/26/2006)
Game Rating
B+
Cohen Armstrong is a versatile player with a unique skill set that allows him to excel on the ice. His ability to create scoring opportunities is a key strength, as demonstrated by his recent goal where he showcased quick hands and patience in tight spaces. He is also an effective puck handler and shooter, demonstrating his talent despite not contributing to the score sheet. What sets Armstrong apart is his combination of size and mobility, making him difficult to play against. He effectively uses his physical presence to win board battles and clear the puck, while also excelling at smaller defensive details like forcing passes and getting pucks deep. His ability to consistently play well in all areas of the ice makes him a valuable asset to his team.
1 Viewing
Comments: Armstrong scored the game winning goal tonight, while it was only the second goal of the night, but it was a cheeky goal that he was able to slide between the goalies legs. Armstrong moves really well for a bigger sized player, and one of the better parts of his skating attributes is how he can swivel hip to maintain speed or even create it down the wall. He did this during his goal, where he picked the puck up without an ability to cross his feet over; instead, he got his hips going to give himself a chance at the net.
William McIsaac (D, R, 6’3″, 202, Spokane Chiefs, 05/26/2006)
Game Rating
A-
McIsaac showcased his scoring ability with two impressive plays. He demonstrated a strong shot, able to release a powerful slapshot that beats the goalie low glove on a breakaway. This highlight play showed his confidence and accuracy in shooting from distance. McIsaac also excelled in battling for pucks in the offensive zone, using his size and determination to win one-on-one battles. He consistently finds himself first on the puck, allowing him to capitalize on scoring opportunities.
1 Viewing
Comments: McIsaac was able to show that his combination of length, skating ability, poise, and comfort with the puck consistently stands out. At 6-foot-4, he brings a big frame, competes hard, and moves exceptionally well for his size. He plays a power game, leveraging a strong upper body and sound puck protection mechanics, complemented by a heavy, dangerous shot and flashes of impressive passing and playmaking ability that we were able to see when he showed his offensive side. Away from the puck, he shows strong positional awareness, quick on his routes with a clear sense of anticipation and timing.
Tristen Buckley (C, L, 6’0″, 172, Spokane Chiefs, 12/09/2007, UMass Lowell)
Game Rating
B
1 Viewing
Comments: Buckley was able to show tonight that he is a responsible two way player who generates offense effectively around the net front. While he may not be as dynamic, high-end offensive driver that his size suggests, he has the skill to make plays and consistently contributes within the flow of the game. He blends his reliable defensive habits with timely offensive touches, giving his team value in all three zones. Tonight made smart first touch passes that show his ability as a playmaker, he brings good speed, strong compete, and solid hockey intelligence that allow him to impact the game in subtle but meaningful ways.
Asanali Sarkenov (RW, L, 6’3″, 211, Spokane Chiefs, 07/22/2006)
Game Rating
B-
Sarkenov’s mobility and puck skills present challenges in his gameplay. While he lacks speed, which hampers his impact in transition, he makes up for it with size and awareness. He is an effective physical presence on the ice, sealing the wall effectively and providing a reliable outlet when teammates are under pressure. In contrast to previous games, Sarkenov was able to capitalize on opportunities by outskating opponents. His recent goal showcased his ability to create space and one-time shots over the goalie’s shoulder. With his size, jump, and physical presence, he can muscle for position and win small area battles. However, he will need to continue developing his ability to create offense in tight spaces.
1 Viewing
Comments: Sarkenov establishes himself around the net and understands his identity as a player. He does his best work in the hard areas, battling for rebounds, attacking wraparounds, and getting sticks on tips in tight. For a player of his size, he shows flashes of skill, with enough speed to handle pucks one on one and operate in open ice. There are areas that need growth. His passing, playmaking, and overall intensity still have room to develop. At times, he relies too heavily on his physicality in ways that really are not productive like taking runs at opponents without a clear focus on winning puck possession. Use his size and strength with more purpose and puck focused intent could elevate his overall impact.
Dominik Petr (C, L, 6’2″, 167, Spokane Chiefs, 04/30/2005)
Game Rating
A-
1 Viewing
Comments: Petr was able score a nice goal on the power play where he was snuck a wrist shot it’s under the goalie’s blocker for the opening goal of the night. This was a nice goal, given location. Most guys need to shoot top corners, but when Petr see any net, he does a good job attacking what is given to him. He is one of the bigger forwards on the ice and is a lot better on the perimeter, where he can float into good position rather than using his feet to escape pressure. When he is on the power play, and he can pick his head up and stick handle the puck, he sees the ice a lot better than off the rush where he has to make instant decisions.
Logan Wormald (C, L, 5’10”, 156, Spokane Chiefs, 08/12/2005, Nebraska Omaha)
Game Rating
A-
Logan Wormald’s speed and agility on the ice allow him to create scoring opportunities for himself and his teammates. He excels at beating defenders through quick footwork, making it difficult for them to keep up with his pace. This ability to move quickly around the rink also enables him to avoid physical confrontations, which is beneficial for a smaller player like Wormald. When given space to operate, Wormald can become a threat in front of the net, using his crafty skills to create scoring chances.
1 Viewing
Comments: Wormald was able to show tonight that he is a responsible two way player who generates offense effectively around the net front. While he may not be as dynamic, high-end offensive driver that his size suggests, he has the skill to make plays and consistently contributes within the flow of the game. He blends his reliable defensive habits with timely offensive touches, giving his team value in all three zones. Tonight made smart first touch passes that show his ability as a playmaker, he brings good speed, strong compete, and solid hockey intelligence that allow him to impact the game in subtle but meaningful ways.
Ethan Hughes (LW, L, 5’7″, 154, Spokane Chiefs, 08/10/2006)
Game Rating
A-
Ethan Hughes displays a well-rounded skill set as a center, showcasing his physicality and ability to play strong on the puck. His size is an asset in front of the net and along the boards, allowing him to effectively engage with opponents and protect the paint. While he excels in supporting roles, such as drawing defenders to create space for quicker linemates, Hughes’s offense generation capabilities are somewhat limited. Instead, he relies on his size and positioning to seal off areas and limit opponents’ access.
1 Viewing
Comments: Hughes is one of the smaller players on the ice but is super effective at getting inside location and being a a threat in small spaces. Multiple times you saw him come downhill, sneak into the slot, and bang a one timer, and while the pass had some zip on it, he was still able to find a way to get the shot off. When he can challenge players one on one, especially bigger players, it adds to his game so he can use his feet to escape pressure. One of the problems is when he does get hit, he is easily eliminated from the play.
Smyth Rebman (C, R, 5’11”, 180, Spokane Chiefs, 01/20/2006)
Game Rating
B
Rebman showcased his skills by making several impressive plays throughout the game. He demonstrated his ability to create space in the high slot, allowing him to set up for a successful one-timer goal. Additionally, he was able to capitalize on a forecheck and physically intimidate an opponent into resetting the goalie’s position.
Jake Gudelj (C, L, 6’2″, 207, Tri-City Americans, 12/05/2005, Princeton)
Game Rating
B
1 Viewing
Comments: With a dangerous release, quick hands, and creative vision as a passer, Gudelj brings legitimate offensive upside and a noticeable edge to his game. He is also reliable defensively, showing a willingness to compete and support the puck in all three zones. At his best, he is a hard forechecker who uses his speed and physicality to pressure defenders and generate scoring chances. The frustration lies in his inconsistency, as well as occasional lapses in judgment and concentration that can stall his momentum. He needs to do a better job at finding a consistent shift-to-shift presence to create more offensive chances.
Grady Martin (C, L, 6’3″, 193, Tri-City Americans, 04/26/2006)
Game Rating
B
1 Viewing
Comments: Martin I was able to show that he is strong enough to make his presence felt on the forecheck and can push the pace in transition or attack effectively off the wall. He plays with purpose, stays engaged in sequences, and consistently follows through on plays. While his skill level is solid rather than dynamic, he maximizes it through effort and intent. He also brings a physical edge, finishing his checks and looking to disrupt opponents, often taking pride in knocking players off their game, maybe at times a little too physical, taking himself out of the play, leaving a rush against vulnerable or an extended possession time vulnerable.
Gavin Garland (C, R, 5’10”, 183, Tri-City Americans, 02/08/2006)
Game Rating
B+
Garland showcased strong physicality and determination in his game, using his speed and agility to outmaneuver opponents and create scoring opportunities. He demonstrated an ability to adapt to different situations, often making plays from unusual angles. While he can be prone to situational awareness lapses at times, Garland consistently displays a strong work ethic, focusing on possession and battling for space against larger defenders.
1 Viewing
Comments: Garland is a relentless worker who wins his share of battles and gets to a high volume of pucks, using his agile boots, speed, and consistent effort to his advantage. He tracks back hard and takes pride in his responsibilities, projecting as a reliable, impactful two way forward. Offensively, Garland shows strong skill and awareness, capable of generating chances with pace. One of the most impressive elements of his game is his ability to accelerate with the puck on his stick, creating separation and putting defenders on their heels.
Photo credit: Dan Hickling/Hickling Images