Spokane Chiefs Face Elimination After Loss to Medicine Hat Tigers

SPOKANE, Wash. – The Spokane Chiefs are on the brink of elimination after a 5-2 loss to the Medicine Hat Tigers in Game 4 of the Western Hockey League Championship Series on Wednesday at Spokane Arena. The Tigers have taken a commanding 3-1 lead in the best-of-seven series, winning both of their recent games in Spokane by a combined score of 11-2.

Chiefs head coach Brad Lauer expressed resilience despite the setback, stating, “We’re down, but we’re not out yet.” The mood was much different following their Game 2 victory where Spokane triumphed 6-2 in Medicine Hat to tie the series.

To keep their championship hopes alive, the Chiefs must win three consecutive games, a feat they’ve accomplished six times this season—including twice in the playoffs.

“They played a textbook game,” Lauer noted about the Tigers’ strong defense. “Once they got the lead, they really shut us down.” The Chiefs struggled with penalties, particularly in the second period, where a five-minute major to Nathan Mayes and a 5-on-3 situation significantly hindered their chances.

The Tigers capitalized on their power play opportunities, scoring twice during those periods. The Chiefs have yet to find their momentum, as they allowed the first goal in all four games of the series. “It’s not a position you want to be in,” Lauer said. “But teams have come back from down 3-1 before.”

For the Chiefs, this next match represents not only a chance to continue their season but also a farewell for a few key players. Several 20-year-olds, including captain Berkly Catton and Andrew Cristall, are anticipated to transition to professional play next season.

“It’s their last home game,” Lauer acknowledged. “If we win, we’ll deal with those emotions afterward.” He described the importance of focusing on Game 5, which is a must-win scenario for Spokane.

As the Chiefs prepare for what could very well be their final match of the season at home, the team aims to harness their resilience and the emotional weight of the occasion. Defenseman Saige Weinstein remarked, “We’ve always been a resilient team. We’re focused on the next game and how we can put pressure on them.”

The Chiefs will need to step up their game to shift the series momentum back in their favor on Friday night at Spokane Arena.