Carter Streek practicing at the Sandman Centre on Wednesday morning before the night's game against his hometown Blazers (Image Credit: CFJC Today)

By Chad Klassen

BLAZERS vs. CHIEFS

Streek returns to Kamloops for first time, Toporowski to play former team

Mar 2, 2022 | 3:03 PM

KAMLOOPS — It’s ice he’s skated on many times growing up in Kamloops, but Carter Streek is ready to play his biggest game on Sandman Centre ice on Wednesday night against his hometown Blazers.

His parents Trevor and Michelle are longtime Blazers season ticket holders.

“It’s kind of surreal, having them up there in our season tickets section, but I’m really excited. I can’t wait to be back and play in this arena,” said Streek. “It’s a big game for me, but also a big game for the team. We’re a couple points out of a playoff spot, so this game means a lot for the team as well.”

It’s Streek’s first time playing the Blazers in the WHL. Fittingly, 18 years ago — at just four days old — his first Blazers game was against Spokane.

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The 5’7″, 156-pound Streek was drafted in the fourth round by Portland in 2019, traded to Saskatoon prior to the hub season last year, then again dealt in the fall to Spokane.

He has seven goals and eight point in 30 games with the Chiefs. He says the move to Spokane has given him a chance to play more meaningful minutes.

“It’s given me lots of opportunities and I’ve been able to find myself a bit of a home here and find myself in the line-up most nights,” said Streek. “I’ve had a lot of opportunities coming in and I think myself and a couple other guys coming in have really helped. I don’t feel we’re a bottom-feeder team. We’re going to show a lot of people and we’re going to make the playoffs this year and have a good run.”

On the Blazers side, Wednesday night marks the first game for Luke Toporowski against his old team.

“They’re all my best buddies and Spokane’s always going to be home,” said Toporowski, who spent some time with old teammates at their hotel on Tuesday night and will again visit after the game. “It’s going to be a little weird. It’s going to be a little emotional, but business is business and we need to get the win and they’re fighting for a playoff spot as well, so we can’t take them lightly.”

The acquisition of Toporowski has been the best Blazers trade in recent memory. The 20-year-old has set the league on fire since arriving in Kamloops, averaging close to two points per game with 19 goals and 33 points in 18 games with the Blazers. He’s coming off a hat-trick and five-point night against Kelowna on Saturday.

“I think I just came here with a new gear and got re-energized during that trade,” said Toporowski. “Stanks [Logan Stankoven] and Banks [Caeden Bankier] have helped me a ton. They’re so easy to play with. They set me up with the puck a ton. [Clouston’s] system has just fit my game and everything’s just gelling so well.”