Image credit: Larry Brunt via Facebook/Kamloops Blazers

By Aaron Schulze

Chiefs 3 Blazers 2

Blazers winless in four, fall to Chiefs 3-2

Oct 12, 2023 | 7:00 AM

KAMLOOPS — The start of a three-game U.S. road trip could not shake off the Kamloops Blazers’ slow start to the 2023-24 Western Hockey League WHL season.

On Wednesday (Oct. 12), the Blazers took eight penalties and paid for it by surrendering three power play goals en route to a 3-2 loss to the Spokane Chiefs.

The Blazers opened the scoring early with a wrist shot from Shea Van Olm from the right circle. They kept that 1-0 until a pair of power play goals by the Chiefs in the backend of the second period.

But as being shorthanded taketh away, it also giveth. Emmitt Finnie finished a two-on-one rush shorthanded to tie the game 2-2.

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Although late in the third period, after the Blazers were unable to capitalize on a five-minute power play halfway through, the Chiefs scored the eventual game winning goal thanks to a slapshot from Berkly Catton from the right circle.

The Blazers have gone winless in four straight games. Their record is 1-3-2, good for four points in six games.

The Blazers’ U.S. road trip continues Friday in Portland for a game with the Winterhawks. The Blazers’ next home game is Tuesday, Oct. 17 when they welcome the Swift Current Broncos to Sandman Centre.

Scoring Summary

First Period

1-0, Blazers, Shea Van Olm (3) from Bryce Minten and Emmitt Finnie, 0:40

Secon Period

1-1, Chiefs, Lukas Kral (2) from Saige Weinstein and Carter Streek (power play), 14:24

2-1, Chiefs, Brayden Crampton (2) from Conner Roulette (power play), 18:02

Third Period

2-2, Blazers, Emmitt Finnie (2) from Connor Levis (shorthanded), 0:10

3-2, Chiefs, Berkly Catton (4) from Brayden Crampton and Chase Bertholet (power play), 17:37

Goaltending

Cooper Michaluk (W), Chiefs, 28 saves on 30 shots in 60 minutes played.

Dylan Ernst (L), Blazers, 34 saves on 37 shots in 59 minutes played.