Spokane Chiefs vs. Seattle Thunderbirds
The Spokane Chiefs won 3-2 in a shootout at the Seattle Thunderbirds to improve their record to 8-1-0-0, good for 16 points and first place in the U.S. Division. The Chiefs went one-for-four on the powerplay and six-for-six on the penalty kill. Goaltender Carter Esler stopped 37 shots in regulation and overtime, and another five in the shootout.
Spokane Chiefs win in a shootout against the Seattle Thunderbirds!
Owen Martin 🎯🎯
Tyus Sparks 🎯🍎
Chase Harrington 🍎🍎
Gavin Burcar 🍎#GoChiefsGo | 📸Liz Wolter | 🔗https://t.co/uHZSRQ75Gb pic.twitter.com/o9zgluFjKB— Spokane Chiefs (@spokanechiefs) October 18, 2026
Owen Martin opened scoring at 1:45 in the first with a one-timer shot that hit the top left corner of the net. Captain and Calgary Flames prospect Chase Harrington picked up the assist with forward and Washington Capitals prospect Tyus Sparks.
SPARKS SCORES
Chiefs 3-2#GoChiefsGo pic.twitter.com/kYbkUZqoKX
— Spokane Chiefs (@spokanechiefs) October 18, 2026
After only five shots-on-goals heading into the second period, Seattle’s Brock England tied the game 1-1 with 18:27 left in the second. Later in the period, Seattle’s Josh Polak put the Thunderbirds on top with a 2-1 lead. Martin didn’t let their lead last long as he sent a wrist shot into the back of the net 20-seconds later, while on the power play, tying the game 2-2. Harrington and forward Gavin Burcar recorded the assist.
Chiefs at Thunderbirds head into a shootout after a scoreless overtime period#GoChiefsGo
— Spokane Chiefs (@spokanechiefs) October 18, 2026
It was a tense and scoreless third period that led the competition into an overtime period. Both teams were unable to get a shot, leading the game into a shootout. Going into the fifth round scoreless, Sparks snapped home a shot past Seattle’s netminder Grayson Malinoski for the 3-2 final.
MARTY TIES THE GAME
Chiefs tied 2-2#GoChiefsGo pic.twitter.com/LdiLewuPGh
— Spokane Chiefs (@spokanechiefs) October 18, 2026
Seattle out-shot Spokane with 39 shots-on-goal opposed to Spokane’s 21.
Marty puts the Chiefs on the board with a one-timer!
Chiefs up 1-0 #GoChiefsGo pic.twitter.com/iyOhDeUFMM
— Spokane Chiefs (@spokanechiefs) October 18, 2026
Martin (2G), Harrington (2A), and Sparks (1G, 1A) ended the night with two points each.
The Chiefs will return to the Numerica Veteran’s Arena on Friday, October 23 for the One Tree Hard Cider Winter Clothing Drive benefitting Teen and Kid Closet, where they will face the Portland Winterhawks. Fans are encouraged to bring new or gently used winter coats, new socks, and kids’ pajamas. Fans who make a donation will receive a $5 off coupon for the Spokane Chiefs Team Store.

