Jobaaj Stories
WHL Championship: Chiefs Even the Series After Thrilling Game 2 Victory
The 2025 WHL Championship series took a dramatic turn on Sunday, May 11th, as the Spokane Chiefs roared back from a Game 1 loss to defeat the Medicine Hat Tigers 6-2, evening the series at 1-1. After Medicine Hat's impressive 4-1 victory in Game 1, which extended their postseason win streak to an incredible 11 games, the Chiefs delivered a powerful response, showcasing their determination and skill.
A Fast Start for Spokane
The game began much like Game 1, with Medicine Hat striking first. Just 55 seconds in, Cayden Lindstrom, returning from injury alongside Andrew Basha, scored his first WHL playoff goal, assisted by Hunter St. Martin and Basha. This early goal seemed to promise a repeat of Game 1’s Medicine Hat dominance. But Spokane had other plans.
- Spokane answered with an explosive first period, scoring four unanswered goals in a span of just 4:36.
- Berkley Catton, the Chiefs' captain, led the charge with two goals, including a spectacular five-hole shot.
- Rasmus Ekström and Owen Martin also contributed goals to the first-period outburst, highlighting Spokane's offensive firepower.
Andrew Cristall, the WHL's regular season leading scorer, although held pointless in Game 1, bounced back with two assists, showcasing his playmaking abilities. His line with Catton and Shea Van Olm proved unstoppable in the first period. Van Olm himself added a goal to the Chiefs' impressive tally, finishing the period with a commanding 4-1 lead.
Medicine Hat's Fightback and Close Calls
Medicine Hat didn't give up. In the second period, Bryce Pickford, a 2025 NHL Draft prospect, scored a power-play goal, cutting the deficit to 4-2. Pickford's goal, his second of the series, showcased his talent with a powerful shot from the point. The Tigers pressed hard, with Hunter St. Martin hitting the post with a shot that appeared to go in, only to be overturned after review. This close call, however, didn't deter Spokane.
- Despite some intense pressure, the Tigers’ third period comeback attempt fell short, unlike their previous successful comebacks in the playoffs.
- The Chiefs' strong defensive play and goaltending by Dawson Cowan thwarted many of Medicine Hat's opportunities.
Spokane added two more goals in the third period, solidifying their victory. Preston added his ninth of the playoffs, showcasing his impressive rookie season, and Catton sealed the deal with his second goal of the game. Cowan made 19 saves, contributing significantly to the win.
Series Tied, the Battle Continues
The Chiefs' victory snapped Medicine Hat's impressive 11-game win streak and tied the series at 1-1. Both coaches, Brad Lauer of Spokane and Willie Desjardins of Medicine Hat, acknowledged Spokane's strong performance, highlighting their superior speed and intensity in the first period. The series now shifts to Spokane for Games 3 and 4, promising an even more intense battle ahead. The WHL Championship series is shaping up to be a memorable one.
Conclusion
Game 2 of the WHL Championship series proved that this year's playoffs are far from over. Spokane's dominant first period and overall team effort proved to be too much for Medicine Hat to overcome. While the Tigers showed resilience, the Chiefs' superior performance secured a crucial win and tied the series. The series heads back to Spokane for Games 3 and 4, with all eyes on the outcome of this thrilling contest. The WHL Finals are shaping up to be a spectacle of skill, grit and determination.
