League: NHL Sport: Hockey Country: United States Category: Scores & Results

Spokane Chiefs rely on veteran players in WHL following inconsistent season

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Sep 25, 2026, 2:03 AM

Last updated Sep 25, 2026

Hockey

Summary

The Spokane Chiefs, opening their season after a first-round playoff exit last year, expect their 17 returning players to drive improvement. Head coach Brad Lauer emphasizes the importance of 'hard skill' in their performance, particularly on power plays where they finished last in the league last season. The Chiefs aim to bounce back with key contributions expected from forwards like Tyus Sparks, who was drafted by the Washington Capitals, and others who have something to prove this year. They won their season opener against Tri-City 3-2 in a shootout, going 1-for-3 on power plays, indicating an area for growth to focus on moving forward.

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Yahoo Sports

Status Watch

•Chiefs return 17 players from last season's roster.
•Team finished last in power play efficiency last season at 16.7%.
•Tyus Sparks was drafted by the Washington Capitals in the fourth round.
•Chiefs won season opener 3-2 in a shootout against Tri-City.
•Next game will continue to test the team's power play effectiveness.

Latest Updates

2:03 AMYahoo Sports — 'Hard skill': Experienced, veteran core of Spokane Chiefs roster expected to step up after inconsistent season | WHL hockey

What they're saying

"
Sep. 24—The very nature of junior hockey is change. Every year, older players cycle off the roster — whether it's to go pro, off to college, or simply aging out — while a new crop of 16-year-olds start their hockey journey. The Spokane Chiefs are fortunate that 17 players return from last year's roster — with nine remaining from the 2024-25 team that played in the Western Hockey League ...
— Yahoo Sports

Related Teams & Leagues

Seattle Kraken NHL Hockey

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External links

Yahoo SportsSep 25, 2026, 2:03 AM
'Hard skill': Experienced, veteran core of Spokane Chiefs roster expected to step up after inconsistent season | WHL hockey
Sep. 24—The very nature of junior hockey is change. Every year, older players cycle off the roster — whether it's to go pro, off to college, or simply aging out — while a new crop of 16-year-olds start their hockey journey. The Spokane Chiefs are fortunate that 17 players return from last year's roster — with nine remaining from the 2024-25 team that played in the Western Hockey League ...

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