The Tri-City Americans opened the 2026-27 season at home for the first time in five years against their longtime rivals, the Spokane Chiefs.
Last season ended with a 6-1 loss to Spokane. This season started with another loss to Spokane, but Tri-City managed to earn a point after falling 3-2 in a shootout.
The Americans were down 2-0 at one point, but clawed their way back to tie the game and force overtime.
Tri-City netminder Xavier Wendt did everything he could to keep his team in the game, making 37 saves in the contest.
First Period
Just under two minutes into the season, Tri-City took its first penalty when Alexander Laing was called for tripping, and Spokane wasted no time capitalizing.
A shot from the point got through, and defenseman Owen Schoettler scored the first goal of the season for the Chiefs. Schoettler matched his entire goal total from last season just three minutes into the new campaign.
The best chance for Tri-City in the opening frame came when Czech import David Huk set up Eli McKamey for a one-timer from the right circle, but Chiefs netminder Carter Esler got a piece of it with his blocker.
The early power-play goal was the difference as Spokane took a 1-0 lead into the first intermission while holding a 13-5 shot advantage.
Second Period
Spokane added to its lead with Jan Brabenec’s first career WHL goal early in the second.
A battle developed in front of the net, and Brabenec kept jamming away at the puck before eventually sliding it past Wendt to make it 2-0.
Tri-City now had an uphill battle ahead as the offense struggled to generate much momentum, that would soon change though.
The Americans nearly caught a break when a stretch pass intended for Eli McKamey hit a linesman. McKamey was able to collect the puck and get in on a partial breakaway, but his shot rang off the crossbar.
Shortly after, Tri-City went on their first power play of the season and scored their first goal of the year.
The man who opened the scoring for Tri-City last season did it again this season. Dylan LeBret launched a shot from the point that found its way through traffic and past Esler’s blocker to make it a one-goal game just under the midway point of the second period.
Ben Oliverio was awarded the primary assist, giving the 2025 Tri-City first-round pick his first career WHL point.
The score remained 2-1 heading into the third period, with Spokane still holding a wide shot advantage, 27-11. Despite being outplayed for much of the first 40 minutes, Tri-City remained within one, largely thanks to Wendt’s performance in net.
Third Period
Before the third period, Tri-City head coach Jody Hull delivered a simple message to his young group.
“I was just trying to be positive; lots of good things, it’s a funny game. Just one goal and see what happens. You know, we had nothing to save it for. We have a day off tomorrow, so let’s go, and I think they responded to that with how they performed.”
Both teams traded power-play opportunities, but the score remained 2-1 at the first timeout.
Following a beautiful transition play, Tri-City tied the game just under the midway point of the third period.
Crew Martinson fed the puck ahead to Evan Wanner, who was streaking down the left wing. Wanner took a great shot that found the short side for his first career WHL goal, tying the game at 2-2.
Wanner broke down his first career WHL Goal following the game, along with the atmosphere in the heated rivalry.
“Got a pass from Crew Martinson and was able to get around the defender a little bit and just shot it close side going in. The atmosphere was super cool having the crowd, and never had the goal lights before so the lights are pretty cool. Good to have that moment and stuff.”
Wanner also shared how he looks to contribute to the team the rest of the way.
“Play my role, the role I get dealt with, whatever it may be and do my best to help my team out and get wins.”
Each side had chances to take a late lead, but neither could find the winner, sending the opening game of the season to overtime.
Overtime
After battling back from a 2-0 deficit, Tri-City found itself in overtime against its biggest rival on opening night as fans were treated to some free hockey.
Spokane controlled the puck for much of the overtime period, but in the dying seconds, Tri-City had two excellent chances. The second resulted in a diving save by Esler to keep the game alive and send it to a shootout.
Shootout
In the shootout, Cruz Pavao did what he has done throughout his WHL career: score.
Pavao went first for Tri-City and used his classic forehand-backhand move before lofting the puck over the sprawled-out Esler and into the net, he is still perfect in the shootout.
Spokane then missed its next two attempts, while Tri-City missed its next.
All Tri-City needed was a goal or a save to end the game.
Neither came, as Spokane scored to keep the shootout going.
Tri-City had another chance, but Crew Martinson was denied.
Ossie McIntyre, the Chief’s 2024 first-round pick, then came up and silenced the crowd, sneaking the puck past Wendt’s glove from the left wing to give Spokane a season-opening victory.
Post game
Tri-City, which went 1-7 against Spokane last season, moves to 0-0-1 against the Chiefs this year. The Americans will have seven more opportunities to face Spokane throughout the season.
Head coach Jody Hull reflected on the shootout loss and his young group’s effort.
“I thought we had a slow start, and we’re a young team. You saw that by the announcement at the beginning of the game, rookie, rookie, rookie. But we stuck with it and we didn’t quit. In the third I felt like we finally got going as a team and if we could bottle that a little bit for a full 60 minutes, we might have had a chance to win. I think it was just first game jitters, and a lot of young guys in the lineup so it was nice to get that one point.”
When asked how important those early-season points are and the importance of getting off to a good start, Hull said:
“Every point is huge, especially early, for us just getting the point considering how we played for 40 minutes and the shots on net, maybe wasn’t deservent of it, but we got the point, and we’re going to move forward.”
Hull also discussed any adjustments the team would make before next weekend.
“I mean I liked our energy, Spokane’s got a good team. I think we just have to keep working hard and believing in ourselves. Be a little hungrier on pucks at times, but that stuff will come with time.”
With five Tri-City Americans taking rookie laps, it was likely a night bound for some career firsts.
Wanner and Oliverio both picked up their first career points, with Wanner scoring his first WHL goal and Oliverio recording his first assist.
Both teams went 1-for-3 on the power play, while Spokane held a 39-19 advantage in shots.
Tri-City dominated the face off dot, winning 43 of 64 draws.
The Americans were also missing some key defensemen. Second-round Dallas Stars pick Jakub Vanecek was still at Stars camp, while veteran Jaxen Adam was at the Tampa Bay Lightning’s camp. Both should be back in time for the games next weekend.
Now, Tri-City will look to bounce back and make adjustments for next weekend’s doubleheader. The Americans will host the Kamloops Blazers on Friday night before traveling to Spokane on Saturday night.
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