October 11, 2025 – Spokane 2, Seattle 0 (WHL)

Matej Pekar Seattle Thunderbirds 8-Sep-07 5-10 165 LHRW (Undrafted 2025)
Pekar continued to show his offensive skill but was unable to score on the night. This was a chippy game, and there were a lot of bigger players on the ice, so there was less space for the smaller players to operate. Pekaj had several chances, but fanned on one shot and the goalie made a good save on another. Ability to operate in tight spaces will be a key point for his ability to get a 2026 draft slot. 9 points in 8 games so far this year.

Cameron Kuzma Seattle Thunderbirds 17-Jul-08 6-3 198 LC (2026 Eligible)
Kuzma is a big, solid player who is always around the action and he played well in a physical game. Twice got around the corner on the rush and got a shot on goal. Goes right on these types of rushes even though he shoots left. 8 of 17 on faceoffs for the night. 4 pts, 16 PIM in 8 games, took 1 roughing penalty in this game. Will need to score as well as playing the physical game to get consideration for a 2026 draft spot.

Mathis Preston Spokane Chiefs 21-Jul-08 5-11 168 RW (2026 Eligible, Wiz #7)
This is another of the small, speedy, highly skilled forwards that Spokane always seems to have. Had a few steals in this game that he carried into the offensive zone. Had 5 shots on the night using his speed to get chances in close. In 4×4, went to the net front and buried a nice pass from a teammate for a goal. Controls puck well on the power play. Bumped and lost balance a few times (not sure the ice was in great shape, there were falls and whiffs on passes and shots by several players throughout the game). Will need to add strength going forward but skills put him in top half of the 2026 first round. Plays wing and not center so could possibly drop him a little in the draft. 54-23-22-45 last year and 7-6-4-10 to start the WHL season.

Chase Harrington Spokane Chiefs 30-Oct-07 6-0 201 LW (2026 Eligible, Wiz #29)
Harrington is not tall but is thick and plays the physical game. Goes to the corners and the front of the net. Had several shots but did not score. Took 3 penalties; tripping, slashing, and roughing – game had a lot of physical play and scrums. Has scoring ability, 68-19-31-50 last year and 7-2-2-4 so far this year for Spokane.

Brody Gillespie Spokane Chiefs 16-Feb-08 6-1 194 C (2026 Eligible, Wiz #161)
Gillespie has good size and is aggressive in the offensive zone. Agile and can keep the puck in, will go into corners but likes to go to the net front for scoring opportunities. Could develop into a good bottom 6 player. Was only 3 of 14 on faceoffs in this game. Scoring improvement would help his draft chances; was 59-8-3-11 last year and 7-0-4-4 so far this year.

Ashton Cumby (CHI, Rd. 6, 2025) had a short stopover in Rockford but has returned to Seattle and played the last two games. His physical presence is felt on the ice, but he also is decent at carrying the puck and making smart outlet passes. Playing on both the penalty kill and the power play for Seattle. Had a nice keep in and got a shot. He will never have much speed but has pretty decent mobility. Of course was in the physical play and took a penalty but it was offsetting and didn’t cost a power play. Must play smart; he is older and figures to be in Rockford next year as he is already 20 yo. 4 shots but no points so far this year; 13 PIM in 2 games.