Smith breaks his own franchise record in 9-2 dismantling of Seattle

SPOKANE, Wash. — New Jersey Devils prospect Ty Smith scored just the fifth-ever hat trick by a defenseman in Spokane Chiefs history and set a new franchise mark for points by a rearguard with eight on Friday night, guiding the hosting Chiefs to a dominating 9-2 win over the Seattle Thunderbirds.

Smith, a first-round pick by the Devils in the 2018 NHL Entry Draft and reigning CHL Defenseman of the Year, started early with an assist on Eli Zummack’s 22nd goal of the season just 3:47 into regulation.

He scored his first of the night at 11:37 of the opening frame, finding a lane through traffic to beat starting goaltender Blake Lyda and make it 2-0.

After the T-Birds made it 2-1 on the ensuing bump-up shift, the Chiefs jumped right back on the scoresheet as Smith potted his second of the night on a power play at 14:25. Leif Mattson wrapped up the first period with another power play tally at 19:14, with the primary assist going to Smith as Spokane entered the first intermission with a 4-1 lead.

Luke Toporowski ripped home his first of two goals midway through the second on a tic-tac-toe passing sequence started by Smith near the blue line. Smith sent the hats flying under three minutes later, sliding in his 15th of the year off a perfect set-up from Zummack while teams were 4-on-4.

The Lloydminster, Alberta product capped the night with two more helpers on goals from rookie Owen MacNeil and “D” partner Noah King to reach the record total, breaking his own mark from Feb. 23, 2018, when he piled up two goals and seven assists against the Prince George Cougars.

The Chiefs’ record for points in a single game is nine, set by Maxim Bets (2G-7A) on March 16, 1994. The WHL mark is 10, reached most recently in 1990 by Brian Sakic of the Tri-City Americans.

Spokane finished the game 2-for-3 on the power play and 2-for-3 on the penalty kill. They outshot the Thunderbirds 39-25.

Spokane Chiefs