Northwest Notes April 1, 2025

Chiefs forward Preston named WHL Rookie of the Week

Spokane Chiefs forward Mathis Preston has been named WHL Rookie of the Week for the week ending Sunday, the Western Hockey League announced Monday.

The 16-year-old tallied his first WHL playoff goal, and finished with a hat trick, as the Chiefs the Vancouver Giants 7-5 on Sunday to take a 2-0 lead in their best-of-7 first-round series.

Preston leads all WHL rookies in postseason goals.

He racked up 23 goals (including four game-winners) and 22 assists for 45 points in 54 games in the regular season and finished third in goals among all first-year skaters.

The Penticton, British Columbia product was selected by the Chiefs with the third-overall pick in the 2023 WHL Prospects Draft and scored four goals in five call-up appearances the following season.

Preston is eligible for the 2026 NHL Draft.

Spokane looks to take a 3-0 grip on their series as they return to the Spokane Arena for Game 3 on Wednesday.