History of Spokane Chiefs in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: April 23, 2025

The Spokane Chiefs are a major junior ice hockey team based in Spokane, Washington, competing in the Western Hockey League (WHL). They are two-time Memorial Cup champions, having won in 1991 and 2008, marking them as the second American team to achieve this title. The Chiefs play their home games at Spokane Arena and notably hosted the first outdoor game in WHL history on January 15, 2011, at Avista Stadium.

1980: Spokane Flyers Operate

In 1980, the Spokane Flyers, a team stemming from the WHL-charter member Flin Flon Bombers, began operating.

1982: Original Spokane Chiefs in WIHL

In 1982, the original Spokane Chiefs, a senior team, played in the Western International Hockey League (WIHL). Also in 1982, Kelowna, British Columbia, was awarded an expansion team in the junior Western Hockey League.

1985: Kelowna Wings Relocate and Take on Chiefs Name

In 1985, the Kelowna Wings relocated to Spokane and adopted the Chiefs name.

1987: Medicine Hat Tigers' Memorial Cup Title

In 1987, Bryan Maxwell and Tim Speltz played roles in the Medicine Hat Tigers' Memorial Cup title.

1990: New Ownership and Management

In 1990, the Spokane Chiefs were sold to new ownership. Bryan Maxwell was hired as coach, and Tim Speltz as general manager.

1991: Memorial Cup Champions

In 1991, the Spokane Chiefs secured the Memorial Cup, defeating the Drummondville Voltigeurs 5–1 in the championship game.

1995: Closing of the Coliseum and Move to Spokane Arena

In 1995, the 1991 championship team was honored as part of the closing of the Coliseum. Later that year, the Chiefs moved to the new Spokane Arena.

1996: League Finals Appearance

In 1996, the Spokane Chiefs played in the league finals but did not win.

2000: League Finals Appearance

In 2000, the Spokane Chiefs played in the league finals but lost.

2004: Playoff Miss

In 2004, the Spokane Chiefs missed the playoffs.

2005: Playoff Miss

In 2005, the Spokane Chiefs missed the playoffs.

2007: Record Success

In 2007, the Spokane Chiefs achieved record success, led by Dustin Tokarski, Jared Cowan, and Tyler Johnson.

2010: Playoff Series Loss to Portland

In 2010, the Spokane Chiefs lost a playoff series to Portland four games to three. It was the first series in league history in which the home team did not win a game.