Spokane Chiefs sign two top-3 WHL prospects

The Spokane Chiefs' roster has added two bright stars to their lineup.

The Chiefs announced on Tuesday they signed Brody Gillespie and Mathis Preston, the No. 1 and No. 3 overall WHL prospects, to WHL Scholarship and Development Agreements.

Gillespie was the No.1 pick in last week's U.S. Priority Draft and Preston was the No. 3 pick in the 2023 NHL Prospects Draft.

Gillespie spent last season with RINK Hockey Academy Kelowna U15 Prep. The six-foot forward from Vancouver, Washington, tallied 100 points in 61 games, scoring 45 goals and assisting 55 more. He was ranked a top 10 skater in the CSSHL in 28 games, averaging 1.93 points a game.

"Brody is a complete two-way center who excels in all areas of the ice," Chiefs General manager Matt Bardsley said. "He's a strong skater who has very good puck skills along with excellent sense for the game. He brings with him a strong leadership approach and we are thrilled to have him join our organization."

Preston spent last season with Okanagan Hockey Academy U15 Prep. He tallied 81 points in 26 games, piling on 10 points in the playoffs. He finished 3rd in CSSHL scoring and was given U15 Prep Division MVP Award honors this month.

"Mathis is an explosive skater, which enables him to be dangerous in transition or on the attack," Bardsley said. "He possesses an elite level shot and has the ability to break the game open. We are excited to have him join our organization."

The two top 3 prospects, both born in 2008, will be able to join the Chiefs as full-time players during the 2024-25 season. They can play up to five games as Affiliated players for the 2023-24 season.

"I am so honored to be selected first overall in the U.S. Draft by the Spokane Chiefs, a top organization with incredible staff, coaches, players, fans and community support," Gillespie said. "I can't wait to get started with the Chiefs and I'm excited for the future."

"It's an honor to be drafted by the Spokane Chiefs organization," Preston said. "I can't wait to meet the rest of the team and coaching staff. I'm grateful for this opportunity and I look forward to representing the Chiefs."

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