Americans topple Chiefs

KENNEWICK – Michael Kaye’s rebound goal with 9.1 seconds remaining broke a 4-4 tie and lifted the Tri-City Americans over the Spokane Chiefs 5-4 in a Western Hockey League game on Saturday.

The Americans are 3-0 this season against the Chiefs and snapped Spokane’s two-game winning streak.

David Rutherford opened the scoring for the Chiefs with a power-play goal just 2:35 into the game. Rutherford has scored in five consecutive games.

After Tri-Cities scored twice to take a 2-1 advantage, Spokane’s Mitch Wahl tied the game late in the first period as he put home a rebound of Ondrej Roman’s shot at 18:28. Roman finished with two assists.

The Americans opened the second period with two quick goals to take a commanding 4-2 lead. Drayson Bowman’s power-play goal at 7:45 of the third period brought Spokane within 4-3. It was Bowman’s third straight game with a goal.

Jarred Spurgeon tied the game with a power-play goal at 10:35 in the third before Kaye’s dramatic goal sealed the deal for the Americans.

Spokane will continue its road trip as it travels to Portland Tuesday.