Vancouver defeats Chiefs in shootout

VANCOUVER, British Columbia – The Spokane Chiefs charged back from a 2-0 deficit Wednesday but couldn’t strike during a shootout as the Vancouver Giants registered a 3-2 win in Western Hockey League play at Pacific Coliseum.

Both teams missed their first two attempts during the shootout. Anthony Bardaro missed on Spokane’s third attempt before James Henry scored the winner for the Giants (3-3-0-0).

Vancouver led 2-0 after Brendan Gallagher’s goal with 4 minutes, 40 seconds left in the second period.

The Chiefs (1-1-0-1) scrapped back, starting with Bardaro’s power-play goal less than 1 1/2 minutes later. Blake Gal and Collin Valcourt assisted on Bardaro’s team-best fifth goal. It’s his fourth power-play score, second best in the WHL.

The Giants were 2:12 away from a win when Darren Kramer forced overtime with his second goal in as many games.

Luke Lee-Knight, starting in place of Mac Engel, made 19 saves for the Chiefs.

After Friday’s game at Kamloops, Spokane will play its next seven at home.