Forward Gal returns to Chiefs

Hockey: The Spokane Chiefs got some reinforcements for their Western Hockey League season-opener at Tri-City on Saturday.

Veteran forward Blake Gal, the Chiefs’ active career leader in goals with 42, was a free-agent invitee to the Calgary Flames’ prospect tournament and after a strong showing was invited to camp.

Forwards Dominik Uher (Pittsburgh) and Darren Kramer (Ottawa) remain at NHL camps and could miss the opener.

Dave Trimmer

Beaten fan speaking again

Baseball: Family members of a San Francisco Giants fan who was brutally beaten outside Dodger Stadium said he is speaking and more responsive than since his attack nearly six months ago.

The family of Bryan Stow posted the update Wednesday on its website, saying his latest improvements came a week after he received a shunt to relieve pressure on his brain.

During a speech therapy session, Stow was able to say his full name and the names of his daughter and son.

“We are blown away with all of this,” the family said. “Literally one day we got some facial responses and the next, he’s talking. His voice is gravelly and you have to be close to hear him, but he is talking. Right now, Bryan is more awake and more responsive then (sic) ever.”

Associated Press

Anderson invite draws throng

Cross country: Runners from 27 colleges and upward of 1,000 high school participants will gather Saturday for the annual Runners Soul/Erik Anderson Cross Country Invitational at Plantes Ferry Sports Complex.

Billed as a preview of the NCAA Division II championships that will be on the same course in November, the meet includes 15 teams from that classification – including No. 4-ranked Colorado Mines in the men’s race – as well as most area schools, led by Washington State. The collegiate women’s race of 6 kilometers starts at 10:45 a.m., followed by the 8K men’s race at 11:30.

Junior high and ninth-grade races start the program at 9:30. High school varsity races are at 12:30 and 1:15, and a 5-kilometer community run follows high school JV competition at 3:30. The $10 minimum fee for the community race goes to the Erik Anderson Memorial Fund.

More information is available from the Spokane Regional Sports Commission at (509) 456-5812.