Chiefs score 5-1 victory

The Spokane Chiefs outscored the Kootenay Ice 3-1 in the second period en route to a 5-1 Western Hockey League preseason victory on Friday afternoon in Kennewick.

Mike Aviani and Mitch Holmberg, both playing in their first preseason game of the year, scored two goals apiece, including a short-handed effort netted by Holmberg and assisted by Aviani.

Tyson Verhelst started the game in goal for the Chiefs, played 31 minutes and stopped all 12 shots he faced. Veteran Eric Williams subbed in during the second period and finished the game, allowing one goal on 24 shots faced.

The Chiefs play Tri-City tonight in Kennewick at 7:05.

Blues invite Gow

Chiefs defenseman Reid Gow, 19, of Killarney, Manitoba, received a free-agent invitation to play with the St. Louis Blues at the Traverse City (Mich.) Prospects Tournament this weekend.

The annual tournament is a showcase for future NHL talent.

Gow, entering his fourth season with the Chiefs, had 44 assists and seven goals last season.