Chiefs post second straight 6-2 victory

VICTORIA, British Columbia – The Spokane Chiefs have established a pattern that any team would like.

Mitch Holmberg continued his torrid pace to open the Western Hockey League season with two goals and one assist Tuesday as the Chiefs blasted the Victoria Royals 6-2 at Save-On-Foods Memorial Arena.

Holmberg had three goals and one assist when the Chiefs opened their season Saturday in Kennewick with another 6-2 win, against the Tri-City Americans.

Holmberg and Adam Helewka scored power-play goals as the Chiefs finished 2 for 4 in that category while holding the Royals to a 1-for-5 night.

Jason Fram assisted on the Chiefs’ first two goals, both in the first period, at 9:22 by Holmberg and at 15:06 by rookie Blair Oneschuk, for his first goal as a Chief. Jeremy McIntosh, assisted by Holmberg and Mike Aviani, scored with 12 seconds left in the first period for a 3-1 lead.

Carter Proft’s first goal of the season, midway through the second period, extended the Chiefs’ lead to 4-1. Holmberg, with another assist from Aviani, and Helewka scored third-period goals after Victoria pulled within 4-2.

Logan Nelson and Brandon Fushimi scored for the Royals (1-2-0-0).

The teams meet again tonight. Spokane’s home opener is Saturday night against Tri-City.