Americans earn first regulation win over Chiefs

KENNEWICK – They needed six attempts, but the Tri-City Americans found a way to defeat the Spokane Chiefs in regulation.

Philip Tot scored twice, giving him 14 goals on the season, and Eric Comrie made 31 saves Saturday as Tri-City defeated Spokane 3-1 in Western Hockey League play at Toyota Center.

The Chiefs entered the game 4-0-0-1 against the Americans (21-21-2-2) this season, taking a 2-1 shootout loss on Nov. 30.

Tot’s first goal came on a power play, off a rebound at 10 minutes, 18 seconds of the first period. Carter Proft’s high sticking penalty set up the extra-man advantage.

Spokane native Keanu Yamamoto tied the game at 1 with a rebound goal at 15:55 of the first. It was Yamamoto’s third goal of the season, set up by Dominic Zwerger and Reid Gow, who recorded his 40th assist of the season.

T-C’s Brian Williams recorded the winner with 3:13 left in the second period, a backhander off a rebound. Tot added an insurance goal off a faceoff in the final period.

Eric Williams had 20 saves for Spokane.

WHL scoring leader Mitch Holmberg of Spokane had his third consecutive game without a point, his longest streak of the year.

The Chiefs dropped to 27-14-2-2 (58 points), three points behind Seattle for fourth place in the Western Conference. Everett won on Saturday to move within one point of fifth-place Spokane.

The Chiefs play at Portland this afternoon. Portland is 5-0 against Spokane this year.