Holmberg scores twice in Chiefs victory

KAMLOOPS, B.C. – Mitch Holmberg broke out of his scoring slump Tuesday with two goals as the Spokane Chiefs began a challenging road trip with a 6-3 win over the Kamloops Blazers at Interior Saving Centre.

Holmberg, who leads the Western Hockey League in goals (45) and points (87), had been held to one goal and one assist in his previous seven games. Holmberg opened the scoring at 15 minutes, 55 seconds of the first period with a power-play goal and gave the Chiefs a 3-1 lead with a goal at 8:06 of the second.

Spokane’s Liam Stewart added one assist and one goal, on a penalty shot at 9:51 of the second. Stewart stole the puck while the Chiefs were shorthanded and was taken down by Josh Connolly on a breakaway.

Spokane’s Reid Gow and Jason Fram had two assists apiece, giving Gow 42 for the season and Fram 36.

The Chiefs (30-15-2-2, 64 points) moved within three points of No. 4 Seattle in the Western Conference.

Spokane improved to 2-1 against the Blazers (11-34-2-3) and 10-2 against the B.C. Division.