Chiefs’ quick start sends Blazers for a loop

KAMLOOPS, British Columbia – The Spokane Chiefs started fast Friday night and never looked back.

Three first-period goals gave Spokane all the cushion it needed and the Chiefs went on to beat the Kamloops Blazers 4-2 in Western Hockey League action.

Kailer Yamamoto gave Spokane the upperhand from the get-go, scoring his third goal of the season less than 2 minutes into the game.

Jackson Playfair and Liam Stewart also scored first-period goals.

Stewart scored his second goal of the game early in the second period. Both of Stewart’s goals came on power plays.

The Chiefs were outshot 31-20, but took advantage of their opportunies. Spokane goaltender Tyson Verhelst stopped 29 shots and improved to 3-1.

Spokane improved to 9-6-3-0, good for third place in the WHL’s U.S. division. Kamloops fell to 9-10-2-1.

The Chiefs host second-place Tri-City tonight at 7:05. Spokane is 2-0 against the Americans this season.