Riley Woods’ hat trick guides Spokane Chiefs to Western Hockey League preseason win at Tri-City

KENNEWICK – Riley Woods finished with three goals and an assist Saturday to power the Spokane Chiefs to a 7-3 win over the Tri-City Americans in Western Hockey League preseason play at Toyota Center.

Each of Riley’s goals tied the score. He scored with 2 minutes, 52 seconds left in the first period and had second-period goals 5:16 apart.

Connor Gabruch picked up the winning goal, assisted by Owen MacNeil and Nolan Reid at 17:44 of the second period.

The Chiefs poured it on in the third period with goals by Matt Leduc, Ethan McIndoe and Adam Beckman. Woods assisted on Beckman’s goal, his sixth of the preseason.

Spokane’s Carter Chorney and Egor Arbuzov had two assists apiece.

Chiefs goaltender Bailey Brkin stopped 13 of 16 shots.

Spokane outshot the Americans 38-16, including 22-4 in the third period.

The Chiefs improved to 3-1-1-0 in the preseason.

The Chiefs will complete their preseason schedule with a rematch against the Americans in Kennewick on Saturday.

Spokane’s regular season will also start against the Americans in Kennewick, on Sept. 22. The Chiefs’ home opener will be Sept. 29 against the Kootenay Ice.