Miller Sparkles In Chiefs’ Win

This was Aren Miller’s game. And the Spokane Chiefs’.

Miller, riddled by Seattle just a week before, held off the Thunderbirds Friday night as the Chiefs scraped out a 2-1 Western Hockey League victory in KeyArena.

Spokane, which will host Kamloops in the Arena tonight at 7:05, had been outscored 13-4 in dropping back-to-back games to Seattle last weekend. Miller allowed 10 of those goals in just four periods.

But Friday night he was near unbeatable. He kicked out 36 shots, including 20 in the third period when the Thunderbirds turned up the heat.

Perhaps the biggest save came with 30 seconds to play when Miller stoned Brent Dececco on a point-blank shot.

Spokane scoring leader Greg Leeb notched the winner 5 minutes into the third period after faking out a Thunderbird defenseman and ripping home his 28th goal from the slot.

Josh Maser had given Spokane a brief lead 4 minutes into the second period with his first WHL goal after Justin Ossachuck had stolen an errant Thunderbirds clearing pass.

Peter Vala tied it 4 minutes later, his shot deflecting off Miller’s arm.

Seattle was without top scorer Mark Parrish, sidelined with a broken hand suffered last weekend.