Chiefs Blank Rebels Mackay Earns Fourth Shutout; Mcdonald Stars On Return Home

It was Brent McDonald’s homecoming, but Tyler MacKay’s night.

MacKay stole the spotlight from his teammate Friday, turning aside 21 Red Deer shots as the Spokane Chiefs scored a 4-0 Western Hockey League victory in the Centrium.

preserved a four-point lead over Prince George, a 5-2 winner at Regina, in the West.

McDonald, from nearby Olds, Alberta, spent the first 3-1/2 years of his WHL career with the Rebels. He had a goal and two assists as he and linemates Derek Schutz and Tim Smith thrilled McDonald’s family and friends.

McDonald’s 18th goal on a power play, just 2:53 into the game, proved the winner. He also assisted on Jeremy Farr’s first WHL goal 10 minutes later and on Schutz’s 22nd midway through the third period.

Tim Krymusa scored his 18th goal on a rebound at 8:25 of the second on just the Chiefs’ second shot of the period. The goal chased Red Deer goalie Shane Bendera, who was making his 36th straight start.

Red Deer outshot Spokane 10-9 in that period, but managed just two shots on MacKay in the final 20 minutes while Spokane was getting off a dozen in protecting the goaltender’s fourth WHL shutout.