Blazers’ Fast Start Overpowers Chiefs Kamloops Cruises After Scoring Three Power-Play Goals In First Period

The Spokane Chiefs have been one of the best Western Hockey League teams when it comes to playing short-handed.

That trend came to a screeching halt on Wednesday night.

Kamloops scored five power-play goals, three in the first period, and skated to a 6-1 win over the road-weary Chiefs.

The Blazers finished 5 of 8 on the power play. Heading into the night, Spokane had the league’s top percentage (54 for 60) for killing off power plays on the road.

Kamloops scored on its first three power-plays attempts. Gable Gross had consecutive power-play goals in the first period, less than 5 minutes apart, for a 3-1 lead.

The game was Spokane’s sixth of the last seven on the road, but the Chiefs started strongly. Spokane uncorked a power-play goal at 4:30 of the first, with Roman Tvrdon rebounding Tim Smith’s shot from the slot.

The Chiefs were otherwise 0 for 9 on the power play.

Jon Hobson’s power-play goal at 6:04 tied the game. After Gross’ consecutive goals, Tyler Sloan completed Kamloops’ four-goal period.

Spokane and Kamloops split 5-3 games in mid-October.

Spokane was 3-0-1 in its previous four games. Kamloops snapped Spokane’s five-game unbeaten streak on the road.

The wild West Division became wilder. Spokane (11-7-1-0) entered the night in first place with 23 points, but Seattle won at Swift Current to pull into the lead with 24.

Kamloops (10-8-2-0) and Kelowna, which also won on Wednesday, improved to 22 points to tie idle Portland for third.