Chiefs drop exhibition match to Thunderbirds

KENT, Wash. – Cole Simpson, Aaron Gagnon and Bud Holloway scored during the second period Saturday to rally the Seattle Thunderbirds to a 6-3 exhibition hockey win over the Spokane Chiefs at Kent Valley Ice Centre.

Mitch Fadden and Tyler Metcalfe added third-period goals for the Thunderbirds (1-2-1). Spokane (0-2-2) led 2-1 after Sean Zimmerman and Derek Ryan set up Steve Gillen’s goal with 2 minutes, 35 seconds left in the opening period.

Spokane’s Jared Hough scored midway through the third period, off assists from Gillen and Zimmerman. The Chiefs will close out their exhibition season Saturday at Eagles Ice-A-Rena against Seattle.

Spokane’s Western Hockey League opener is Sept. 25 at Kootenay.

“The Chiefs announced that they reassigned goaltender Brandon Tyer and forward Ryan Pajimola, both 16, to the Spokane Braves of the Kootenay International Junior Hockey League.