Spokane allows T-C to cut gap

KENNEWICK – Tri-Cities received goals from six different players on its way to a 6-2 Western Hockey League win over the Spokane Chiefs in front of 5,125 at the Tri-Cities Coliseum on Saturday.

The Chiefs (21-28-8-2) had their lead over the Americans (21-29-5-3) cut to two points for the fourth and final playoff spot in the Western Conference U.S. Division.

Spokane opened the scoring at the 3-minute, 30-second mark of the first period on a power-play goal from Kyle Howarth, with assists going to Gary Gladue and Jevon Desautels. Howarth’s goal marked his 10th in the last 14 games.

Just more than a minute later, T-C’s Aaron Boogaard tied the game with his fourth goal of the season.

Power-play goals from Dylan Stanley and Andy Thompson gave the Americans a 3-1 lead after one period.

Matt Schneider and Jason Beeman of the Americans scored in the second period for a 5-1 lead.

The Chiefs’ final score came 39 seconds into the final stanza, on a shorthanded goal from Chad Klassen, his team-leading 26th goal of the season. Jeff Lynch had the assist.

Shawn Vey capped the scoring for Tri-Cities with a rebound goal at 9:01 of the third.

Spokane lost despite outshooting the Americans 33-20. The Americans ended a four-game skid.