T-C’s outburst sinks Spokane

KENNEWICK – The Spokane Chiefs ended 2005 in negative fashion Saturday night.

Matt Schneider scored two goals during a five-goal second period to ignite the Tri-City Americans to a 6-3 win over the Chiefs in Western Hockey League play at Three Rivers Coliseum.

With the win, the Americans (15-15-3-1) moved into a third-place tie in the U.S. Division with Spokane (16-19-2-0) and Seattle (15-19-1-3). All have 34 points and are three points behind Portland, which defeated Seattle 6-3 on New Year’s Eve. Everett (47 points) leads the division by 10 points.

Ian McDonald, who began the American’s second-period blitz with a goal at 1 minute, 18 seconds, and Keith Voyetechek both had one score and one assist during the spree. Logan Stephenson and Jason Beeman added two assists apiece during the second period.

The teams appeared eager to get to the New Year after the middle period and skated to a scoreless third.

Spokane’s Chad Klassen scored his 14th goal of the season on a power play at 13:24 of the first period to tie the game at 1.

After the Americans charged to a 5-1 lead, Klassen assisted on Derek Ryan’s 12th goal of the season, on a power play at 11:32 of the second period. Spokane’s Adam Hobson scored his team-high 15th goal less than 4 minutes later on a short-handed penalty shot.

The Chiefs play at Kootenay on Friday night and start a three-game homestand Saturday against Moose Jaw.