Fast Break

Hockey

Chiefs’ Bruton shines at home

Calgary native Chris Bruton scored 4 minutes, 3 seconds into overtime to lead the Spokane Chiefs to a 2-1 win over the Calgary Hitmen (19-8-1-2) in a battle of the top two Western Hockey League teams on Friday night at Calgary, Alberta.

Justin Falk also scored for the Chiefs (20-3-1-2), while netminder Dustin Tokarski made 24 saves to improve his record to 11-1-1.

WNBA

Donovan quits as Storm coach

Seattle Storm coach Anne Donovan has resigned.

“After five years and a great experience with the Storm, I have decided it’s time for a change and a new direction in my career, an opportunity for me to explore new experiences.” Donovan said. “The level of support the fans in Seattle have shown for the Storm has been incredible. I will miss it, but feel I am making the right decision.”

Donovan coached the Storm to a regular-season record of 93-77 (.547) and to four playoff appearances. That included the WNBA championship in 2004 – Seattle’s second major professional sports title in the last half-century.

Prep football

Lake City’s Hout player of year

Boise State University-bound linebacker Byron Hout was named the 2007 Gatorade Football Player of the Year for Idaho.

The 6-foot-1, 225-pound Lake City High three-year starter had a team-high 88 tackles, including 20 tackles for loss, as he led the Timberwolves (8-3) to the 5A state semifinals. Hout had seven forced fumbles, five fumble recoveries, three interceptions, three sacks and 10 hurries. He is also a starter at offensive tackle.

The Gatorade award also factors in academic achievement and character. Hout, who carries a 3.4 grade-point average, was a member of LC’s leadership program.

He is a finalist for Gatorade’s national player of the year honor that will be announced in mid-December.

Hout rewrote LC’s defensive record book. He finished with 256 tackles, 19 sacks, 47 tackles for losses, 16 forced fumbles and 42 hurries. He was named the state’s 5A player of the year in 2006 after he led LC to its first perfect season (12-0) and a state title.