Gritty Chiefs get the win

CALGARY, Alberta – Two goals 24 seconds apart in the final three minutes lifted the Spokane Chiefs to a 3-2 victory over the Calgary Hitmen on Sunday night.

Mitch Wahl’s snap shot from the left circle tied the game at 2 at the 17:23 mark of the third period. Then Tyler Johnson took a Levko Koper pass net-front for the go-ahead goal – and his 12th of the season – with 2:04 remaining.

Spokane opened the scoring in the first period with Kyle Beach’s 19th goal of the season, but Calgary tied the game on a five-on-three power-play goal from Kris Fouchault late in the first.

Calgary opened the third with another power play goal, this one from Joel Broda before Wahl’s goal.

Chiefs coach Hardy Sauter was proud of the way his team closed out the game.

“I thought we deserved the win tonight. We had a great effort and were determined to the end to pick up the victory,” he said.

James Reid picked up 25 saves for the Chiefs.

Spokane, tied with Everett for third in the U.S. Division, plays Wednesday at Everett at 7 p.m.