Chiefs edge Thunderbirds in Seattle

KENT, Wash. – Liam Stewart scored in the third period and the Spokane Chiefs killed off two power plays during the final 10 minutes Tuesday night in a 4-3 Western Hockey League win over the Seattle Thunderbirds at ShoWare Center. Stewart’s ninth goal of the season, unassisted with 13 minutes, 48 seconds left, was his second winning goal of the season. He picked off a pass in front of Seattle’s net and rifled home the winner. The Chiefs and goaltender Eric Williams, who stopped 27 of 30 shots, sidestepped Seattle power plays that began at 10:03 and 16:30 of the third period. Spokane trailed 3-2 when Todd Fiddler assisted on Mike Aviani’s 20th goal of the season, with 53 seconds left in the second period. Fiddler also assisted on the game’s first score, Brenden Kichton’s power-play goal at 19 seconds after Seattle drew a delay of game. Reid Gow also assisted on the goal. Shea Theodore, with 6 seconds left in the first period, and Mitch Elliot, early in the second period, scored to put Seattle in front 2-1. Collin Valcourt’s shorthanded goal for Spokane at 7:22 of the middle period tied the score at 2. Spokane coach Don Nachbaur returned for the first time since Dec. 8 after assisting Canada at the World Junior Hockey Championships. The Chiefs (26-13-1-0, 53 points) have won four of their last 10 games, but three of those wins have been against Seattle (16-22-2-1). Spokane leads the season series 6-1-0-0. The Thunderbirds are 0-9-1-1 in their last 11 games. Spokane is 13-8-1-0 on the road this season. The teams meet again at 7:05 tonight at the Arena. Spokane hasn’t played at home since Dec. 29. The Chiefs added to their roster on a tryout basis 18-year-old Adam Smith, who had been playing with Nanaimo of the British Columbia Hockey League. Smith, who made his debut on Tuesday, has played in the WHL with Portland and Swift Current.