Yamamoto gives Chiefs 7-6 overtime win over Kootenay

CRANBROOK, B.C. – Kailer Yamamoto scored his team-leading 19th goal of the season just more than a minute into overtime to give the Spokane Chiefs a 7-6 win over the Kootenay Ice in a Western Hockey League game on Friday night.

The game-winner was Yamamoto’s second goal of the game. He scored midway through the third period to put the Chiefs ahead 6-4, but Kootenay scored twice in the final 3 minutes to force overtime.

Wyatt Johnson got Spokane (21-19-3-2) on the board early, scoring his 13th goal of the season – fourth as a Chief – just 14 seconds into the first period.

Spokane’s Presten Kopeck scored a power-play goal early in the third period. It was his first goal for the Chiefs since being acquired in a trade from Kootenay on Jan. 4.

Kootenay (8-35-4-0) beat Spokane 5-2 in Cranbrook on Oct. 2.

The teams meet again tonight at the Arena at 7:05. The Chiefs play their next three games at home.