Kousal scores twice to help Spokane Chiefs edge Kamloops 3-2

Pavel Kousal scored twice – his first career two-goal game – to help the Spokane Chiefs edge the Kamloops Blazers for the first time in two seasons, 3-2 in regulation in Western Hockey League action at Sandman Centre in Kamloops, British Columbia, on Wednesday.

The Chiefs (9-8-4-1, 23 points, fourth in U.S. Division) started quickly, scoring the game’s first goal 48 seconds in, as Ondrej Najman netted his second of the season off assists from Koby Morrisseau and Taylor Ross.

Koussal made it 2-0 at 9:25 of the first with his fifth of the campaign, a power play goal, with helpers from Tyson Helgesen and Evan Fiala.

Kamloops (14-11-1-0, 29 points, third in B.C. Division) halved its deficit less than five minutes later, when Rudolfs Balcers scored his 15th of the season.

Early in the second, Kousal restored the two-goal lead, potting his second of the game and sixth of the season for the eventual game-winning goal.

The Blazers responded later in the frame on Garrett Pilon’s unassisted marker, but couldn’t find the equalizer.

Jayden Sittler made six saves in the third period, and 25 total, to preserve the slim margin.

The Chiefs start a four-game homestand on Friday against Vancouver at the Arena at 7:05 p.m.