Spokane Chiefs’ losing streak reaches four after their second shutout of season

KAMLOOPS, B.C. – It seemed like the perfect time to end a losing streak.

The Spokane Chiefs had outscored the Kamloops Blazers 7-2 this Western Hockey League season while picking up two victories.

But Kamloops needed little time Friday to start changing that trend. Zane Franklin scored 28 seconds into the game and Dylan Ferguson had 37 saves for his first shutout of the season to guide the Blazers’ 3-0 win at Sandman Centre that extended the Chiefs’ losing streak to four, tying their season high.

Connor Zary and Jermaine Loewen had one goal and one assist apiece for the Blazers (18-24-2-1, 39 points), who won their third consecutive game.

Spokane hasn’t won since strolling past Tri-City 8-3 on Jan. 12. The Chiefs’ other shutout this season (2-0) came Dec. 9 against Everett.

Orrin Centazzo and Brodi Stuart assisted on Franklin’s goal, his team-high 22nd of the season. The score came on a 2-on-1 play after a turnover.

Zary’s goal, his 11th, came at 8:01 of the first and was tipped.

Loewen capped the scoring on a rebound goal early in the final period.

The Chiefs (24-16-2-3, 53 points), who outshot Kamloops 27-10 over the final two periods, remained two points ahead Tri-City for third place in the U.S. Division.