Beach caps big night with OT winner

SPOKANE - Kyle Beach completed his hat trick at 4:11 of overtime and the Spokane Chiefs defeated the U.S. Division-leading Tri-City Americans 4-3 in Western Hockey League action in front of a sold-out crowd of 10,530 at the Spokane Arena on Saturday night.

The game-winner, Beach's team-leading 40th of the season, was assisted by Mitch Wahl and Jared Cowen. Wahl also assisted on Beach's first goal.

Tri-City's Johnny Lazo scored with 3 seconds remaining to send the game into overtime.

"It felt good that we bounced back after giving up that goal in the final seconds," Beach said. "We were disappointed to give that up, but it's nice to get the win."

Former Coeur d'Alene Laker Tyler Johnson gave the Chiefs a 1-0 lead 48 seconds into the game with his 27th goal of the season. He also assisted on Beach's second goal.

James Reid made 43 saves for Spokane (34-20-3-1, 72 points).

The Chiefs, who sit three points behind Everett for third place in the division, host the Silvertips on Monday at 3 p.m.