Chiefs drop behind Ams in standings

KENNEWICK, Wash. - Brendan Shinnimin had two goals and an assist to lead the Tri-City Americans past the Spokane Chiefs 5-2 in Western Hockey League action in front of 5,807 at the Toyota Center on Friday night.

The loss dropped Spokane one point behind Tri-City for second place in the Western Conference's U.S. Division. Portland sits in first place, five points ahead of Spokane.

Blake Gal's 15th goal of the season gave the Chiefs (31-14-4-2, 68 points) a 1-0 lead 55 seconds into the game.

The Americans tied the game 1-1 by the end of the first period and took a 4-1 lead with three unaswered goals in the second.

Jared Cowen scored a short-handed goal for the Chiefs in the third.

The Chiefs play the Seattle Thunderbirds tonight at 7 in Kent, Wash.