Chiefs fall prey to Americans

SPOKANE - Brandon Shinnimin had two goals and an assist to lead the Tri-City Americans past the Spokane Chiefs 5-3 in Western Hockey League play in front of 9,819 at the Spokane Arena on Saturday night.

Mike Aviani opened the scoring for Spokane less than five minutes into the first period. Tri-City left wing Justin Fesser scored a short-handed goal in the final 10 seconds of the period to even the score at 1.

Shinniman scored twice in the second period, the second coming on a power play to give the Americans a 3-1 lead after the second.

Liam Stewart scored a shorthanded goal three minutes into the third period to pull Spokane within 3-2. Sam Grist scored with just over 10 minutes remaining to give Tri-City a 4-2 lead.

Mitch Holmburg scored his 22nd goal of the season with under six minutes remaining, but the Americans scored an empty netter to seal the win.

Spokane (31-17-4-3, 69 points) hosts Vancouver on Wednesday. Spokane leads Vancouver by two points for the fourth seed and home-ice advantage in the Western Conference playoffs.