Ross lifts Winterhawks past Chiefs

| January 28, 2012 8:00 PM

SPOKANE - Brad Ross scored the game-winning goal 3:23 into overtime as the Portland Winterhawks beat the Spokane Chiefs 3-2 in a Western Hockey League game Friday night in front of 6,243 at the Spokane Arena.

The loss snapped Spokane's four-game win streak and put them into a tie for fourth place in the Western Conference with Vancouver.

Spokane center Dylan Walchuck opened the scoring 2:13 into the second period on an assist from Mitch Holmburg. Portland took a 2-1 advantage on goals by Cam Reid and Ross after the second.

Darren Kramer scored on an assist from Mike Aviani late in the third to send the game into overtime.

Ross finished with two goals and an assist for Portland.

Eric Williams had 33 saves for Spokane (26-14-4-3, 59 points), which hosts Kootenay tonight at 7 at the Spokane Arena.