Holmberg has hat trick as Chiefs win season opener

KENNEWICK — Mitch Holmberg capped an opening night hat trick with a goal near the end of the second period as the Spokane Chiefs beat the Tri-City Americans 6-2 in Western Hockey League play in front of 5,255 at the Toyota Center on Saturday.

It is the fourth straight year the teams have opened against each other in Kennewick, with Spokane winning last year’s opener 5-2.

Connor Chartier opened the scoring 5:30 into the first period and Holmberg scored the next two goals to give Spokane a 3-0 lead. Liam Stewart scored his first of the season on an assist by Chartier — the Chiefs’ fourth goal in 5:41 — and take a 4-1 lead after the first.

Taylor Vickerman scored to cut the lead to 4-2 midway through the second, but goals from Mike Aviani and Holmberg capped the scoring in the period.

Eric Williams had 22 saves for Spokane, which continues its road trip with games at Victoria on Tuesday and Wednesday at 7:05 p.m.