Chiefs make it 6 in a row

PORTLAND - Adam Helewka's goal early in the third period proved to be the game winner as the Spokane Chiefs notched their season-high sixth straight victory, a 4-3 win over the Portland Winterhawks in Western Hockey League play Sunday before 7,131 at Memorial Coliseum.

Helewka, from the right wing, threw a puck toward the far post. The puck deflected off a Portland defender's skate and into the net with 5:16 to play.

Kailer Yamamoto, from Mead High in Spokane, had his first career hat trick for the Chiefs, including the goal to tie the game at 3 early in the third period.

Tyler Verhelst stopped 45 of 48 shots for Spokane, which is 2-0 vs. Portland this year after losing 16 straight over the previous two seasons.

Jason Fram had three assists, and now leads the Chiefs with 28 helpers.

Spokane, all alone in second place in the U.S. Division with 43 points (three behind Everett), plays at Tri-City on Wednesday in their annual New Year's Eve game.