KENNEWICK, Wash. – The Spokane Chiefs opened the Western Hockey League season with a 3-2 shootout win over the Tri-City Americans Saturday night in Kennewick.
Spokane jumped out to a 2-0 lead. Owen Schoettler scored on the power play in the first period, and Jan Brabenec added his first WHL goal early in the second.
Tri-City answered with goals from Dylan LeBret and Evan Wanner to tie the game and force overtime.
After a scoreless five-minute overtime, the game went to a shootout. Gavin Burcar scored for Spokane to keep the Chiefs alive before Ossie McIntyre beat Tri-City goaltender Xavier Wendt glove side for the game-winner.
Carter Esler made 17 saves for Spokane, which outshot Tri-City 39-19.
The Chiefs will return home for their home opener on Sept. 26, when they face the Tri-City Americans again.
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