Tri-City Americans Drop Home Contest to Spokane

(Kennewick, WA) – The Tri-City Americans suffered their first home loss of the season on Saturday—falling 5-1 to Spokane inside the Toyota Center. It was a game that the Ams likely felt confident coming into, having beaten the Chiefs 5-3 in Spokane last weekend. The Chiefs had other plans.

Tri-City led 1-0 after the first period thanks to a four-on-four goal from Defenseman Lukas Dragicevic—his first of the year. The second period was a different story; Spokane rattled off four unanswered goals. The first was courtesy of Center Bear Hughes just 28 seconds into the period. Hughes scored again about midway through the period, making the most of a five-on-three power play advantage. Another Tri-City penalty led to a second power play goal at the 10:14 mark of the second period--giving the Chiefs a 3-1 lead. Forward Yannick Proske found the upper-right corner of the net just three minutes later to make it 4-1 before the second period was over. Spokane defenseman Graham Sward scored the lone goal of the third period on a power play around the three-minute mark.

The Americans outshout the Chiefs 26-25, and Goalie Talyn Boyko stopped 21 shots faced. However, special teams play proved to be the difference maker as Spokane converted three out of six power play opportunities. Meanwhile, Tri-City was held scoreless on six tries.

The Americans fall to 2-1 in Western Hockey League play now, and Spokane improves to 1-2-1. The two teams have split a pair of games and will have a chance to break the tie in Kennewick again next Friday, October 15^th.

Puck Drop is scheduled for 6:05pm inside the Toyota Center.