Stewart lifts Chiefs over T-birds

KENT, Wash. – Liam Stewart scored in the third period and the Spokane Chiefs killed off two power plays during the final 10 minutes Tuesday night in a 4-3 Western Hockey League win over the Seattle Thunderbirds at ShoWare Center.

Stewart’s ninth goal of the season, unassisted with 13 minutes, 48 seconds left, was his second winning goal of the season.

The Chiefs and goaltender Eric Williams, who stopped 27 of 30 shots, sidestepped Seattle power plays that began at 10:03 and 16:30 of the third period.

Spokane trailed 3-2 when Todd Fiddler assisted on Mike Aviani’s 20th goal of the season, with 53 seconds left in the second period.

Fiddler also assisted on the game’s first score, Brenden Kichton’s power-play goal at 19 seconds after Seattle drew a delay of game.

Collin Valcourt’s shorthanded goal for Spokane at 7:22 of the middle period tied the score at 2.

Spokane coach Don Nachbaur returned for the first time since Dec. 8 after assisting Canada at the World Junior Hockey Championships.

The Chiefs (26-13-1-0, 53 points) have won four of their last 10 games, but three of those wins have been against Seattle (16-22-2-1). Spokane leads the season series 6-1-0-0.