Ice edge Chiefs in shootout

CRANBROOK, B.C. – Rinat Valiev scored once in regulation and the only goal during a five-round shootout Friday as the Kootenay Ice turned back the Spokane Chiefs 3-2 in Western Hockey League play at Western Financial Place.

Chiefs goalie Eric Williams stopped 40 shots during regulation and overtime and the first four attempts of the shootout before Valiev beat him with a shot between the pads. The Ice have won four straight and 10 of 11.

The Chiefs trailed 2-0 before Keanu Yamamoto scored at 8 minutes, 15 seconds and 15:45 of the second period, both assisted by Marcus Messier and Connor Chartier. The goals were Yamamoto’s eighth and ninth of the season and fourth in four games.

Jagger Dirk scored at 13:13 of the first for the Ice and assisted on Valiev’s goal at 5:45 of the second. Sam Reinhart assisted on Dirk’s goal, giving him at least one point in 19 straight games.

The Chiefs had no power-play attempts for the first time this season.

The Ice (35-22-2-2) of the Eastern Conference and Chiefs (34-21-3-3) of the Western Conference both have 74 points and are in fifth place.