Kootenay’s Reinhart puts hurt on Chiefs

Spokane could have done without seeing Max Reinhart on Friday night.

Reinhart, Kootenay’s leading scorer who had missed the last two games between the teams with injuries, made his presence felt in the first period to kick-start the Ice’s 4-3 Western Hockey League victory in Cranbrook, B.C.

Spokane (31-19-4-3, 69 points) slipped four points behind fourth-place Vancouver in the Western Conference with its third straight loss. The Giants beat Edmonton 6-2.

Dominik Uher led a Spokane charge from a 4-1 deficit with his team-leading 23rd and 24th goals, but the Chiefs couldn’t overcome Reinhart’s damage.

Two ill-timed tripping penalties in the final 1:49 prevented them from pulling goalie Eric Williams to try for the equalizer.

Reinhart set up Kootenay’s first two goals and scored his 22nd to cap a three-point first period.

Marek Kalus scored his 16th goal for Spokane.

KIJHL

Scott Morisseau scored four goals, two in a six-goal second period, to lead Castlegar (36-11-1-3) to a 12-2 romp past visiting Spokane (20-27-1-2).

Uriah Machuga and Gil Givens scored for the Braves.