Ty Smith’s overtime goal lifts Spokane Chiefs past Tri-City

KENNEWICK – Toyota Center was the Spokane Chiefs’ Chamber of Horrors last season.

It only took one trip this season to the Tri-City Americans’ home ice to change that.

Ty Smith scored 3 minutes, 27 seconds into overtime Saturday to give the Chiefs a 4-3 comeback win over Tri-City in Western Hockey League play.

Spokane finished 0-6 in Kennewick last season. The Chiefs had dropped their two home games against T-C this season – one in regulation and one in a shootout –but their fortunes changed on the road.

Spokane trailed 3-1 when Ethan McIndoe scored his eighth goal of the season midway through the second period. McIndoe followed with a power-play goal at 1:04 of the third period to tie the game. In Spokane’s last three games, McIndoe has a pair of two-goal games.

Spokane outshot T-C 17-11 in the final period but couldn’t cash in on big chances.

Jaret Anderson-Dolan started the winning play. Kailer Yamamoto beat his defender and passed to Smith for the winner, the second of his career.

The outcome left Spokane (15-10-1-2, 33 points) one point ahead of Everett and two ahead of Tri-City for second place in the U.S. Division. Portland is eight points ahead of the Chiefs.