Chiefs’ rally falls short in 4-2 loss to Silvertips

EVERETT – Sean Richards scored an empty-net goal with 1 minute, 35 seconds left in the game as the Everett Silvertips held off the Spokane Chiefs 4-2 in Western Hockey League action on Wednesday night.

Everett (23-7-1-0, 47 points), front-runners in the U.S. Division, was in command through the first two periods.

Jackson Berezowski found the net 2:27 into the game, giving the Silvertips a 1-0 lead. Everett stretched its advantage to 3-0 on second-period goals by Bryce Kindopp and Jake Christiansen.

The Chiefs (14-10-2-2, 32 points) finally got untracked on offense in the third period. Ethan McIndoe’s eighth goal of the season put Spokane on the scoreboard 48 seconds in. Riley Woods and Luc Smith picked up assists on the power-play goal. Woods pulled the Chiefs within a goal when he scored at the 9:26 mark. Woods’ 21st goal of the season also came with a man advantage. McIndoe and Ty Smith had assists.

But the Chiefs’ rally stalled when they pulled goalie Bailey Brkin for an extra skater, and Richards delivered for the Silvertips.

Spokane fell to 1-2-1 against Everett this season. The Chiefs’ only win was a 3-2 overtime victory in Everett. Three of the four games have been played in Everett.

Brkin stopped 33 of 36 shots on goal for the Chiefs. Dustin Wolf turned away 25 of the Chiefs’ 27 shots.