BLAZERS TAKE A TIGHT ONE IN SPOKANE 2-1

The Blazers played a solid road game in beating Spokane 2-1 on Friday night. The Chiefs opened the scoring in this one as they broke in on a three on two and converted for a 1-0 lead. The Blazers stuck with the Chiefs though and got on the board late in the first period. Logan McVeigh set up Dylan Willick on a shorthanded two on one, and the teams were tied 1-1 after the first period.

The second period was entertaining. Both the Chiefs and the Blazers traded chances, but both goaltenders played well. The period featured an inspiring fight as Darren Kramer of the Chiefs and dropped the gloves with Josh Caron. Shortly after, Colin Smith and Steve Kuhn of the Chiefs fought. The period finished scoreless as the Blazers went into the third period tied 1-1 with the Chiefs.

In the third period, Tim Bozon snapped the tie as Colin Smith set him up only 1:03 into the period. For Bozon, it was his seventh goal of the season. The Chiefs battled back and had chances, but goaltender Cole Cheveldave was terrific in goal. The Blazers held their ground and won 2-1 to improve their road record to 7-2-0-0. Cheveldave made 28 saves and was named the games second star. His counterpart, Mac Engel, made 19 saves in the loss. 

Both teams finished the game 0-for-3 on the power play. It was the hockey club’s first win in Spokane since November 24, 2008. The Blazers will finish off their brief road trip tomorrow night in Tri-City for their first meeting of the season with the Americans.

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GAME HIGHLIGHTS