WHL Spokane Chiefs

Aviani and Holmberg Score Twice in 6-1 Win

Published on January 23, 2012 under Western Hockey League (WHL)
Spokane Chiefs News Release


The Spokane Chiefs defeated the Portland Winterhawks for the second night in a row, this time by a score of 6-1 at the Spokane Arena in front of 4,315 fans on Sunday night. Spokane also picked up a 5-2 victory on Saturday night. Sunday's affair was a physical match up, with 114 penalty minutes between the two teams. Mike Aviani led the way with two goals for the Chiefs, helping Spokane to a three game winning streak with three wins over division rivals Portland and Tri-Cities in a three day span

It took just 26-seconds for Aviani to score the game's first goal, receiving a feed to the left of Portland goaltender Mac Carruth from line mate Darren Kramer and burying it in the back of the net.

Liam Stewart netted his sixth of the year short handed at 7:40 of the first period, batting a rebound out of mid air with his backhand. The play was set up by a Dominik Uher rush to the net.

Spokane continued to play strong in the second period. Aviani scored his second of the evening on a snap shot from the right face off circle at 5:07, with Kramer receiving the assist on the play.

Mitch Holmberg finished off a three man rush led by Uher and Dylan Walchuk, tucking a backhand neatly behind Carruth at 12:33 to make it 4-0 Spokane.

Walchuk finished off the scoring for the Chiefs in the second, scoring on the power play using his backhand to maneuver around Carruth in the crease at 15:02, prompting the Winterhawks to make a goaltending change.

Portland's lone goal came at 7:51 of the third period on the power play, with Sven Bartschi credited with the goal.

Mitch Holmberg scored his second goal of the evening at 12:48, using his backhand to go top shelf on a breakaway after intercepting an errant pass in the neutral zone to make the score 6-1.

The Chiefs finished 1-6 on the power play, while the Winterhawks went 1-5. Shots on goal favored the Chiefs 33-22.

The Chiefs next game is on the road at Everett on Thursday, with the home game coming Friday, January 27 against the Portland Winterhawks. Tickets for all home games are available by calling the Chiefs office at (509) 535-PUCK or TicketsWest at (509) 535-PUCK.

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Western Hockey League Stories from January 23, 2012


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