Stewart's OT Goal Forces Game 7
Published on April 17, 2012 under Western Hockey League (WHL)
Spokane Chiefs News Release
The Spokane Chiefs forced game seven of their Western Conference Sem-Final in a 4-3 overtime victory over the Tri-City Americans. Rookie Liam Stewart scored the biggest goal of his career putting in the game winner for the Chiefs in overtime. It was the third overtime game of the series with the Chiefs being victorious in all three.
Derek Ryckman found a wide open net off a big rebound to start the scoring for the Americans at 2:56 of the first period.
The Chiefs answered back on the power play on Dominik Uher's fourth of the playoffs at 5:35 of the first. Blake Gal assisted the goal finding Uher between the hash marks.
Spokane took the lead later in the period on an odd man rush finished off by Mitch Holmberg at 6:28 of the first. Mike Aviani set up the goal and now has 16 points this post season quadrupling his effort from last year's playoffs.
Tri-Cities scored short handed on a Justin Feser goal at 8:47 of the second making the score tied 2-2.
On the same power play the Chiefs regained the lead with Steven Kuhn tipping in a point shot by Tanner Mort at 9:20.
Once again the Americans would answer back, scoring late in the period on a rush to the net by Patrick Holland at 18:31 of the second making the game tied at three.
The two teams played even in the third period with both goaltenders making several spectacular saves to keep the puck out of the net.
In the overtime, Conner Chartier chipped the puck ahead to linemate Stewart who found himself in position to shoot from the bottom of the left faceoff circle. The shot beat Ty Rimmer top shelf on his glove side at the 9:33 mark.
After the game Stewart described the goal as the "biggest of his career" and said that he simply "closed his eyes and hoped for the best".
Shots on goal favored the Americans by a margin of 30-24. The Chiefs finished the game 2-4 on the power play and 3-3 on the penalty kill.
The final game of the series is Wednesday night in Tri-Cities and will be televised live on SWX with the puck dropping at 7:00 p.m. Mike Boyle will go on the air on SportsRadio 1510 KGA Everything Sports at 6:30 with Xfinity Hockey Tonight.
Western Hockey League Stories from April 17, 2012
- Sundher Joins Amerks - Brandon Wheat Kings
- Chiefs Will Play in 11th Game 7 in Franchise History - Spokane Chiefs
- Oil Kings' Laurent Brossoit Named Vaughn CHL Goaltender of the Week - WHL
- Dianne Sletten Named Assistant GM - Business Operations - Swift Current Broncos
- Stewart, Chiefs Force Game 7 with 4-3 OT Win Over Americans - Tri-City Americans
- Stewart's OT Goal Forces Game 7 - Spokane Chiefs
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