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Johnson's goal and assist lead Chiefs to win

by Spokane Chiefs

SPOKANE, Wash. - Tyler Johnson had a goal and assist and Spokane defeated the Tri-City Americans 2-1 in front of a sellout crowd of 10,522 the Arena on Saturday night. The win was Spokane's 24th of the season. Johnson was one of five Chiefs honored during the pre-game for their participation at world tournaments. In Johnson's case, he won the gold medal for the United States at the World Junior Hockey Championships and was playing in his second game since his return.

Tri-City outshot Spokane early, taking a 10-2 advantage in the first eight minutes of the game and finished the first period with an 18-12 edge.

It was the Chiefs, though, that struck first with an goal in the second by Johnson. The 19-year-old Spokane native used a backhand to bury a rebound of a Stefan Ulmer shot at 3:13, the only goal of the period. The Chiefs outshot Tri-City 11-9 in the middle frame.

The Americans Jordan Messier tied it at 8:53 of the third coming in from the right wing and tucking it past the Chiefs James Reid in net. The goal was the only blemish on Reid's night in 35 shots.

Jared Spurgeon scored the game winner from the slot, roofing it past Drew Owsley after taking a Johnson pass from the left wing.

During the pre-game Johnson was joined by Jared Cowen , Stefan Ulmer, Brady Brassart and Mitch Holmberg who all represented their respective country's at the World Junior Tournament and under-17 World Hockey Challenge.

The Chiefs will travel to Everett on Sunday night for a 5:00 meeting with the Silvertips. Mike Boyle will go on the air at 4:30 with Comcast Hockey Tonight on 1510 KGA.

The game will be the first of eight straight on the road for the Chiefs as they won't return to the Spokane Arena until Friday, January 29th against the Seattle Thunderbirds.