Five-point Nights from Anderson-Dolan and Yamamoto Fuel Chiefs Past Ams, 6-3
KENNEWICK. Wash. – Forwards Jaret Anderson-Dolan and Kailer Yamamoto piled up five points apiece in a 6-3 win over the rival Tri-City Americans on Saturday night in Kennewick. The victory wrapped up a seven-game road swing for the Chiefs, during which they posted a 5-0-2-0 record and vaulted to third place in the U.S. Division.
Yamamoto, with a goal and four assists, was in on the first five of Spokane’s six goals, pushing him into a tie with Trent Whitfield for 11th place in franchise history with 269 points. It marked his second career five-point game after he filled the same statline (1G-4A) at Kootenay under two weeks ago on Feb. 2.
Anderson-Dolan, whose second goal of an eventual hat trick proved to be the game-winner, also scored the game’s first and last goals, sealing the win with an empty-netter late. He assisted on the Chiefs’ second (Ty Smith on a power play) and fifth goals (Kailer Yamamoto) to pick up the first five-point effort of his three-year WHL career. His first goal was also his 30th of the season, marking the first Chief to reach the milestone during the 2017-18 campaign. The hat trick was the third by a Chief this season, joining forwards Jake McGrew and Milos Fafrak. [related_links]
Ethan McIndoe and Smith each scored once and added two helpers for three-point nights to round out the offense for Spokane.
After Anderson-Dolan’s first of the game at 6:01 of the first, Tri-City responded to take a 2-1 lead into the first intermission and outshot the Chiefs 12-3 through 20 minutes.
Spokane responded in force, outshooting the Americans 12-5 in the middle frame and scoring two goals to take a 3-2 lead into the second break.
The Chiefs continued to take advantage of their opportunities in the third period, scoring three goals on just four shots on goal as they clogged the neutral zone to maintain the lead and secure the tough road victory.
Spokane has now earned at least a point in 10-straight games, going 8-0-2-0 over that span.
Dawson Weatherill started in goal for the Chiefs and turned aside 25 of 28 shots faced for his 18th win of the year. Beck Warm started for the Americans and made 13 saves on 18 shots faced. Spokane went 2-for-5 on the power play and 4-for-5 on the penalty kill, with Tri-City’s power play goal coming on a 5-on-3.
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Spokane’s next home game is Sunday, February 11 versus the Everett Silvertips at 5:05 p.m. It will be Special Olympics Night at the Arena as the Chiefs recognize local Special Olympics athletes from our community. Tickets for Sunday night and all Chiefs home games are available in-person at the Chiefs’ Ticket Office, over the phone at 509-535-PUCK and online at spokanechiefs.com.
