Holmberg Hat Trick Propels Chiefs Past Americans 5-3

Spokane, WA- Tri-City wanted to return the favor and ruin Spokane’s home opener.

But Mitch Holmberg wouldn’t let that happen as he netted a hat trick as the Spokane Chiefs (2-0-0-0) defeated the Tri-City Americans (1-3-0-0) 5-3 in front of 8,867 at Spokane Arena.

Just 11 seconds in, Justin Feser grabbed a Spokane turnover and shot a laser over the right shoulder of Eric Williams for the early lead. Spokane would tie the game up midway through the first period when Jason Fram threw a shot that deflected off Tri-City defenseman Sam Grist past Eric Comrie.  

The second period was even, with Spokane outshooting Tri-City 11-6. Comrie had to deal with a storm of shots from Spokane during their two power plays, but didn’t let anything by as the game remained tied at one heading into the third period.

Spokane broke the tie early in the third period when Collin Valcourt threw a pass that was deflected into the goal by Mitch Holmberg to give Spokane the lead.

Tri-City had a 5-on-3 for 1:27 early in the period, but couldn’t capitalize. But the Americans would even the score when Malte Strömwall skated through Spokane defenders and flipped it over Williams to tie the game at two. It didn’t take long for Spokane to gain the lead back as Holmberg fired a shot past Comrie on the power play for his second goal of the game to give Spokane a 3-2 lead.

With 4:13 left in the game, the Americans would tie the game again when Tot passed it in front of the net to Marcus Messier who put it in to make it 3-3. Mike Aviani broke the tie with less than three minutes left as he picked up a rebound and scored. And 19 seconds later, Spokane sealed the game when Mitch Holmberg completed the hat trick to give the Chiefs a 5-3 victory.  

Strömwall has started the season off with a four game point streak, tallying three goals and an assist. Holmberg has four goals and two assists in two games against the Americans. The Americans have allowed four goals in a period twice, both against the Chiefs.

Williams made 23 saves in the win, while Comrie made 26 saves in a loss.

Tri-City will play their next game on the road against the Everett Silvertips (1-3-0-0) in Comcast Arena on Oct. 3. Game time is at 7:05 p.m. Tri-City defeated Everett 3-1 in their first meeting at the Toyota Center. Everett got their first win on Sept. 28 at Vancouver 5-3. The game will be broadcast on NewsTalk 870 starting at 6:45 p.m. and online at WHL Live at 7:00 p.m.

Notes: Forward Jesse Mychan left the game with an injury after running into the boards hard at the end of the first period.  

Jack in the Box Three Stars:
1. Mitch Holmberg, Spokane
2. Brenden Kichton, Spokane
3. Dylan Walchuk, Spokane