The Spokane Chiefs defeated the Kelowna Rockets 6-3 on Friday night at Prospera Place in Kelowna, racing out to a big lead and holding off a Rockets comeback bid.
Spokane led 6-0 heading to the third period before the Rockets scored three straight times to try and claw back into the game.
The comeback fell short, however, and the Rockets fell to 35-14-3-0 on the season with the loss.
The Rockets trailed 3-0 after the first period and 6-0 after two before the team was able to start to peck away at the Spokane lead in the third period.
Rookie Jonathan Smart scored his first WHL goal for the Rockets while Calvin Thurkauf and Lucas Johansen also had third period markers.
After Michael Herringer surrendered four goals, rookie goalie Brodan Salmond came in in relief and saw his first action since joining the Rockets mid-week.
Spokane outshot Kelowna 32-24 in the game.
The Rockets continue its homestand on Saturday night at Prospera Place when the Calgary Hitmen come to town.
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