Spokane Chiefs Edge Kelowna 3-2 in Overtime

Spokane improved to 11-1-0-1 with Wednesday’s 3-2 overtime victory against the Kelowna Rockets at Prospera Place. Martin opened the scoring on a late first-period power play, finishing a cross-ice feed from Chase Harrington with 1:46 remaining. Sparks made it 2-0 early in the second, converting a two-on-one with Martin.

Kelowna answered when Tomas Poletin scored with 3:17 left in the second period. Early in the third, Rhett Sather collided with goalie Harrison Boettiger and received a five-minute major for goalie interference plus a game misconduct. Poletin scored again during that penalty to pull the Rockets even. Spokane later failed to convert a power play near the end of regulation.

In overtime, Sparks forced a turnover at Kelowna’s blue line and drew a penalty. Spokane’s four-on-three advantage produced a blocked shot and a rebound at the left post, where Martin finished into the open net. It was his team-leading 11th goal. Bryce Francisco played in goal because Carter Esler, listed as day-to-day with an injury, missed the game. Spokane’s trip continues Friday and Saturday at Portland, then concludes Tuesday at Vancouver.