Adam Helewka scored two times, including the game winner, to help the Spokane Chiefs defeat the Everett Silvertips 6-2 in opening round Western Hockey League playoffs.
The third-year Chiefs left winger scored back-to-back goals less than two minutes apart, including the eventual game-winning marker, midway through the opening period to even the best-of-seven first-round series 1-1 with the U.S. division regular season champions on Saturday.
Helewka, the game's first star, also drew a single assist on Spokane's sixth goal of the game, as the Chiefs jumped out to an early 4-0 lead after the opening period.
T-Birds take opener from 'Hawks
Mathew Barzal opened and closed the book on the Seattle Thunderbirds' 4-3 victory over the Portland Winterhawks in Game 1 of their WHL playoff.
Barzal tallied his first of the playoffs in the opening minute of the first period and then scored the decisive game-winner with less than three minutes left in the contest to put the T-Birds up one in their WHL playoff opener.
Despite the comeback win, no Seattle player earned recognition as the home ice officials gave all three game stars to Portland players following the game.
Cougars down two to Royals
Burnaby defenceman Joseph Carvalho assisted on two Prince George goals, including the game-tying marker in a 5-4 loss to the Victoria Royals in Game 2 of their WHL playoff. Carvalho has three points for Prince George in the series.
Steeler joins Jr. A Rivermen
First-year Grandview Steelers defenceman Cameron Ginnetti was added to the roster of the B.C. Hockey League Langley Riverman for next season.
The 16-year-old blueliner garnered 18 points in his rookie Pacific Junior Hockey League season, including seven goals. He also had seven points, including four scores in 12 playoff games, for the Steelers in Grandview's march to the Tom Shaw conference finals.
Championship all-stars
Simon Fraser University hockey players Adam Callegari and defenceman Jared Eng were named to the B.C. Intercollegiate playoff all-star team following last month's provincial championships.
Selkirk College posted four players on the all-star team, including playoff MVP Ryan Edwards, following a two-game sweep over the Clan club team.
