KENT, Wash. — Reigning Western Hockey League Player of the Year Adam Beckman had a goal and two assists for Spokane, which was held scoreless in the shootout, falling 4-3 to the Seattle Thunderbirds in the Western Hockey League opener for both on Friday at the ShoWare Center.

Western Hockey League play, which typically begins in late October, was pushed back to March due to the pandemic. The first games in the U.S. Division were held on Thursday night.

Beckman opened the scoring 24 seconds into the game to give Spokane a 1-0 lead after the first period. Raegan Wiles scored his first career goal to give Spokane a 2-0 lead midway through the second period.

After the Chiefs scored in the second, Seattle took the lead on back-to-back goals 1:05 apart early in the third to take a 3-2 lead. Eric Atchison scored with 4:02 remaining for Spokane to send the game to overtime.

Eli Zummack, who finished with two assists, had a breakaway attempt denied by Seattle in overtime.

Spokane visits Everett tonight at 6:05.