Tigers defeat Chiefs to move one win away from WHL title, trip to Memorial Cup

Bryce Pickford had two goals and one assist in leading the Medicine Hat Tigers past the Spokane Chiefs 5-2 on Wednesday in the Western Hockey League championship series.

Hunter St. Martin, Ryder Ritchie and Liam Ruck also scored for Medicine Hat, which now leads the best-of-seven series 3-1 and is one win away from a league title and a trip to the Memorial Cup in Rimouski, Que.

Harrison Meneghin made 28 saves.

Shea Van Olm and Assanali Sarkenov replied for Spokane. Dawson Cowan stopped 29 shots.

Tied at 1-1 entering the second period, Pickford kick-started a run of three unanswered goals with consecutive power-play markers. The Tigers outscored the Chiefs 4-1 in the middle frame.