SPOKANE, Wash. (Interstat) — Ethan Hughes scored early in the first period and the Spokane Chiefs made it stand for a 1-0 victory over the Victoria Royals in a Western Hockey League game Wednesday night at Spokane Veterans Memorial Arena.

Hughes netted his seventh goal of the season just 2 minutes, 48 seconds into the game. The Chiefs’ defense and goaltending preserved the slim lead the rest of the way, shutting down the Royals’ attack.

The win improved Spokane’s record to 30-27, while Victoria fell to 25-31. The Chiefs have won two of three meetings against the Royals this season. Spokane goaltender Tyus Sparks earned the shutout victory, turning aside all 21 shots he faced.