WHL Tri-City Americans

Americans Hold off Chiefs 3-2 in Day 1 of Everett Tournament

Published on September 3, 2010 under Western Hockey League (WHL)
Tri-City Americans News Release


EVERETT, WA - Matt Hughesman scored twice and rookie Chris Driedger stopped 42 shots to lead the Tri-City Americans (1-0) past the Spokane Chiefs (0-1) 3-2 on day one of the Everett Silvertips Pre-Season Classic, presented by Holiday Inn - Downtown Everett.

In the first match-up of the season between the two rivals, Tri-City got things going offensively midway through the first period. At the 11:13 mark of the period, and on the power play, Hughesman connected to put Tri-City on top early. Then, 7:10 later, Hughesman registered his second goal on the power play, as the Americans took the 2-0 lead into the first intermission.

Spokane would battle back in the second, however, getting a power play goal of their own, from newly acquired forward Bruin McDonald, midway through the period.

Less than five minutes into the final period, and still trailing 2-1, Spokane's Anthony Bardaro knotted the game with his first goal of the pre-season.

But, three minutes later, Connor Rankin beat Chiefs' goaltender Chris Sharkey for the eventual game-winning tally. Spokane would pull Sharkey in the final minute, but to no avail.

Driedger played all 60 minutes in net for Tri-City, stopping 42 of the 44 shots he faced. Meanwhile, Mac Engel started the first 35 minutes in goal for the Chiefs, picking up 13 saves on 15 shots. Sharkey then played the final 24:07, collecting 5 saves on 6 shots.

Earlier in the day, the Portland Winterhawks took out the Seattle Thunderbirds 4-1, while the Everett Silvertips and the Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds round out Day 1 in the night cap at 7:00 p.m. Tomorrow, the Americans take on the host Silvertips at 7:00 p.m. at Comcast Arena.

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Western Hockey League Stories from September 3, 2010


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