Americans Reign in Wichita
March 1, 2015 - ECHL (ECHL)
Allen Americans News Release
Wichita, KS - Allen made the trek north to Wichita, Kansas, braving some nasty winter weather to resume their long season series against the Thunder in the 13th meeting between the two clubs. Special teams and the penalty bench doors got a big workout in the game with good results for both clubs as Allen would go 3 for 8 while Wichita went 3 for 11 on the power play.
The Americans got off to a strong start, netting a pair of goals in the opening frame to take a 2-0 lead into the first intermission. Jamie Schaafsma got things started with his 13th goal of the year at 15:52, assisted by Nolan Descoteaux and then Gary Steffes notched his league best 36th at 18:53 on the power play, as Jamie Schaafsma and Tyler Ludwig earned the helpers. Allen held the lead in shots by an 11-8 count at the first buzzer and the important 2-0 lead.
In the early minutes of the second period the Americans extended their lead to 3-0 with another power play goal, this time from Aaron Gens, his 8th of the year, assisted by Gary Steffes and Chad Costello at 4:36 .
Wichita bounced back with two power play goals less than a minute apart, cutting the Americans lead to one. Mike Wilson scored first for the Thunder, assisted by Danick Gauthier and Ian Lowe at 7:05 and then it was RG Flath at 7:57, taking passes from Eric Meland and Danick Gauthier.
The momentum shift for the Thunder was short-lived as Allen answered back just seconds later when Chad Costello netted his 29th goal of the year, assisted by Greger Hanson and Patrik Valcak. Then Greger Hanson potted his 19th goal of the season at 18:32 on the power play with Aaron Gens and Justin Baker contributing the assists. Wichita outshot the Americans 15-11 in the period, earning the slight edge through two periods at 23-22 but Allen held the three goal lead, 5-2.
Late in the third period mounted a comeback when Nikita Kashirsky lit the lamp at 13:29, Jared Walker and Kirill Tulupov contributed the assists. Ian Lowe then brought the Thunder to within one when he scored on the power play at the 19:00 mark as Danick Gauthier and Mike Wilson added the assists.
Allen took advantage of the empty net and cemented the victory when Gary Steffes netted his second goal of the night and 37th of the year, Patrik Valcak got the lone assist at 19:41 as Allen took the 6-4 win. The Thunder outshot the Americans 13-8 and 36-30 through three periods of play.
The Americans head to the Quad Cities next weekend to take on the Mallards in a two game set Friday and Saturday N ight.
Tonights 3 Stars of the Game Powered by Warp 9 Computers:
1. Justin Baker - Allen (1A)
2. Chad Costello - Allen (1G 1A)
3. Mike Wilson - Wichita (1G 1A)
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