CHL Allen Americans

Allen Americans Weekly Notes

Published on February 22, 2010 under Central Hockey League (CHL)
Allen Americans News Release


GAME RECAPS

MONDAY, FEB. 15 vs. TEX (OTL 2-1): After a day of rest, Allen played its fourth contest in a stretch of six games in eight days. In a low scoring contest, the Americans scored midway through the first on a power play goal from defenseman Ryan Fairbarn. The Brahmas tallied a power play goal of their own with less than one minute remaining in the middle frame to tie the score. Neither team scored in the third period or overtime. For the second time this season, a game was decided in the eighth round of a shootout. The Americans are 3-3-2 against the defending champs this year with one more road contest left in the season series.

WEDNESDAY, FEB. 17 @ ARZ (W 3-2 OT): The Americans beat the Sundogs for the fifth time this year Wednesday. Defenseman Mike Salekin scored his first goal with Allen to put the Americans up 1-0 before the end of the first. The Sundogs tied the game 20 seconds into the second period, but Americans points leader Bruce Graham helped Allen regain their one-goal lead six minutes later. Arizona came back and pushed the game into overtime with a goal five seconds before the end of regulation. Graham scored his second tally of the night to clinch the extra point in overtime.

THURSDAY, FEB. 18 @ ARZ (L 3-2): Allen lost the second of back-to-back games in Prescott Valley. The 3-2 loss was the first to the Sundogs all season. After falling behind 2-0 after 20 minutes of play, Nathan O'Nabigon scored a goal 1:34 into the second period, but Arizona responded five minutes later with another tally to bring the score to 3-1. Colton Yellow Horn tallied a goal in the third, and the Americans held the Sundogs to only two shots on net, but the late effort was not enough for the win. The club ended a tough stretch of six games in eight days earning seven points out of a possible 12.

UPCOMING GAMES

TUESDAY, FEB. 23 @ RGV at 7:35 p.m.: Allen plays the Killer Bees for the fourth time this season after beating them by two or more goals in the three prior matchups. Bruce Graham has the most points on the Americans against Rio Grande Valley with seven. Linemates Justin Bowers and Nino Musitelli have four each. Rio Grande Valley is sixth in the Southern Conference with a 21-23-7 record (49 points).

THURSDAY, FEB. 25 vs. LAR at 7:30 p.m.: The Americans host Laredo to begin a three-in-three stretch. Allen has defeated the Bucks three times this year, including two overtime victories. Laredo is 25-17-9 (59 points) and sits fourth in the Southern Conference, two points behind Texas.

FRIDAY, FEB. 26 vs. BOS at 7:30 p.m.: Allen hosts Bossier-Shreveport for the third and final time in the regular season Friday. The Mudbugs have left with losses the two previous contests. Allen is 3-0-0 against the club. The Mudbugs have a 29-17-4 record (62 points) and sit third in the Northern Conference.

SATURDAY, FEB. 27 @ MIS at 7:05 p.m.: The Americans travel to Mississippi to play its fifth out of seven face-offs this season. Allen is 3-1-0 against the RiverKings. The two teams have a history of playing physical games against each other. Mississippi is fourth in the Northern Conference with a 25-21-6 record (56 points).

Americans Try to Clinch First Playoff Berth: The Americans could clinch the first playoff berth in club history this week if they get the necessary four points with wins or if Rio Grande Valley loses two. A win against the Killer Bees secures the playoff berth because Allen will earn two points and Rio Grande Valley will miss out on points.

Yellow Horn Leads Team in Last Five Games: Forward Colton Yellow Horn has registered five points in the last five games, the most of any American. He has two goals and three assists in this time.

Fairbarn Fires off Game-winning Goals: Defenseman Ryan Fairbarn leads the blueliners in the league with six game-winning goals this year.

Whitley Gets Call: Netminder Chris Whitley became the third American in club history to get called up to the American Hockey League when Texas called him up Feb. 13. He joins former American Charlie Effinger and forward Justin Bowers as Americans that have been with AHL teams this season. Whitley rejoined the Americans Feb. 15.

First Gordie Howe Hat Trick: Rookie Tobias Whelan recorded the first Gordie Howe hat trick Friday, Feb. 12, against Amarillo when he fought Chris Cloud, grabbed a goal and notched three assists in the game.

Graham's Going Strong: Forward Bruce Graham leads the Americans in scoring with 59 points this season. Graham was the number one star Feb. 11 and Feb. 17 when he netted the game-winning goal each night.

Love the Lead: The Americans continue to dominate when leading after 40 minutes of play. Allen is 22-1-0 when it leads after two periods.

Whitley Continues to Lead League: Rookie goaltender Chris Whitley continues to lead the league in wins with 26. Rapid City's Danny Battochio is next in line with 21.

Roster Moves: Defenseman Erik Adams was granted a leave of absence by the league Feb. 21, and defenseman Jordie Benn was activated from 14-day IR that same day. Justin Bowers returned Feb. 18 from his league of absence.

Goaltender Chris Whitley was called up to the American Hockey League's Texas Stars Saturday, Feb. 13. To fill his vacancy, the club signed former Missouri netminder Alexandre Vincent. Whitley returned to the Americans Feb. 15, and backstop David McKee was placed on goaltender IR.

Listen and Watch Live: All Americans games are broadcast live on CHL-TV and Sports Juice. To watch and listen to Tommy Daniels, voice of the Allen Americans, visit chltv.insinc.com. To listen for free, visit sportsjuice.com.

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