WHL Tri-City Americans

Americans Complete Weekend Sweep With 4-1 Victory Over 'Hawks

February 23, 2009 - Western Hockey League (WHL)
Tri-City Americans News Release


PORTLAND, OR - After all the momentum they gathered from their thrilling victory over the rival Chiefs the night before, it all could have changed if the Americans did not bring their A-game to the Memorial Coliseum on Sunday.

But, backed by Mitch Fadden and Kruise Reddick's two-point nights, the Tri-City Americans (43-16-0-3, 89 pts) swept their tripleheader weekend, capping it off with a hard-fought 4-1 victory over the Portland Winter Hawks (15-41-2-2, 34 pts) in front of 2,354 fans in the Rose City. With the win, the Americans improved their winning streak to five games, while securing their fifth straight season-series win over the 'Hawks. Meanwhile, Portland has now lost their last three contests.

As has been the case all season, the 'Hawks came out ready to play, as the two squads combined for 26 shots in the first 20 minutes. But, despite the lofty shot total, both Chet Pickard and Kurtis Mucha were up to the task.

In the second period, the seal finally cracked for both goaltenders, as Tri-City got on the board first. Just 4:28 into the period, Brendan Shinnimin broke out Jordan Messier, who beat Mucha with a wrist shot, glove side, for the 1-0 lead. For Messier, it was his ninth goal of the season and second in his last three games.

With 7:24 remaining in the period, Portland responded. While on the power play, Radim Valchar beat Pickard for his fifth goal in seven games against Tri-City. However, it proved to be the only blemish on Pickard's night.

With only 5:42 remaining in the second, Mucha went behind his net to play the puck. But, during the attempt, Fadden stole the puck and fed it out to a hustling Johnny Lazo, who buried it in a near-empty net.

Tri-City then opened it up in the final period, outchancing the 'Hawks 13 to 5.

Midway through the period, and on the power play, Fadden stretched his goal streak to five games. Then, with 1:33 remaining in the contest and Mucha pulled for the extra attacker, Reddick capped the scoring with an empty net goal.

In route to his fifth straight win, Pickard stopped 26 of the 27 shots he faced and lowered his goals against average for the month of February to 1.70. Meanwhile, Mucha collected 36 saves in the loss.

Tri-City finished the night 1-for-6 on the power play, while Portland was 1-for-3 on the man-advantage.

Fresh off their weekend sweep, Tri-City will now get two days to prepare for their next contest, set for Wednesday, February 25 versus the Chilliwack Bruins. Game time is 7:05 p.m. at Toyota Center. The Americans will be looking for their second-straight season-series sweep of the Bruins. Tri-City has won nine straight games against the B.C. Division rivals and is 11-1 all-time against the Bruins. But, Chilliwack, who still has an outside shot to make the playoffs for the third straight season, will look to repeat the success of their lone victory against Tri-City, a 3-0 shutout on October 28, 2006 in Kennewick. Tickets are available through all Ticketmaster outlets, including all Fred Meyer locations, the Toyota Center box office, or online at ticketmaster.com. Those unable to make it to the game can catch all the action live on NewsTalk 870 AM, starting with the Sterling Savings Bank Warm-up Show at 6:45 p.m.

U.S. Cellular Three Stars:

1, Johnny Lazo, Tri-City

2, Mitch Fadden, Tri-City

3, Radim Valchar, Portland

Taylor Procyshen's 'Go Pro' MDA Challenge Update:

After 62 games, Tri-City has recorded 228 goals = $912

If you would like to join Taylor's MDA Challenge, contact the Americans office at 509.736.0606 and ask how you can contribute.

Check out the Tri-City Americans Statistics



Western Hockey League Stories from February 23, 2009


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