WHL Tri-City Americans

Americans Defeat Everett 2-1; Regain Top Spot in U.S. Division

Published on November 27, 2008 under Western Hockey League (WHL)
Tri-City Americans News Release


KENNEWICK, WA - Minus their head coach and starting goaltender, the Americans are still a pretty darn good hockey team. And, they proved it Wednesday night in Kennewick.

Taylor Procyshen netted two goals, goaltender Drew Owsley stopped 13 of 14 shots and the Tri-City Americans (17-7-0-2, 36 pts) defeated the visiting Everett Silvertips (13-10-3-0, 29 pts) 2-1 in front of 3,755 fans at Toyota Center. With the win, the Americans vault back into first place in the U.S. Division, moving past the idle Spokane Chiefs, who visit Kennewick on Friday. Tri-City has won their past three games, including their previous two against the Silvertips. Meanwhile, Everett falls to 4-7-3-0 on the road and have dropped four of their last six contests in Kennewick.

With both head coach Don Nachbaur and goaltender Chet Pickard participating in the ADT Canada/Russia Select Series in Saskatchewan, the Americans were joined behind the bench by the team's Governor and General Manager Bob Tory. Despite the change behind the bench and between the pipes, the Americans were able to continue their high-tempo style of play. It took nearly the entire first period, but Tri-City finally got on the board with less than 17 seconds remaining in the period. While on the power play, Procyshen buried his first of the night, past Everett netminder Shayne Barrie, putting the Americans on top 1-0 after the first 20 minutes of play.

After dominating the first period, the Americans bombarded Barrie with 21 shots throughout the second period while allowing just five Everett shots. However, despite the heavy shot advantage, the Americans still clung to their one-goal lead until midway through the contest. At the 10:50 mark of the period, Adam Hughesman was able to get Barrie out of position, before making the pass to Procyshen, who buried a near-empty net shot and put Tri-City ahead 2-0.

But, the Americans could not convert on three power play chances in the second period and a 5-on-3 opportunity in the third, leaving the door open for Everett to get back into the game. The ‘Tips got their chance at 12:37 of the third period, as Tyler Maxwell registered his 11th goal of the season, pulling Everett to within one. However, the Americans were able to hold off the ‘Tips over the final six and a half minutes to pick-up the win. Barrie ended the night with 37 saves on 39 shots in the loss, while Owsley improved to 4-0 on the year with the win.

After a day off Thursday, the Americans will host a huge doubleheader weekend at Toyota Center. On Saturday, November 29, the Western Conference-leading Vancouver Giants will come to town, but first, the rival Spokane Chiefs visit on Friday, November 28 in a pivotal division battle. Both games start at 7:05 p.m. The Americans are 1-1-0-1 against the Chiefs thus far this season, with each team having won all their games on home ice. Tickets are available through all Ticketmaster outlets, including the Toyota Center box office, all Fred Meyer locations, or online at ticketmaster.com. Those unable to make it to the Toyota Center can catch the game on KVEW-TV's My Network 280 or 35.2 and/or 42.2 on your digital tuner starting at 7:00 p.m. The game will also be broadcast live on NewsTalk 870 AM, starting with the Sterling Savings Bank Warm-up Show at 6:45 p.m.

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Western Hockey League Stories from November 27, 2008


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