WHL Tri-City Americans

Americans Downgrade Hurricanes 5-2

February 9, 2009 - Western Hockey League (WHL)
Tri-City Americans News Release


KENNEWICK, WA - It seemed like a class reunion Sunday night at Toyota Center.

After Tri-City and Lethbridge orchestrated a five-player deal in early November, Sunday's contest marked the first time the dealt players faced-off against their former teams.

But, with the help from five different skaters and the trade's centerpiece, Mitch Fadden, the Tri-City Americans (38-15-0-3, 79 pts) skated past the visiting Lethbridge Hurricanes (28-25-3-2, 61 pts) 5-2 in front of 3,731 fans in Kennewick. For the Americans, it was their second straight win and sixth in their last seven games. Tri-City also increased their lead to eight points in the U.S. Division over the Spokane Chiefs, who dropped a 2-1 decision to the Kelowna Rockets in Spokane. Meanwhile, Lethbridge now falls to 1-3 against the U.S. Division this season and is winless at the Toyota Center in its last five trips.

Midway through the first period, Tri-City got the ball rolling via the power play. After Fadden's shot rang off the goal post, Jason Reese collected the rebound and placed it over Juha Metsola's glove. Then, less than two minutes later and while killing off a Lane Werbowski penalty, Johnny Lazo broke out Petr Stoklasa. After slipping past the defense, Stoklasa fired a shot from the top of the circle, beating Metsola to make it 2-0.

At the 8:35 mark of the second period, Lethbridge cut the deficit in half. While on the power play, Carter Ashton redirected a Colton Sceviour shot, through the pads of Chet Pickard, making it 2-1.

However, just over four minutes later, Brett Plouffe knocked in a Fadden rebound, stretching Tri-City's lead back to two. Then, midway through the third period, Taylor Procyshen made it a 4-1 game after he tipped in a Jarrett Toll shot.

With 2:05 remaining in regulation, the Hurricanes cut the lead back down to two. During a scramble in front of the net, Cam Braes picked-up his eighth of the season. The Hurricanes then called timeout and, in a last ditch effort to get back into the game, Lethbridge pulled Metsola for the extra attacker.

But, with 1:06 remaining in the contest, Lazo capped off a three-point night with an empty net goal, giving him 18 goals on the season.

Pickard collected 26 saves in route to his 99th career victory. Meanwhile, Metsola stopped 30 of the 34 shots he faced in the loss. The Americans finished 1-for-4 on the power play, while Lethbridge was 1-for-5 on the man-advantage.

After taking two-of-three in their triple-header weekend, the Americans will get the week off before returning to the ice on Friday, February 13 against the Edmonton Oil Kings. Game time is 7:05 p.m. at Toyota Center. It will be Edmonton's first-ever trip to Kennewick and just the second meeting all-time between the two clubs. Tri-City took home a 5-1 victory in their only match-up back on February 27, 2008 at Rexall Place in Edmonton. 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, Mitch Fadden, Tri-City

2, Chet Pickard, Tri-City

3, Petr Stoklasa, Tri-City

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

After 56 games, Tri-City has recorded 207 goals = $828

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 9, 2009


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