Americans End Season-Opening Road Stretch with 4-2 Loss in Portland
October 2, 2022 - Western Hockey League (WHL)
Tri-City Americans News Release
The Tri-City Americans took on the Portland Winterhawks for the first time this season. Despite a strong showing from Tri-City, they fell 4-2 at the Veterans Memorial Coliseum.
Portland opened scoring mid-way through the first frame with a goal from James Stefan.
Tri-City responded with two minutes left in the period as Adam Mechura scored on the power play with a hard wrist shot from the right circle, assisted by Ian Ferguson and Dwayne Jean Jr. It was Mechura's second goal of the season, both scored on the power play.
The Americans nearly made it to the first intermission tied at one, but Gabe Klassen scored on the power play with one second remaining in the period to take back the lead for Portland.
Tri-City stayed in the game as Andrew Fan scored his first ever WHL goal early second period, evening the score at two. The 18-year-old native of Eagle River, Alaska picked up a loose puck and scored from the low slot area.
The game held tied for less than a minute as Luke Schelter scored for Portland. They added one more goal in the third period from Robbie Fromm-Delorme on the power play to secure the 4-2 victory.
Tri-City went 1/4 on the power play and 2/4 on the penalty kill.
The Americans were outshot 44-23 through 60 minutes of play.
Nick Avakyan made his first start in net this season and played the full game. The 18-year-old native of Glendale, Calif. turned aside an impressive 40 shots.
Tonight's game wraps up Tri-City's season-opening four game road stretch, finishing 1-3-0-0. They will open the home portion of their season schedule next Saturday (October 8) at the Toyota Center. There will be a season kick-off party for fans in front of the Toyota Center on Wednesday (October 5), click here for details.
Shots: 44-23 POR
Score: 4-2 POR
Western Hockey League Stories from October 2, 2022
- Short-Handed Royals Shut Out by Silvertips 4-0 - Victoria Royals
- Pats Lose 7-3 to Hitmen Sunday - Regina Pats
- Hitmen Defeat Pats 7-3 - Calgary Hitmen
- Pats Finish Alberta Swing in Calgary - Regina Pats
- Kelowna Wins 5-1 Victory Over Prince George - Kelowna Rockets
- Chiefs Battle Back, But Drop Home Opener to Kamloops 4-2 - Spokane Chiefs
- Broncos Drop 8-3 Game in Saskatoon - Swift Current Broncos
- Americans End Season-Opening Road Stretch with 4-2 Loss in Portland - Tri-City Americans
- T-Birds Raise Banner; Win Home Opener - Seattle Thunderbirds
- Cougars Fall 5-1 in Final Game of Home-Stand - Prince George Cougars
- ICE Earn 5-2 Victory Over the Tigers - Winnipeg Ice
- Hawks Return to Home Ice in Style with 4-2 Win on Saturday - Portland Winterhawks
- Late Surge Not Enough, Giants Fall 6-4 in Kent - Vancouver Giants
- Raiders Tally First Win of Regular Season with 5-1 Win over Oil Kings - Prince Albert Raiders
- Pats Lose Hard Fought Battle 4-2 to Rebels - Regina Pats
- Ice Pull Away from Tigers in Home Loss - Medicine Hat Tigers
- Oil Kings Downed in Prince Albert - Edmonton Oil Kings
The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.
