Americans Hand Colorado First Regulation Loss In 5-3 Win
Published on November 15, 2009 under Central Hockey League (CHL)
Allen Americans News Release
LOVELAND, Colorado - The Allen Americans handed the Colorado Eagles their first regulation loss in a 5-3 win at the Budweiser Event Center in a fast-paced, hard fought game. The club's record moves to 7-3-1 (15 points) after the victory.
In a five-goal first period, Colorado's Kevin Ulanski would net the first one at 9:55. The Americans quickly responded on the power play when Justin Bowers sent a pass to captain Jarret Lukin from behind the net. Lukin went top shelf to tie the score at one. Colorado then proceeded to grab back-to-back power play goals from Ed McGrane and Ulanski to make the score 3-1. Allen wasn't ready to throw in the towel, though, and at 18:41 defenseman Ryan Fairbarn went high on the glove side to light the red lamp off of a faceoff win.
While the second period was not full of goals, the game continued to entertain fans with end-to-end hockey and three fights. Just 3:18 into the second, the Americans would grab their second power play goal of the night from Bowers. New York Rangers second round draft pick Bruce Graham passed to Bowers, who stuffed the puck into an open net.
Later in the middle frame, Huculak dropped the gloves and exchanged punches with the Eagle's Alex Penner before going to the box for fighting. Not two seconds later, reputed tough guy Britt Dougherty began to skate circles around Colorado's Ryan Tobler before taking him down. Americans' defenseman and Colorado native Brandon Straub rounded out the period by getting the Eagles' Penner in another fight. The Americans limited the Eagles to five shots in the second, and the teams went to the locker rooms tied at three.
Both teams were looking for the win in the third, but it was the Americans that would strike. Lukin passed the puck to forward Tobias Whelan in front of the net who found the back of the net before Colorado goalie Mike Mole could react. Bruce Graham sealed the victory in the final minute when he nabbed an empty net goal to make the final score 5-3.
Goaltender Chris Whitley made 23 saves, and Bruce Graham had a four-point night. Whelan received first star of the night honors with his game-winning goal, while Bowers was named third star of the game for his three points (1 goal, 2 assists).
The Americans host the Arizona Sundogs for the first time this Thursday, Nov. 19, at 7:30 p.m. This will be the first meeting for the teams after Allen swept Arizona in a two-game series to open the season. All fans attending the game will receive a schedule poster courtesy of Dr. Ross Miller. It is also Samaritan Inn night.
After Thursday, Allen hosts the Corpus Christi IceRays for the second time Saturday, Nov. 21. The Americans will be hungry for revenge after the IceRays spoiled the home opener in the Allen Event Center. The first 5,000 fans will receive a free red jersey courtesy of Choctaw Casino Resort, as part of a red out. There will also be a post-game skate with the team following the conclusion of the contest.
Tickets are still available for both nights. To order, call 1-866-4-GET-TIX (1-866-443-8849) or go to gettix.net. For more ticket information, go to allenamericans.com.
Central Hockey League Stories from November 15, 2009
- Allen Tops Colorado, 5-3, In Weekend Split - Colorado Eagles
- Americans Hand Colorado First Regulation Loss In 5-3 Win - Allen Americans
- Bucks Win Fourth Straight Nailbiter - Laredo Bucks
- Sundogs Drop Penalty-Filled Contest, 6-4 - Arizona Sundogs
- IceRays Beat Sundogs 6-4 - Corpus Christi IceRays
- Eagles Top Americans 3-2 In First Of Back-To-Backs - Colorado Eagles
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