WHL Tri-City Americans

Americans Knock off 'Hawks 3-2 in Shootout

Published on November 28, 2010 under Western Hockey League (WHL)
Tri-City Americans News Release


Kennewick, WA - Most of the questions coming into Saturday night revolved around just how good are the Portland Winterhawks? After this weekend, maybe another question should be asked as well...just how good are the Tri-City Americans?

Jordan Messier had a two-point night and Drew Owsley stopped 35 shots, plus all three attempts in the shootout, as the Tri-City Americans (15-9-1-1, 32 pts) defeated the visiting Portland Winterhawks (21-5-0-2, 44 pts) 3-2 in front of 4,871 fans at the Toyota Center. With the win, Tri-City improved their winning streak to three games while, in the process, taking down their second CHL-ranked opponent in consecutive nights. Two of Tri-City's three wins during the streak have come via the shootout. Meanwhile, it marked the first time this season that the 'Hawks have lost back-to-back games. Portland, which has not won in Kennewick since October 31, 2008, has also dropped three of their last four games. The two division front-runners will meet again this Friday in Portland.

Lots of eyes were turned to the Toyota Center on Saturday, as fans around the league were looking for some clarity. How would Portland respond after losing by five in Chilliwack on Friday? Could Tri-City bring the same intensity on Saturday as they did in their 4-0 win over Kootenay the night before? The fans that were in attendance, however, were treated to a great contest between two division rivals.

The Americans came out flying in the first period, outchacing their opponent to the tune of 18 to 8. But, Portland starter Keith Hamilton used some great saves, and a bit of good fortune, to keep Tri-City off the scoreboard.

Still scoreless as the game entered the second period, Tri-City finally cracked Hamilton. Just 1:53 into the period, Kruise Reddick found Messier in the slot, who then fired a backhander past the Portland goaltender for his team-leading 16th goal of the season. Then, less than six minutes later, and on the power play, Justin Feser won a face-off inside the Portland zone. The puck worked its way around to Zak Stebner, who let a blast go from just inside the blue line, only to have it redirected by Feser, and past Hamilton, to make it 2-0.

Tri-City, now with a two-goal lead, started to buzz around the 'Hawks net, picking up another 17 shots in the period. All that momentum appeared to continue late in the period, when Adam Hughesman beat Hamilton to the near post, slipping the puck across the goal line. Initial ruled a goal on the ice, a video review of the play showed that the net came off its post before the puck crossed the line, nullifying the goal. It was a lengthy review, and carried a result that seemed to catch the Americans by surprise.

Meanwhile, Portland used it as motivation to get back into the contest, as they finished with 17 shots of their own in the second period, before outshooting the Americans 11 to 5 in the third. In that period, the 'Hawks took control of the contest, spending a majority of the time down in Tri-City's zone. Portland seemed to slow the game down, neutralizing Tri-City's speed, while eliminating space for the Americans to operate and forcing turnovers.

Just 2:14 into the third, and on an great individual play, rookie forward Brendan Leipsic showed off his speed by weaving his way up ice and in on Owsley. Leipsic's first shot was rejected by Owsley, but he followed up on his own rebound, knocking it out of midair and past the Tri-City netminder.

Still trailing by one with less than six minutes remaining in regulation, Portland also had a goal disallowed when Owsley's net came loose before the puck crossed the goal line. However, with 4:25 remaining in the period, Leipsic knotted the game. Speeding through the Tri-City zone, Leipsic got Owsley going across the crease, eventually slipping the puck under his pads, for his second goal of the game.

After a scoreless overtime period, the game headed to a shootout, just the fourth time ever between the clubs. The Americans elected to have Portland shoot first, who then sent out team-leading scorer, Ty Rattie. Rattie went to slip his attempt past Owsley at the near post, only to have the netminder kick it to safety. Hughesman countered in round 1, but came away with the same result. In round 2, Portland sent Sven Bartschi over the wall, whose attempt sailed high over the net. Brendan Shinnimin followed, eventually burying a backhander shelf on Hamilton. That forced a must-score situation onto the 'Hawks, who elected to go with Leipsic. However, on his way in, Leipsic had the puck roll off his stick without a shot on goal, as the Americans spilled onto the ice in celebration.

Owsley, who has now won three straight, improved to 7-2 all-time in the shootout while picking up his 52nd WHL win. Meanwhile, Hamilton had a solid night in net, picking up 40 saves on 42 shots through regulation and overtime in the loss. Tri-City finished the night 1-for-4 on the power play and a perfect 2-for-2 on the penalty kill.

Up next for Tri-City is a meeting with the Central Division's red hot Medicine Hat Tigers (15-7-1-0) on Wednesday, December 1. Game time is 7:05 p.m. at the Toyota Center. Tri-City, who is 2-0-0-1 vs. the Central thus far this season, will look to match their season-high four-game winning streak against a club they have only beaten three times in their previous 13 meetings. Meanwhile, the Tigers, who will play in Portland on Sunday and Seattle on Tuesday before coming to Kennewick, ran their current winning streak to six games with a 5-3 win in Everett on Saturday to start their U.S. Division swing. Tickets are available through all Ticketmaster outlets, including online at ticketmaster.com, the Toyota Center box office, or all Fred Meyer outlets. 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.

Applebee's 3 Stars:

1, Drew Owsley, Tri-City

2, Brendan Shinnimin, Tri-City

3, Brendan Leipsic, Portland

Check out the Tri-City Americans Statistics

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Western Hockey League Stories from November 28, 2010


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