Americans Open Western Conference Finals Tonight in Fort Wayne
May 13, 2016 - ECHL (ECHL)
Allen Americans News Release
Fort Wayne, Indiana - The Allen Americans are playing in the Western Conference Finals for the fourth season in a row, second in the ECHL. The Americans and Fort Wayne Komets drop the puck tonight at 7:05 PM CST.
The Americans advanced to Round 3 of the playoffs after a 5-1 victory on Tuesday night, that eliminated the Missouri Mavericks. Fort Wayne has been done for a while, after sweeping their series against Utah 4-0. The two teams did not match up in the regular season, and have not played against each other since the 2011-2012 season, when both were a part of the Central Hockey League. The Americans won that night by a score of 2-1 in a shootout, with Marco Cousineau picking up the win in net.
"They are a skilled team that has three lines that can score," said Americans Head Coach Steve Martinson. "We have to get off to a good start tonight and stay out of the penalty box."
Former Allen Americans Captain, Jamie Schaafsma leads the way against his former team, after finishing tied for the team lead in goals this season with 25, including 13 in his last 19 games with the Komets.
"We know Jamie and the type of game he plays," said Americans Co-Captain Chad Costello. "He really steps up his game in the playoffs, so you have to be aware of him on the ice."
Chad Costello is tied for the postseason lead in points with Fort Wayne's Shawn Szydlowski. Both players have 15 points coming into tonight's game. Szydlowski is also tied for second in the postseason in goals scored with 8, with Americans forward Greger Hanson, who had two in Tuesday night's win in Missouri.
"We are a deep team," said Greger Hanson, following the morning skate in Fort Wayne. "We have three lines that can carry a game. That makes us a really dangerous group."
The game will start at 8:05 pm local time, 7:05 PM CST, from the Allen County War Memorial Coliseum. You can watch the game with Americans fans at The Franchise Grill & Bar in Plano. The Franchise is located at 3000 Custer Road in Plano in Parkwood Square. We will have a drawing during both the first and second intermission for tickets to Games 3, 4 and 5 (if necessary) in Allen next week. Call 972-912-1000 for more information. Listen for free online on Hot 107.3 FM
2016 ECHL Kelly Cup Western Conference Finals
Allen Americans vs. Fort Wayne Komets
Game 1- Friday, May 13, Allen at Fort Wayne, 7:00pm CST
Game 2- Sunday, May 15, Allen at Fort Wayne, 5:00pm CST
Game 3- Thursday, May 19, Fort Wayne at Allen, 7:05pm CST
Game 4- Saturday, May 21, Fort Wayne at Allen, 7:05pm CST
Game 5- Sunday, May 22, Fort Wayne at Allen, 4:05pm CST*
Game 6- Tuesday, May 24,.Allen at Fort Wayne, 6:30pm CST *
Game 7- Thursday, May 26,.Allen at Fort Wayne, 6:30pm CST*
*If necessary.
ECHL Stories from May 13, 2016
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- Community Spotlight - Rapid City Rush
- Americans Open Western Conference Finals Tonight in Fort Wayne - Allen Americans
- Playoff Game Preview: Game 1- Wheeling at South Carolina, 7:05 p.m. - South Carolina Stingrays
- Officials Named for Conference Finals - ECHL
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- ECHL Today - May 13 - ECHL
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