WHL Tri-City Americans

Americans Sweep Bruins With 8-1 Rout

Published on February 26, 2009 under Western Hockey League (WHL)
Tri-City Americans News Release


KENNEWICK, WA - As the saying goes, "when you're hot, you're hot." And right now, the Tri-City Americans are sizzling.

Backed by two-goal nights from Mitch Fadden and Mason Wilgosh, the Tri-City Americans (44-16-0-2, 91 pts) dismantled the visiting Chilliwack Bruins (15-43-2-5, 37 pts) 8-1 in front of 3,521 fans at Toyota Center. With the win, the Americans swept the four-game season series with the Bruins for the second consecutive season, while extending their winning streak to six games. Tri-City also maintained their eight-point lead over the second-place Spokane Chiefs, who picked up a 5-2 road victory in Kamloops. Meanwhile, with the loss, the Bruins have now dropped their last four games and fall to 1-9-2-1 all-time against the Americans.

Tri-City jumped out to a 2-0 lead over the Bruins early into Wednesday's match-up.

Only 38 seconds into the contest, Kruise Reddick buried a behind-the-net pass from Adam Hughesman, between the pads of Bruins' starter Lucas Gore. Then, just over two minutes later, Wilgosh collected his first of the night with a backdoor tip-in of a Jason Reese pass.

Despite the early deficit, Chilliwack hung tough with the Americans. And, with just over 5:30 remaining in the first period and on the power play, defenseman Jesse Craige let a shot go from the right circle, beating Chet Pickard. Craige, who has just two goals this season, has recorded both against Tri-City. Coincidentally, those are the only two goals the Bruins have registered this season vs. the Americans.

After a close first period, Tri-City erupted for five unanswered goals in the second period, putting the game well out of reach. The first came at the 4:07 mark after Fadden connected off a Brooks Macek pass. For Fadden, it marked the sixth straight game in which he has recorded a goal, setting a new career-high.

Just 23 seconds later and after an awkward series of events, Brett Plouffe was credited with his 15th goal of the season. After Plouffe thought he had scored, play was not stopped by the officiating crew. But, at the next stoppage in play, the crew got together and discussed the situation. It was later ruled that Plouffe's shot rang off the back bar and came out, resulting in a goal and a 4-1 lead.

Six minutes later and playing shorthanded, Wilgosh and Jason Reese took off on a 2-on-1 breakaway. Wilgosh eventually tallied his second goal of the night, but in the process, ran into Gore. Gore, who was injured on the play, was replaced in net by Mark Friesen. However, Friesen didn't fare much better against the Tri-City offense, as a minute and a half later, Reese netted his 29th goal of the season. Finally, with less than five minutes remaining in the period, Fadden capped off the scoring in the period.

Despite the lopsided score, the two squads continued to battle in the third period, launching a combined 30 shots on goal. With 2:10 remaining in regulation, Macek wrapped-up the scoring in the contest, beating Friesen over his glove, for his seventh goal of the season.

Pickard, who left the game at the 7:54 mark of the second period, gave way to rookie Brett Martyniuk, who made his first appearance since January 10 in Portland. The two combined for 21 saves as Pickard claimed his 33rd win of the season. Meanwhile, Gore and Friesen collected 30 saves in the loss.

The Americans finished the night 0-for-2 on the power play, while Chilliwack was 1-for-5 on the man-advantage.

After setting a new season-high for goals in a game, Tri-City will now prepare for another weekend tripleheader against the same three teams they faced last weekend. Up first is a trip to the west side of the mountains on Friday, February 27 and a date with the Everett Silvertips. Game time is 7:35 p.m. at Comcast Arena. The Americans are 7-1-0-1 against the 'Tips this season and have won their last four match-ups with Everett. However, both of their losses to Everett have come at Comcast Arena this season, a building in which Tri-City holds an 8-13-1-3 w/ 3 ties all-time record in. The game will be broadcast live, via WHL WebTV, at the Americans' home away from home, Kimo's Sports Café and R.F. McDougall's in Richland, starting at 7:35 p.m. Fans can also catch all the action live on NewsTalk 870 AM, starting with the Sterling Savings Bank Warm-up Show at 7:15 p.m.

U.S. Cellular Three Stars:

1, Mason Wilgosh, Tri-City

2, Mitch Fadden, Tri-City

3, Jason Reese, Tri-City

Taylor Procyshen's 'Go Pro' MDA Challenge Update: After 63 games, Tri-City has recorded 236 goals = $944

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

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Western Hockey League Stories from February 26, 2009


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