WHL Tri-City Americans

Americans Tame Tigers 4-1

Published on December 2, 2010 under Western Hockey League (WHL)
Tri-City Americans News Release


KENNEWICK, WA - On Wednesday, the Tri-City Americans continued their stretch of match-ups against the upper echelon of the Western Hockey League and, for the fourth straight time, they walked away with a win.

Brooks Macek and Mason Wilgosh each had two-point nights, while Drew Owsley picked up 28 saves to guide the Tri-City Americans (16-9-1-1, 34 pts) past the visiting Medicine Hat Tigers (17-8-1-0, 35 pts) 4-1 in front of 3,922 fans at the Toyota Center. With the win, Tri-City stretched their winning streak to four games, all against teams currently with records above .500, including two top-10 ranked clubs. Meanwhile, the Tigers had their eight-game winning streak snapped, which included a 3-0 record to start their trip through the U.S. Division.

The first period was a physical one, where neither team seemed to be able to get into the type of rhythm they wanted. Yet, surprisingly, at the end of the first 20 minutes, there was a combined 27 shots on goal. However, both high-octane offenses were held off the scoreboard heading into the first intermission.

The second period was a different story, though, as the Americans were finally able to gain some traction against the Tigers. And, the catalyst for that was a costly turnover.

Only 3:12 into the period, Medicine Hat's Jace Coyle retrieved the loose puck behind the Tigers net, only to lose control right in front of goaltender Deven Dubyk. There to capitalize was rookie Marcus Messier, who lifted the puck over Dubyk to record his first WHL goal.

With 7:22 remaining in the period, however, Medicine Hat knotted the game at 1 after Reid Petryk found the back of the net from the high slot.

But, three minutes later, fellow rookie Connor Rankin tallied the eventual game-winner. Coming down the wing with Adam Hughesman, Rankin elected to fire it on net, finding just enough space over Dubyk's shoulder to record his seventh goal of the season.

Still holding onto their one-goal lead entering the third period, Tri-City dominated the first half of the period, outshooting the Tigers 8 to 0 before the mandatory timeout. In that span, the Americans generated two more goals to distance themselves from the Tigers. Just 2:31 into the period, Wilgosh was there to push the puck between the pads of Dubyk after a great individual effort by Jordan Messier was thwarted. Then, with 11:00 left in regulation, Macek redirected a David Conrad shot just inside the far post to cap the scoring in the contest.

The Tigers did come back and test Owsley with eight shots in that final half period, but could not find the back of the net. Owsley stopped 28 of the 29 shots he faced to pick up his 12th win of the season. Meanwhile, Dubyk put forth a solid effort, stopping 35 of the 39 shots that came his way. The Americans were held scoreless on five power play opportunities but were a perfect 2-for-2 on the penalty kill.

That string of tough contests will continue on Friday, December 3, when the Americans travel to the Rose City for a re-match with the division-leading Portland Winterhawks (21-6-0-3). Game time is 7:00 p.m. at the Rose Garden. It will be the second meeting in less than a week between the division's top two clubs, after Tri-City won the first of nine meetings last Saturday in Kennewick, 3-2 in a shootout. Portland, meanwhile, is 0-2-0-2 in their last four games. Fans can catch all the action live, via WHL Live, at the Americans' home away from home, Kimo's Sports Café in Richland. 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, Mason Wilgosh, Tri-City

3, Brooks Macek, Tri-City

Check out the Tri-City Americans Statistics

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Western Hockey League Stories from December 2, 2010


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