Avakyan Makes 44 Saves, Leads Americans to 2-1 Shootout Victory

January 16, 2022 - Western Hockey League (WHL)
Tri-City Americans News Release

Portland, Ore. - The Tri-City Americans earned their second straight win tonight with a 2-1 shootout victory in Portland. Goaltender Nick Avakyan made 44 saves and turned aside all three shots faced in the shootout to lead the way for Tri-City.

After a scoreless first period, the Americans opened scoring 4:35 into the second frame with a power play from Jake Sloan. The 17-year-old forward swept in a rebound off a hard shot from Parker Bell. Tyson Greenway, who celebrates his 19th birthday today, also received an assist on the goal.

The goal extends Sloan's point streak to five games with five goals and three assists over that period.

Five minutes later the Winterhawks finally broke past Avakyan and tied the game with a goal from Luca Cagnoni.

The game stayed tied at one through regulation and eventually extended into a shootout. Tonight was Avakyan's first WHL shootout appearance. The rookie netminder stopped all three of Portland's attempts.

Sasha Mutala and Parker Bell narrowly missed Tri-City's first two attempts in the shootout as they both hit the crossbar. Dwayne Jean Jr. was the lone player to score on his shootout attempt tonight, securing the victory for the Americans. The rookie forward also scored the game-winner in Tri-City's only other shootout appearance this season on opening night, also against Portland.

The Americans will head to Everett for a game tomorrow to wrap up a three-in-three weekend. They will then return to Kennewick for a week of practice before taking on the Winterhawks again at the Toyota Center on Friday, January 21.

Final: 2-1 TC (SO)

Shots: 45-22 POR

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