WHL Tri-City Americans

Hats Off to Jason; Reese Nets Hat Trick as Ams Top 'Hawks 5-1

Published on October 27, 2007 under Western Hockey League (WHL)
Tri-City Americans News Release


KENNEWICK, WA - There was a lot of hype regarding Jason Reese, when he was brought in my Bob Tory at the start of the 2007-2008 season. On Friday night at Toyota Center, Reese showcased his talents in front of the hometown crowd.

Reese recorded his second career hat trick and Chet Pickard stopped 23 shots, as the Tri-City Americans (12-3-0-0, 24 pts) defeated the visiting Portland Winter Hawks (2-11-0-0, 4 pts) 5-1 in front of 3,323 Tri-City faithful. Reese, who assisted on another goal, finished the night with four points. In two games against the 'Hawks, the Gresham, Oregon-native has registered seven points. Meanwhile, the 'Hawks lost their second straight game against Tri-City this season and have dropped their past eight games against their I-84 rivals.

Reese opened the scoring in the contest, by picking up his first goal with just over five minutes remaining in the first period. Two minutes later, he tallied yet again, this time on the power play to make it a 2-0 Tri-City advantage.

However, in the second period, Portland made it a contest, when Luke Walker notched his first goal of the season. The goal, which was scored with three seconds remaining in the frame, cut the Americans' lead to 2-1.

But, the Americans broke it open in the final period, as Shaun Vey, Petr Stoklasa and Reese all registered goals on Portland net minder Jordan White. With 8:13 remaining in regulation, Reese completed the hat trick, short-handed no less, as hats from the crowd adorned the ice surface. White finished with 35 saves on 40 shots faced. Meanwhile, Pickard collected his 10th win of the season, while lowering his goals against average to 3.02. The Americans finished 1-for-8 on the power play, while Portland was 0-for-7 on the man-advantage.

Tri-City will now prepare for another important U.S. Division match-up, as the Everett Silvertips come to town tomorrow, Saturday, October 27. Game time is 7:05 PM. The Americans knocked off the back-to-back defending U.S. Division champions 4-3 to kick-off the 2007-08 season in Everett and currently hold a 10 point lead on the 'Tips in the division race. Tickets are available at all Ticketmaster outlets, including the Toyota Center box office, all Fred Meyer locations, or online at www.ticketmaster.com. And, as always, the game will be broadcast live on NewsTalk 870 AM, starting with the Budweiser Warm-Up show at 6:45 PM.

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Western Hockey League Stories from October 27, 2007


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