WHL Tri-City Americans

Hughesman Nets Two As Americans Outlast 'Hawks 5-3

Published on March 2, 2009 under Western Hockey League (WHL)
Tri-City Americans News Release


KENNEWICK, WA - The 'Hawks never make it easy.

Backed by Adam Hughesman's two-goal night, the Tri-City Americans (47-16-0-3, 97 pts) outlasted the pesky Portland Winter Hawks (16-44-2-2, 36 pts) 5-3 in front of 4,752 fans at the Toyota Center. With the win, the Americans improved their winning streak to nine games, while sweeping their second straight weekend tripleheader. The win also wrapped-up the nine-game regular season series with the 'Hawks, with Tri-City taking the series 6-3. Meanwhile, Portland has now dropped three straight.

Portland, who handed Tri-City one of their five home losses this season, came out strong in the first period. Midway through the period and on the power play, Luke Walker connected from the right circle, beating Brett Martyniuk for his first of two goals on the evening.

However, eight minutes later and on the power play, Jason Reese was able to beat Kurtis Mucha at the near post. Mucha, who appeared to make the initial save, saw the puck trickle just past his left skate and across the line, tying the game at 1.

The second period belonged to Tri-City, as the Americans outshot the 'Hawks 17 to 7 in the period. In that time, Tri-City notched two goals less than two minutes apart, to take a 3-1 lead. Brendan Shinnimin notched the first tally, sending a shot right through the pads of Mucha. Then, at the 8:23 mark and on the power play, Mitch Fadden went coast-to-coast, beating Mucha with a great move, to extend his goals streak to nine games.

Portland responded with 6:33 remaining in the period, cutting their deficit down to one. From the right circle, defenseman Daniel Johnston let a shot go that beat Martyniuk high over his blocker, notching his first goal of the season.

Just 29 seconds into the final period, Hughesman redirected a Jarrett Toll shot, between Mucha's pads, putting Tri-City on top 4-2. But, just over two minutes later, Walker connected for the second time, making it a one-goal game again.

Finally, with 11:33 remaining in regulation, Hughesman knocked in a Kruise Reddick rebound, capping the scoring in the contest.

Martyniuk, who made his first start since January 10, collected 27 saves while improving to 3-0 against Portland and 5-1 on the season. Meanwhile, Mucha ended the night with 38 saves in the loss. The Americans finished the night 2-for-5 on the power play, while the 'Hawks were 1-for-4 on the man-advantage.

After a day off tomorrow, the Americans will return to the ice on Tuesday before getting on the bus and heading across the border for a marquee match-up on Wednesday, March 4 with the Vancouver Giants. Game time is 7:00 p.m. at Pacific Coliseum. Vancouver leads the four-game season series 2-1 and has lost just four games at home all season. Tri-City, who has won their last four road games, is 2-2 in their last four visits to Vancouver and is 5-9-0-0-3 all-time at Pacific Coliseum. 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 7:00 p.m. Fans can also catch all the action live on NewsTalk 870 AM, starting with the Sterling Savings Bank Warm-up Show at 6:45 p.m.

U.S. Cellular Three Stars:

1, Adam Hughesman, Tri-City

2, Taylor Procyshen, Tri-City

3, Luke Walker, Portland

Taylor Procyshen's 'Go Pro' MDA Challenge Update: After 65 games, Tri-City has recorded 251 goals = $1,004

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 March 2, 2009


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