WHL Tri-City Americans

Pesky Winter Hawks Skate Past Americans 3-1

Published on February 7, 2009 under Western Hockey League (WHL)
Tri-City Americans News Release


PORTLAND, OR - Any card player will tell you that if you play the percentages, good things will generally happen.

But sometimes, those same odds can completely ruin your night. Just ask the Tri-City Americans.

Despite coming into tonight's contest with the worst power play percentage in the League, the Portland Winter Hawks (13-34-2-2, 28 pts) used two man-advantage markers, along with a stellar 39-save performance from Ian Curtis, to skate past the visiting Tri-City Americans (36-15-0-3, 75 pts) 3-1 in front of 5,505 fans at the Rose Garden. With the win, the Winter Hawks snapped their 12-game losing streak and pick-up their third win of the season against Tri-City. Meanwhile, the Americans saw their four-game winning streak come to an end. However, Tri-City maintained their six-point lead over the Spokane Chiefs in the race for the U.S. Division crown, as the Chiefs fell 4-0 to the Vancouver Giants in Spokane.

Early into the contest, the Americans looked to be in control. Tri-City outshot the 'Hawks 7 to 2 through the first 20 minutes and led 1-0 just 5:06 into the contest. Mitch Fadden's face-off win went directly to Jason Reese, who beat Curtis with a slap shot from the top of the circle. For Reese, it was his 26th goal of the season and his 50th since joining the Americans at the start of last season.

The game would open up in the second period, as the two squads combined for 25 shots on goal. The 'Hawks first power play goal came at the 8:09 mark of the period, after Radim Valchar redirected a Travis Ehrhardt shot, off the cross bar, and past Chet Pickard. The goal also gave Valchar four tallies in six games against Tri-City this season.

Then, Portland really put the pressure on Tri-City, as Brad Ross notched the 'Hawks' second power play goal. Along with Ross, Colin Reddin turned a Riley Boychuk pass into a 2-on-1 breakaway. Reddin played the puck off the back boards, which Ross was then able to corral, beating Pickard at the near post.

Tri-City responded, however, as they outchanced the 'Hawks 21 to 5 in the final period. But, after hitting the post twice and Curtis giving a first-star effort, the Americans comeback bid was denied.

With 3:01 remaining in regulation and after a Tri-City turnover, Boychuk capped the scoring in the contest, lifting a backhander over Pickard's glove. Pickard finished the night with 17 saves, while Curtis collected his second win in eight starts since arriving in Portland.

The Americans finished with a 40 to 20 shot advantage in the contest, but ended the night going 0-for-7 on the power play. Meanwhile, Portland was 2-for-6 on the man-advantage.

Tri-City will now look to put this loss behind them, as they head back to the friendly confines of the Toyota Center for a double-header weekend. Up first for the Americans is a match-up with the Seattle Thunderbirds, tomorrow, Saturday, February 7. Game time is 7:05 p.m. Tri-City had won five straight against Seattle, before falling 6-4 in their last meeting on January 18. The Americans are 4-0 at home against the T'birds this season, but three of those four contests were decided by two goals or less. Tickets are available through all Ticketmaster outlets, including the Toyota Center box office, all Fred Meyer outlets, or online at ticketmaster.com. Those unable to make it to the game can 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, Ian Curtis, Portland

2, Riley Boychuk, Portland

3, Brad Ross, Portland

Taylor Procyshen's 'Go Pro' MDA Challenge Update: After 54 games, Tri-City has recorded 195 goals = $778

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 7, 2009


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