WHL Tri-City Americans

Reddick's Return Sparks Americans Win Over 'Hawks

Published on January 31, 2009 under Western Hockey League (WHL)
Tri-City Americans News Release


Portland, OR - Kruise Reddick is not an easy player to keep off the ice.

Before being hurt in the last game before the holiday break, Reddick had not missed a game since March 2, 2007, a span of 80 straight games. But, after appearing briefing in Tri-City's first game back from the break, Reddick had missed the past 17 games.

Reddick returned to the ice on Friday night, just in time to record the game-winning goal as the Tri-City Americans (35-14-0-3, 73 pts) shutout the Portland Winter Hawks (12-33-1-2, 27 pts) 2-0 in front of 2,443 fans at the Memorial Coliseum. With the win, Tri-City extended their winning streak to three games, while improving to 4-0 in their last four games against the 'Hawks. The win also kept Tri-City's six-point lead over the Spokane Chiefs in the U.S. Division intact, who shutout the Chilliwack Bruins 6-0 in Spokane. Meanwhile, the loss stretched Portland's losing skid to 10 games.

It was Portland, however, that came out strong to start the contest. The 'Hawks outshot the Americans 10 to 3 over the first 20 minutes, but could get nothing past Chet Pickard.

Meanwhile, in the second period, the Americans were able to get their offense in gear. At the 6:29 mark of the period, Reddick, who had 25 points in his last 20 games before his injury, buried a Johnny Lazo rebound, giving him 125 points for his career. Then, just over 10 minutes later, Tri-City made it 2-0, as Mitch Fadden left a drop pass for Justin Feser, who beat Portland's Ian Curtis for his 10th goal of the season.

It proved to be all the offense the Americans needed, as Pickard stopped all 22 shots he faced, picking-up his fourth shutout of the season and 10th of his career. Meanwhile, Curtis collected 21 saves in the loss.

Tri-City finished the night 0-for-4 on the power play, but was a perfect 3-for-3 on the penalty kill.

The Americans will now head home, where they will face-off against the Bruins tomorrow, Saturday, January 31 at Toyota Center. Game time is 7:05 p.m. Tri-City is 2-0 against Chilliwack this season, with both wins coming on the road. The Americans are 10-1 all-time against the Bruins, with their lone loss coming on October 28, 2006 in Kennewick, a 3-0 setback. 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, Chet Pickard, Tri-City

2, Johnny Lazo, Tri-City

3, Chris Francis, Portland

Check out the Tri-City Americans Statistics

Share: Facebook | Twitter/X | LinkedIn | Reddit | Email



Western Hockey League Stories from January 31, 2009


The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

OurSports Central