WHL Tri-City Americans

Reese, Owsley Shine in Americans 5-2 Victory Over Rockets

Published on September 21, 2008 under Western Hockey League (WHL)
Tri-City Americans News Release


KENNEWICK, WA - The Tri-City Americans thrilled a packed house Saturday night, raising two championship banners to the Toyota Center rafters. Then, on the ice, they put on a show of their own.

Jason Reese netted his third career hat trick and rookie goaltender Drew Owsley collected his first WHL win as the Tri-City Americans picked up a 5-2 victory over the Kelowna Rockets. The win marks the eighth straight season the Americans have won their home opener and extends their winning streak to nine straight games over the Rockets. Meanwhile, Kelowna has lost their last three season openers and have not defeated Tri-City since February 26, 2006.

Tri-City's Adam Hughesman got things started early, beating newly acquired goaltender Kris Lazaruk at the 3:11 mark of the first period. Then, in a five minute span late in the period, Reese recorded goals one and two, putting Tri-City up 3-0 headed into the first intermission.

While on the power play midway through the second period, Kelowna's Tyson Barrie found a kink in Owsley's armor, using the crossbar to his advantage. But, Tri-City's Johnny Lazo responded with a power play goal of their own, late in the period, to put the Americans back on top 4-1 after two periods of play.

While playing shorthanded, Reese capped off his hat trick just 1:35 into the third period. With less than six and a half minutes remaining in regulation, Kelowna's Mitchell Callahan recorded his first-career WHL goal, but it would not be enough as Tri-City skated on to the victory. Owsley stopped 25 of 27 shots in his WHL debut, while Lazaruk picked-up 28 saves in the loss.

With their home and season opener now behind them, the Americans turn their attention to next weekend. On Friday, September 26, Tri-City will host their U.S. Division rivals, the Seattle Thunderbirds at the Toyota Center in Kennewick. Game time is 7:05 p.m. Tickets are available through all Ticketmaster outlets, including all Fred Meyer locations and the Toyota Center Box Office. You can catch all the action live on NewsTalk 870 AM, starting with the Sterling Savings Bank Warm-Up Show at 6:45 p.m.

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Western Hockey League Stories from September 21, 2008


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