Tokarski, Chiefs Shutout Americans 4-0
September 28, 2008 - Western Hockey League (WHL)
Tri-City Americans News Release
SPOKAEN, WA - Entering Saturday's game against the Spokane Chiefs, the Tri-City Americans had a red hot offense prepared to take on a solid defense. However, the Chiefs not only cooled it down, they shut it out completely.
The defending Memorial Cup champions used four different skaters to tally four goals and Dustin Tokarski stopped all 31 shots he faced as the Spokane Chiefs (2-1-0-0, 4 pts) shutout the Tri-City Americans (2-1-0-0, 4 pts) 4-0 in front of a sold out crowd at the Spokane Arena. For Tokarski, he has faced an average of nearly 37 shots per game to start the season, while picking up his second consecutive shutout. Meanwhile, despite the return of goaltender Chet Pickard to the line-up, the Americans dropped their first game of the 2008-09 season.
Pickard and Tokarski battled to a 0-0 draw after the first period of play, as Tri-City outshot the Chiefs 11-to-6 in the period. However, despite a 10-to-4 shots advantage in the second frame, Tri-City could not muster any offense against Tokarski. Spokane, on the other hand, in the final 3:44 of the period, used two goals, one from Mitch Wahl and one from Mike Reddington, to take the lead for good.
In the final period, Levko Koper and Seth Compton wrapped up the scoring and secured the win for the Chiefs. Pickard finished with 15 saves on 18 shots in the loss.
Both teams struggled on the power play, going a combined 0-for-8 on the man-advantage.
With Spokane behind them, the Americans will now hit the road over the next two weeks as they make their way through the East Division. Last season, Tri-City swept all six contests with the East. Their first stop takes them to Saskatchewan on Wednesday, October 3, when they face-off against the Prince Albert Raiders. Game time is 6:30 p.m. (PST) at Art Hauser Centre. You can catch all the action live on NewsTalk 870 AM, starting with the Sterling Savings Bank Warm-Up Show, at 6:15 p.m.
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Western Hockey League Stories from September 28, 2008
- Oil Kings Steal A Win In Cranbrook To Close Out Busy Stretch - Edmonton Oil Kings
- Rockets Salvage Win Over Blazers - Kamloops Blazers
- Giants Pound Hawks 5-0 - Vancouver Giants
- 'Tips Shut Down Thunderbirds, 7-3 - Everett Silvertips
- Chiefs Drop Banners, Tri-City - Spokane Chiefs
- Tokarski, Chiefs Shutout Americans 4-0 - Tri-City Americans
- Bruins Drop OT Decision to Prince George - Chilliwack Bruins
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