WHL Tri-City Americans

Tri-City Returns to Winning Ways; Douse Blazers 4-1

December 9, 2007 - Western Hockey League (WHL)
Tri-City Americans News Release


KAMLOOPS, BC - After playing three straight one-goal games, Tri-City Americans goaltender Chet Pickard was looking for a little breathing room on Saturday night in Kamloops. The Americans' high-powered offense was happy to oblige.

Jason Reese netted two goals and four points as the Tri-City Americans (22-7-1-0, 45 pts) returned to their winning ways by downing the Kamloops Blazers (15-14-1-1, 32 pts) 4-1 in front of 4,628 at the Interior Savings Centre. For the Americans, the win snapped their brief two-game losing skid and kept them four points back of division-leading Spokane. Meanwhile, the loss was Kamloops' second straight to Tri-City and snapped their two-game winning streak. The two will meet again on January 4 in Kamloops.

In this one, it was the Americans that rocketed off to the fast start, jumping out to a two-goal lead midway through the first period. At the 7:49 mark of the period, rookie Johnny Lazo tallied his 11th goal of the season to start the scoring. Then, while on the power play, Reese added his first of two on the night to put Tri-City up two after one period of play.

The Blazers did respond at the seven minute mark of the second period, as team scoring leaders, Brock Nixon and Juuso Puustinen hooked up for Nixon's 12th of the season. However, it would prove to be the only offense Kamloops could muster against Pickard, who finished with 31 saves and the game's first star honors.

Over three minutes later, the Americans were heard from again, as Shaun Vey connected for his 14th goal of the season. Reese and Colton Yellow Horn assisted on the goal, which extended Yellow Horn's point streak to 14 games. Then, with less than 30 seconds remaining in the second period, Reese registered number two on the night, this time short-handed, to cap the scoring for Tri-City. Blazers net minder Justin Leclerc collected 20 saves on 24 shots faced in the loss. Tri-City was 1-for-2 on the power play, while Kamloops finished 0-for-4.

After a taxing road trip that saw them play four games in five nights, the Americans will have Sunday off before they play a rare Monday home game against the Swift Current Broncos. The Broncos visit the Toyota Center for the two team's only match-up of the regular season. Game time is 7:05 PM. Tickets are available at all Ticketmaster outlets, including the Toyota Center box office, all Fred Meyer locations, or online at ticketmaster.com. And, as always, the game will be broadcast live on NewsTalk 870 AM, starting with the Budweiser Warm-Up show at 6:45 PM.

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Western Hockey League Stories from December 9, 2007


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