- Allen scored first which should have been reassuring since the last 14 games the Americans have played, the team scoring first has won. However, this night would prove to be one of ebb and flow. After Allen took a 1-0 lead, Wichita scored three straight goals to lead 3-1. Allen then score two goals to tie the score before Allen's nemesis, Kale Kerbashian score his third goal of the game to give the Thunder a 4-3 lead after the second period. Allen owned the third period with four straight goals to make the final score 7-4.
- Goal scorers for Allen were Chris Crane (19 & 20), Greger Hanson (13), Eric Roy (11), Aaron Gens (8 & 9), and Vincent Arseneau (7). Check out all of the highlights at ECHL Rewind: http://www.echl.com/
- It was a big night for Aaron Gens who scored the game tying and game winning goals and was a +3 for the game. For his effort, he was selected the #1 star of the game. In the month of February, Aaron has played in 10 games and has nine points (4 goals 5 assists) and is +3.
- Speaking of big games and big months, how about Chris Crane. Last night Chris had two goals and an assist and was named the #2 star of the game. So far in the month of February (10 games) Chris has 14 points (8 goals 6 assists) and is +8.
- Chad Costello had three assists to extend his lead in the ECHL scoring race to 15 points.
- Thought it was interesting on the same day a former Allen Americans goalie (Aaron Dell) was called up the the NHL, the Americans equipment manager, Nolan Bowker, played in his first professional game. Nolan played the last 2:01 of the game and made two saves. Check out the "Question of the Day" below for more details.
STEVE MARTINSON'S POST GAME COMMENTS
- It took a while but we got the result we wanted. It was certainly a shaky start giving up three quick goals after taking a 1-0 lead. On their first goal our forward was weak and let them get around him and then Rumpel got lost on the wrap around. We didn't get sticks in the right places. They had two deflection goals and I think the third one went of Kerbashian's skate. Wichita was able to get pucks to the net with traffic in front.
- On the game winning goal we got the puck to the point, won the battle and guys won the fight to stay in front of the goalie. King did a really good job not letting them stop him. If that goal didn't hit King it must have went right underneath his arm.
- I really liked Arseneau's goal. We got the puck in deep, got it at the net and looked for the rebound going hard to the net. He was a physical force for us all night.
- I got a scare today as I was on the ice with my daughter's team and got a call from the Barracuda's coach telling me there was a trade going down and I was going to get a call for Joel Rumpel to go to San Jose. I told him if Rumpel gets recalled our equipment manager is going to have to play goalie.
- Riley Gill is progressing and should be available by next weekend.
- I think we are getting better and everyone is trying to be more accountable knowing the way we have been playing isn't going to win in the playoffs. We did a good job holding them to just 23 shots.
- I am trying to get three lines that can play together and score. That was a little better tonight.
- I like Reggie Traccitto a lot. He jumps up in the play, he is strong and he has a good shot.
GAME PREVIEW
- The Americans will try for their third win of the weekend against Wichita this afternoon (4:05 pm). It will be the third game in less than 48 hours so "will" and "want" will play as big a factor as skill in determining the victor.
- Allen continued their special team dominance over Wichita going 2-8 on the power last night while holding the Thunder scoreless in three power play opportunities. In their 10 head to head games with Wichita the Americans having a huge power play advantage. Allen is 11-42 (26.2%) and Wichita is 2-39 (5.1%).
- Officials scheduled for the game are referee Kenny Anderson (#16) and linesmen Alex Black (#63) and Brian Bull (#49). Anderson was the referee last night. With Allen and Wichita playing their third game in three days it will be important for Anderson to not let the game get out of hand.
OTHER COMMENTS
- Tulsa lost to Fort Wayne last night and has now lost three straight. Allen has a six point lead over the Oilers for second place in the Central Division.
- Every year at this time I end up talking about the Minnesota High School Hockey tournament which consumes the state. Check out this video about the last team to qualify for the state tournament. There is an Allen connection to both of these teams. Phil Fox (2013-14) is from Stillwater and probably taught many of these players in hockey camps. Jim McKenzie (2011-13) attended Hill-Murray for part of his high school career. You have to see the 1-0 overtime spin-o-rama goal that sent Stillwater to the state tournament which takes place this week.
- Here are some shots of the game:
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| Photo by Dianne Webster |
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| Nolan Bowker with the save! photo by Lauren Lyssy |
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| Joel & Nolan - photo by Dianne Webster |
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| Kale Kerbashian scores on a wrap around - photo by scenebykimberly.com |
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| Photo by Dianne Webster |
QUESTION OF THE DAY: Thanks to Chris for today's question. What is the back story on Nolan Bowker. Did he play high school hockey? Was he ever a goalie? Yes, Nolan was a goalie and played Junior B hockey for various teams back home in British Columbia and also in Alberta. He started as a 16 year old with the Princeton Posse, the next year played for the Port Moody Black Panthers, the next season for the Beaverlodge Blades and then finished his junior career with the Grande Prairie Kings. In his last year (2012-13), Nolan was the number one goalie for Grande Prairie as they won the regular season and playoff championship. The team's record was 32-3. Nolan played in 21 games with a GAA of 2.72 and save percentage of .907.
DID YOU KNOW: With Nolan Bowker playing last night, Allen has used four different goalies this season, (Gill, Rumpel, Di Savlo & Bowker). Last season Allen used six different goalies. Here they are with games played (regular season):
50 games - Riley Gill
12 games- Aaron Dell
10 games - J.P. Anderson
4 games - Joel Rumpel
3 games Raphael Girard
1 game - Josh Trimberger
So I assume the Barracuda called up another goalie? Kind of stinks for Joel to miss a call up!
ReplyDeleteWish we still had Peter.