ALLEN, Texas – The Allen Americans snapped a four-game losing streak Tuesday night in Laredo, defeating the Bucks 4-3 in front of a crowd of 2,683 at the Laredo Energy Arena. 
Laredo opened the scoring with a power play goal from Daniel Koger 8:11 into the first period. Jeff Bes and Jeff Hazelwood assisted on the goal for the Bucks.
Determined to break their recent skid, the Americans roared back to tie the game on Jonathon Zion’s second tally of the season, 15:45 into the first frame. Nino Musitelli then gave the Americans the lead 2:45 into the second period before Bruce Graham potted his team-leading 28th goal with just over a minute remaining to make it 3-1 heading into the third.
Americans goaltender Chris Whitley stopped 15 of 16 Bucks shots through the first two periods of play, while Torrie Jung turned aside 20 of 23 at the other end of the ice.
In the third frame, the Americans peppered Jung early, and cashed in at 10:54 with a Brian McMillin tally from Iain McPhee and Tobias Whelan.
Laredo attempted to mount a comeback late in the game with a pair of goals from David Inman just over two minutes apart, which made it a 4-3 game.
Whitley was able to slam the door shut for the remainder of the game and preserve a victory for his club.
With the win, Allen officially secured a playoff spot in the 2011 Ray Miron President’s Cup Playoffs; the first club in the league to clinch thus far.
The Americans (35-11-2) are in Hidalgo, Texas tonight to play the Rio Grande Valley Killer Bees (21-25-5). Following tonight’s contest, the Americans will return home to the Allen Event Center for a Friday night battle with the Texas Brahmas, followed by a Saturday night game with the Bloomington PrairieThunder, who will make their first ever appearance in Allen. Contact comments@prohockeynews.com
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