NORTH RICHLAND HILLS, Texas – The Allen Americans faced down their cross-town rivals, the Texas Brahmas in a Sunday afternoon matinee game to finish the three-game weekend set between the two clubs. Allen defeated Texas on Friday and Saturday evenings and were looking to close out the important weekend sweep with a victory at the NYTEX Sports Centre.
The Allen Americans got on the scoreboard in the latter stages of the first period when Tyler Ludwig netted his 3rd goal of the season, assisted by Jake Newton and Bruce Graham at the 18:11 mark. Texas was unable to find an equalizer and the score remained unchanged although the Brahma’s handily out shot the Americans 10-3 in the period.
In the second period, the Americans extended their lead to 2-0 when Joshua Hepditch recorded his 10th goal of the season off feeds from Jake Newton and Brian McMillin. The physical play increased through the period as the two teams continued to bring playoff intensity to the ice. The intensity culminated in Dylan King and Tyler Barr doffing the mitts and earning a five-minute rest in the box each for fighting at 19:11. Allen and Texas were tied in shots on goal in the second period 10-10 for a two period total of 20-13 in favor of the Brahmas.
The Brahmas pressed hard at the outset of the third period, outshooting the Americans 4-1 in the first minutes and were able to capitalize at 4:31 when Sy Nutkevitch lit the lamp to cut the Americans lead in half. Ross Rouleau and Thomas Galiani earned the assists on the Nutkevitch marker for Texas. The rest of the third period settled down into a tight checking affair with neither team really gaining a clear edge on shots and the Americans held off the Brahma’s to earn the 2-1 victory. Shots in the third period were 8-7 again in favor of the Brahma’s who carried a three period total 28-20 in the loss.
The weekend sweep locks up 2nd place in the Berry Conference for the Allen Americans along with the all important home ice advantage when they meet their cross-town rivals in the post-season which begins in less than two weeks. The following photos were recorded at the NYTEX Sports Centre on Sunday.
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Contact the photographer at robert.keith@prohockeynews.com
Americans defenseman Tyler Ludwig looks to make a pass.
Brahmas forward Thomas Galiani moves the puck into the offensive zone.
Allen%27s Mark Nebus keeps the pressure on Texas defenseman Ross Rouleau.
The Americans celebrate Joshua Hepditch%27s game-winning goal.
Visiting Americans fans cheer after an Allen goal.
Linesman Cory Piche breaks up a spat between Allen defenseman Joshua Hepditch and Texas forward Ryan Hand.
Brahmas forward Thomas Galiani moves the puck into the offensive zone.
Texas captain Adam Hogg and Allen defenseman Erik Adams battle for the puck in front of the Americans%27 crease.
A helmetless Mark Nebus and Texas forward Brendon Hodge watch the action across the ice.
Allen goalie Rejean Beauchemin clears the puck.
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