Americans punch ticket to Kelly Cup Finals with 3-1 win over Reign

ALLEN, Texas – The Allen Americans defeated the Ontario Reign with a fitting 3-1 score on Wednesday evening, advancing on to the Kelly Cup Finals in historic fashion. The Americans climbed the mountain and reigned supreme winning the Western Conference title and becoming only the fifth team in ECHL history to come back from a 3-1 series deficit.

Allen’s performance should quell any wonder as to whether or not the newly added, former CHL teams can compete in the ECHL. The Americans have shown that not only can these teams compete in the league; they can win their conference title.

The Americans clearly had the momentum going into Wednesday night’s game at the Allen Event Center after battling back to force a deciding game seven, and they wasted no time in finishing what they started. Just 1:18 into the opening period, Tyler Ludwig lit the lamp with assists from Justin Baker and Greger Hanson to give the Americans the 1-0 lead.

Ontario brought the game level late in second period on a goal by Tristan King, assisted by Judd Blackwater at 16:13. The Reign’s hopes were then dashed by a late period goal from Gary Steffes, the eventual game winner at 19:12, with Justin Baker chipping in his second assist of the night.

Third period action was tense and tight, both team’s trading just eight shots apiece until the Americans capped the scoring in the waning seconds when Chris Crane scored an empty netter to secure the Americans victory and their first Western Conference Championship in the ECHL.

The final table has been set with reservations for two as the Allen Americans and the South Carolina Stingrays will begin the battle for the Kelly Cup in the ECHL Finals beginning this Sunday at the Allen Event Center, the puck drop is scheduled for 4:05PM CST.