ALLEN, Texas – The Allen Americans closed the 2011-12 regular season with their second win over the Wichita Thunder in three days, 3-1 at the Allen Event Center .
The Americans opened the scoring in the opening period when Keith Johnson buried his 14th of the season. Johnson played in his 300th professional game this afternoon. Mark Nebus had the lone assist for Allen. Nebus picked up his second point of the night in the second netting his 14th goal of the year (seventh with Allen) to give the Americans a 2-0 lead. Jason Deitsch and Jake Newton assisted on the goal. However, Wichita cut the lead to just a goal late in the second when Thomas Beauregard blasted one in the net on the power play to make it a 2-1 contest. Allen held that lead after 40 minutes of play out shooting the Thunder 27-16 after two periods.
The Americans regained their two goal lead in the third when Tyler Ludwig found the back of the net for his 4th tally of the season. Jason Deitsch and Keith Johnson were credited with the assists. Americans netminder Jon Groenheyde stopped 23 of 24 Wichita shots, picking up his first professional win. The following images were recorded on Sunday afternoon at the Allen Event Center.
Contact the photographer at chip.crail@prohockeynews.com
Wichita netminder Bryan Hogan makes a save.
Wichita goalie Bryan Hogan focuses on the puck as the action enters the crease.
Wichita%27s R.G. Flath rushes Allen goalie Jon Groenheyde.
Allen%27s Brian McMillin pursues Wichita%27s Dustin Donaghy.
Wichita defenseman Kevin Young moves on the puck as Allen%27s Brian McMillin trails closely.
Allen winger Nick Layton moves into center ice.
Wichita goalie Bryan Hogan attempts to stymie Allen winger Keith Johnson.
Teammates congratulate Americans goalie Jon Groenheyde on his first professional win.
