ALLEN, Texas – The Allen Americans (8-2-3, 19 Points) took over the top spot in the Central Hockey League with a 6-1 win over Rapid City (6-5-1) on Saturday night , sweeping their two-game weekend set with the Rush.
Allen center Bruce Graham scored his 7th, 8th and 9th goals of the season, leading the Americans to their second straight win and seventh in their last eight games.
Graham became the second American player to record a hat trick this weekend, following up Jarret Lukin’s hat trick last night in a 5-4 win. Graham and Lukin also became the first Americans players to score hat tricks in consecutive games.
With his four point night, Graham moved into second place overall in the Central Hockey League with 19 points (9 G, 10 A, +4).
“Our group has gained a lot of confidence over this past stretch of games” Americans Head Coach and GM Dwight Mullins said . “We earned these four points this weekend.”
Allen scored five unanswered goals after Konrad Reeder tied it for Rapid City on a power play in the first period. Graham, along with Trevor Hendrikx, Colton Yellow Horn and Jim McKenzie provided plenty of offense in Allen’s 6-1 win.
“A big win against a big rival,” Americans two-time CHL All-Star Bruce Graham said. “Things are clicking right now, and everyone seems to be pulling in the right direction.”
Pro Hockey News’ Chip Crail photographed all the action at the Allen Event Center this weekend and has submitted the following images from Saturday night’s contest.
Allen%27s Bruce Graham on the attack. Graham had four points on the night (3 G%2C 1 A%2C %2B1).
Rapid City defenseman Carl Hudson pursues the puck with Allen%27s Colton Yellow Horn in tow.
Allen goalie Marco Cousineau blocks a shot from Rapid City%27s Patrick Knowlton.
Allen%27s Jim McKenzie send a shot past Rush net minder Tim Boron.
Rapid City%27s Les Reaney is stymied with a stick save by Allen%27s Marco Cousineau.
Allen%27s Nick Layton sends a backhander towards Rapid City%27s Danny Battochio.
Allen will be on the road this weekend at Missouri on Friday night and at Bloomington on Saturday night. Contact the writer at robert.keith@prohockeynews.com Contact the photographer at chip.crail@prohockeynews.com
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