ALLEN, Texas – The Allen Americans won the battle for the top spot in the Central Hockey League’s Berry Conference, downing the visiting Wichita Thunder 5-3 last night at the Allen Events Center.
Wichita raced out to a 2-0 first period lead on a pair of goals from Matt Robinson, his 7th and 8th of the season. Aaron Davis assisted on both strikes. The Thunder out shot Allen 16 to 11 after 20 minutes.
The Americans responded in the middle frame with three unanswered goals before the Thunder struck again late in the period. Allen got on the board at the 9:53 mark when veteran center Jason Deitsch netted his second goal in as many games, beating Wichita goalie Ryan McDonald on a feed from Bruce Graham to make it 2-1.
Thirty-four seconds later, Dominic D’Amour tied it with his first goal in an Americans sweater with Jarret Lukin picking up the lone assist.
Allen took a brief lead with a little over three minutes remaining in the period when Nick Layton beat MacDonald with a quick shot from the slot to make it 3-2.
The Thunder responded 18 seconds later with a blast from Justin Sawyer from the high-slot, to even the score once again at 3-3. Allen out shot Wichita 17-8 in the second period. 9:54 into the third period, Jarret Lukin broke the tie with the eventual game winner during a power play when he sent in a quick shot from just outside the left face-off circle. With 59 seconds left to play, Trevor Hendrikx put the cap on the game with a power play blast from the high-slot, netting his third goal of the season and 100th career point. “It was a big win in the battle for first place,” Americans forward Jason Deitsch said. “We started off slow, but battled back and worked hard for the two points.” The victory gave Allen (12-4-3, 27 points) a three point lead over the second place Thunder (12-6-0, 24 points). Pro Hockey News’ Chip Crail recorded all the action at the Allen Events Center last night and has submitted the following images.
Americans President Matt Canavan presenting Marco Cousineau with his CHL Goaltender of the Week and Month awards.
The Thunder%27s Aaron Davis battles Allen winger Keith Johnson.
Wichita%27s Alex Bourret and Allen%27s Jason Deitsch collide while fighting for the puck.
Justin Sawyer celebrates his second period goal.
The Americans celebrate a goal.
Allen%27s Marco Cousineau stops a shot by Matt Robinson. Robinson beat Cousineau twice on five shots.
Wichita defenseman Jarred Mohr fights Allen%27s Nick Layton for the puck.
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