Solid effort leads to win

The Americans played a complete game against the central divisions Kootenay Ice last night. Owsley eanred a shutout in a 4-0 workman like effort for the entire team. Seriously, everyone seemed to be at their highest level last night, and those words were echoed by the coach:

"From start to finish, our most complete game all year," said Tri-City coach Jim Hiller. "I thought we had everyone on the same page. It was a good result against a good team -- a physical team." (herald)

And physical they were. My goodness the first period was a boxing match, with a couple of fights and lots of aggresion from both teams. Sitting where we were I couldnt see who did it, but an Americans player did dump an Ice player into their own bench. All the way over. I love that, and love that our team did not back down against rough play. Wilgosh scrapped, with his porno mustache, and Sam Grist threw his body around like a 20 yr old. These guys played a great game. 

I want to point out that teams are going after Shinnimin one way or another. Its something to keep an eye on. Last night Kootenay's Kevin King was in Shinnimins ear all night and spent most of the first trying to get Shinni to fight. It was annoying because there were cheap shots taken that refs weren't bothering to help out on. Shinnimin is a threat to score (He tallied twice last night btway) and teams are going to do everything they can to keep him off the ice. He seems to be handling it well, like he expects it now. So we'll keep an eye on that. 

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Tonight is a big one. First time taking on the league leading (and dominating) Portland Winterhawks. Their resurgence has them at the top of the US division by 13 points over the Americans. There seems to be a chink in the armor that has been found though. Portland has lost 2 of their last three, including a 7-2 loss last night to Chilliwack. They will still be without right winger Seth Swenson, who is serving his last game in a suspension handed down by the league for his role in a melee fight in kamloops.

-By far the biggest threat for Portland is standout Nino Nedeiretter, who played 9 games with the New York Islanders (scoring his first NHL goal). Since returning he has scored 7 times and assisted on 7. (14 games) 

The Americans will also be tasked to hold back Ty Rattie, number 4 on the WHL Points list (15G, 25A) 

 

Keys to the game:

1) Drew has to be on it again tonight. Hopefully the shutout momentum carries over. 

2) Spencer Humphries had what seemed to be an uncharacteristic bad night last night. Lots of turnovers, he'll need to be sharper. 

3) SCORE! Americans will have to score goals tonight to keep pressure off of Drew. Look for Hughesman and Wilgosh to get on the board tonight. 

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