Americans Earn First Win Over Everett 3-1

Kennewick, WA- Captain Justin Feser got possession of the puck, and skated for the light.

Feser took the puck from the Americans’ blue line to the Everett goal and, with four seconds left, slapped it into an empty net to assure the Tri-City Americans (1-2-0-0, 2 pts) a 3-1 victory over the Everett Silvertips (0-2-0-1, 1 pt) in front of 3,082 at the Toyota Center.   

With the goal, Feser recorded the 250^th point of his WHL career. Everett has now lost three straight to start the season.

Everett scored first short-handed on a 2-on-1, with Joshua Winquist feeding it to Manraj Hayer, who deked out Comrie to slip it into the goal for a 1-0 lead. Tri-City would even up the score on a Brian Williams wrist shot during the power play at 7:18. The Americans outshot Everett 13-10 in the period and had three power plays, but could only capitalize on one chance.

The Americans would earn their first lead of the season in the second period. Michal Plutnar threw a shot at the goal during a power play, with Jordan Messier getting his rebound stopped, but Malte Strömwall’s second effort put the puck in the net for a 2-1 lead. The Americans again outshot the Silvertips 18-7 and converted one of three power play opportunities.

Both teams came out and had chances in the third period. Everett outshot Tri-City 12 to 5, but both goalies were solid in the final period. Everett had chances to tie the game, with shots ringing off the post and a good chance to tie it toward the end of the game with a Justin Feser delay-of-game penalty, but Comrie didn’t let anything by. Everett pulled goalie Austin Lotz with time winding down, but Feser put home the empty net goal as the Americans held on for the 3-1 win.  

The win marks the first of the season for the Americans and halts the opening two game losing streak. Tri-City has won the last five meetings between the two teams in Kennewick, dating back to December 3, 2011. Eric Comrie made 28 saves in the win while Lotz made 33 saves for Everett in the loss.

Tri-City will have a day off before they play their first road game of the season against U.S. Division rival Spokane Chiefs on September 29. This will be the Chiefs second game of the season following the 5-2 victory against Tri-City on September 22. The Americans have won three straight in Spokane dating back to last season. Game time is at 7:05 p.m. in the Spokane Arena. The game will be broadcast on NewsTalk 870 starting at 6:45 or on MeTv 42.2, Charter 280 or online on WHL Live at 7 p.m.

Jack in the Box Three Stars
1. Eric Comrie, Tri-City
2. Michal Plutnar, Tri-City
3. Joshua Winquist, Everett