Americans forward Colton Yellow Horn and Bucks forward Ryan Sparling in action. (Photo Credit: Chip Crail/CHLPhotos.com)
The Allen Americans struggles against the Bucks continued this evening with a 5-0 loss to Laredo in front of 1,893 at the Laredo Energy Arena. The loss drops the Americans record to 29-14-9 on the season and puts Allen 5 points back of Wichita in the race for the Berry Conference lead.
Here is the team’s official press release:
Laredo, Texas – The Allen Americans travelled to south Texas Saturday night to take on the Laredo Bucks in their four game set that began last night at the Allen Event Center. The two teams have faced each other eight times already this season with Laredo evening the series 4-4 with a 4-1 victory Friday night.
The first period saw a good pace for both teams at either end of the ice and shots on goal tied at 13-13 for the two clubs. The Americans were unable to capitalize on two late period power play opportunities and at the first buzzer the game remained scoreless.
The second period saw Laredo take a commanding 3-0 lead by the buzzer. Neil Trimm opened the scoring for the Bucks at 3:43 off assists by Matt Boyd and Tyler Stitt. Trimm’s goal was followed up four minutes later by Erik Boisvert’s unassisted first goal of the game at 7:41. Boisvert then capped off the Laredo scoring rush at the midway point of the period at 9:53, assisted by Neil Trimm and Matt Boyd. Allen was unable to convert on the lone power play of the middle frame. The Bucks outshot the Americans 11-9 in the period to take the lead there as well through two periods, 24-22.
In the third period, A.J. Hau scored at 7:49 assisted by Adam Rivet and Ryan Sparling to extend their lead to 4-0. The Bucks added a final marker with 1:39 remaining in the game when Justin Styffe lit the lamp off a pass from Joseph Harcharik. Laredo outshot the Americans in the third period by a count of 11-9 again for a three period total 35-31.
With the win, Laredo takes a 5-4 lead in the season series with the Allen Americans. The Americans look to bounce back when they return to Laredo next weekend to conclude their four game set; the puck drop is scheduled for 7:35PM Friday night.
