Allen Americans Win First Franchise Championship In Overtime

The Allen Americans are the 2012.-13 CHL Champions, having won Game 7 against the Wichita Thunder on 05.11.13. (Photo credit: Chip Crail/CHL Photos Blog)

Allen, Texas–Winning a Championship is a big moment in team history; especially when it’s the first championship in franchise history. Last night in front of a sellout crowd of 6,125 at the Allen Event Center, the Allen Americans came back after being down two goals against the Wichita Thunder to win the CHL championship in overtime. Todd Robinson scored the game winner, closing out the game at 3-2.  Jarret Lukin, Todd Robinson and Trevor Hendrix scored the goals for the Americans while R.G. Fath had both goals for the Wichita Thunder.

The Americans had few power play chances to score the first goal in the first period, but Thunder goaltender Torrie Jung denied all attempts by Allen. At the 13:35 mark, the Americans turned the puck over in their own zone. Jung picked up the loose puck and passed it to R.G. Flath who beat Americans goaltender Aaron Dell for a 1-0 lead. After the Americans let in the first goal, the Thunder continued to steal Allen’s momentum, leaving the Americans practically lifeless in the period. Jim Mckenzie almost tied the game up, but Jung was quicker.

In the second period, the Americans had plenty of chances to tie the game up, but Jung continued to make tremendous saves. At the 6:22 mark, while shorthanded, the Thunder took a 2-0 lead with R.G. Fath landing his second goal of the game. His shot sent the puck over Aaron Dell’s glove side.

Allen’s comeback started in the third period as Jarret Lukin and Trevor Hendrikx scored consecutive goals to force overtime. Jarret Lukin made it 2-1, scoring off a rebounded puck that went past Jung’s glove at the 12:47 mark. With 2:12 left in the game,Trevor Hendrikx tied it up at two off a deflected shot by Kale Kerbashian during a scramble in front of the Thunder net. With all the momentum on the Americans’ side after tying the game up in the third period, Todd Robinson won the game for the Americans at the 17:13 mark in overtime, beating Jung on the right side.

Winning a championship is big; especially if it’s the franchise’s first championship. The Americans won big, and both the team and the fans will be able to reflect back on the season knowing all the hard work led to the ultimate victory; the franchise’s first championship.

GAME NOTES

• Allen forward Brian McMillin was named the 2013 CHL Playoff Most Valuable Player after leading all skaters with 12 goals in the playoffs and finishing with 20 points.  McMillin scored four goals in the finals including the game winner in games two and four.
• Goaltender Aaron Dell finished the playoffs with a 12-7 record with a 2.30 GAA and .916% save percentage

Ray Miron President’s Cup Finals

Allen Americans win the best of 7 series, 4 games to three.

Three Stars:
1. Todd Robinson (ALN), 1 goal, +1
2. Trevor Hendrikx (ALN), 1 goal, +1
3. R.G. Flath (WIC), 2 goals, +1

Goaltenders:
WIC- Torrie Jung (Loss- 34 saves, 3 goals allowed)
ALN- Aaron Dell (Win- 21 saves, 2 goals allowed)

Goals:
WIC: 1-1-0-0=2
ALN: 0-0-2-1=3

Shots:
WIC: 12-4-6-1=23
ALN: 6-16-12-3=37

Power Plays:
WIC: 0 for 1
ALN: 0 for 4