Photo – Ed Bailey
Steve Martinson Postgame Interview
Wichita, Kansas – The Allen Americans, ECHL affiliate of the Seattle Kraken (NHL), started the post-Christmas break with a win over the Wichita Thunder on Wednesday night, by a 5-3 score at Intrust Bank Arena.
The line of Chad Butcher, Jack Combs and Branden Troock was the best line on the ice for either team. Troock led the way for Allen with three goals and an assist. The third hat trick by an Americans player this season joining Luke Henman and Gavin Gould.
“That line could have had more,” said Allen Americans Head Coach and GM Steve Martinson. “They had more quality shots that could have gone in the net. This win was big for us. We need to start moving up in the standings. Tonight, was a good start to a busy week.”
Jack Combs added a goal and two assists to extend his goal streak to four games and his point streak to five games. Combs streak is the current longest on the team.
Tonight, was easy for me, said Americans forward Jack Combs. “I just passed the puck to Troock (Branden), and then put my arms up in the air to celebrate.”
Chad Butcher had two assists in his return to the Allen lineup. Butcher had not played in a game for the Americans since November 13th.
The Americans continue their four games in five nights’ on New Year’s Eve against the Idaho Steelheads at 6:05 pm.
About the Allen AMERICANS
The Allen AMERICANS PROFESSIONAL HOCKEY CLUB is a member of the ECHL, the world’s top Double-A hockey league, and is the affiliate of the National Hockey League’s (NHL) Seattle Kraken.
Founded in 2009, the club is owned by Jack D. Gulati, known internationally as the “Serial Entrepreneur.” Championship Hockey is the backbone of the franchise, with the Red having captured back-to-back ECHL Kelly Cup Championships in 2014-15 & 2015-16 and two Central Hockey League President’s Cups in 2012-13 & 2013-14. Over the years, more than 323 players have worn the Red Sweater, with 3 AMERICANS having moved up to play in the NHL.
Tickets for home games at the Credit Union of Texas Event Center are available at AllenAmericans.com/tickets or by calling 972-912-1000.
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