Allen Americans forward Justin Bowers celebrates after scoring in the first period. The Americans went on to win the game, in a shootout, 4-3 over the visiting Texas Brahmas. (photo credit: John O'Neill)
The Allen Americans added another page to the growing rivalry with their cross-town foes, the Texas Brahmas, on Saturday night. In a physical, emotionally-fueled game, the teams had to go to the overtime frame and then the shootout to determine the winner. The Americans struck hard and fast, netting three in the shootout, and took away the victory, 4-3.
But, the win may have come with a price. Americans goaltender Charlie Effinger, recently returned to the team by the AHL’s Texas Stars, made the start in goal and took a punishing hit from Brahmas forward James Hiebert in the first period. Hiebert was given a five-minute major penalty for charging, as well as a ten-minute game misconduct for the charge. Effinger was down for several minutes before recovering to play the remaining 3:12 of the first period. He did not return to the net for the rest of the night, as Chris Whitley finished out the game.
Allen Americans head coach Dwight Mullins was not reserved with his feelings about the hit.
“I think it was absolutely disgusting,” said Mullins. “I’m really hoping the league takes a stand on that. It was a blatant attempt to injure. It doesn’t look good on our league, and it doesn’t look good on the (Brahmas) organization. You have a player (Effinger) who has exemplified himself tremendously for this league and for our organization and now is potentially facing a long-term injury. I think it’s absolutely disgusting.”
Teammate Justin Bowers, who had a goal and an assist in the Americans win, echoed the coach’s sentiments from a player’s perspective.
“It’s no good for hockey and it’s no good for their organization. I’m sure their team wasn’t happy about it. He’ll get his repercussions for it and I’m sure the league will take care of it. But, for sure, we step it up when something like that happens and it gives us maybe a little bit more ammunition.”
Regardless of the potential of an incident like that to amp up the emotions, both teams seemed to put the incident behind them pretty quickly. The remainder of the game was physical and contentious; both teams had their turns in control.
For the Brahmas, Kevin McLeod had the hot hand. McLeod scored all three goals for the Brahmas, picking up the hat trick. McLeod had to leave the game in the third period, though, with what appeared to be a laceration to the head.
The Americans had multiple contributors to their win. Bowers, Kurtis Dulle and Nino Musitelli all scored for Allen in the win. Ryan Fairbarn was credited with the game-winner in the shootout. Musitelli also had an assist in the game (on Bowers’ goal) and extended his point streak to 11 games.
“Streaks, they come and go,” Musitelli said. “You get hot sometimes and sometimes you kinda have to battle for it. You take each day day-by-day and take care of your body because it’s a pretty long season.”
That season continues on Sunday, as the Americans will host the Rio Grande Valley Killer Bees.
Photos by: John O’Neill
