There will be blood

Allen Americans return to NYTEX tonight

OK, let me explain myself. There will be blood and vampires and werewolves and princesses and all the other things one would expect to see on Halloween night as the Texas Brahmas and the NYTEX Sports Centre host the Allen Americans for the first of nine games between the two teams this season.

The undefeated Americans (4-0-0, 8 points) and the Brahmas (2-2-1, 5 points) met twice during the pre-season, splitting wins. The first game, with Joe Palmer in goal, was a 4-3 win for Texas. The second game, with Jaeger in net, was a 3-1 loss.

The Americans have won all four of their road games thus far, five if you include the pre-season game at NYTEX.

Thier top three scorers include center Justin Bowers (0 G, 5 A, +2), defenseman Jordie Benn (2 G, 2 A, +1) and forward Bruce Graham (2 G, 2 A, +1).

Their top penalty taker is defenseman Brandon Straub with 28 minutes including calls for High-Sticking, Cross-Checking, Unsportsman-like Conduct, No Category Misconduct and two Fighting Majors. Could be trouble.

Rookie goaltender Chris Whitley will face off against Joe Palmer tonight. Whitley has had one start, against the Laredo Bucks. He stopped 28 of 32 shots in the 5-4 win. He has a 3.93 GAA and a .875 Save Percentage.

The Brahmas' top three scorers include forwards AJ Gale, (3 G, 4 A, +3) and Grant Jacobsen (4 G, 1 A, +1) and defenseman Kevin McLeod (3 G, 1 A, 0).

Joe Palmer has a win and an overtime loss. He has a 2.73 GAA and a .917 Save Percentage.

Special teams and defensive play should be the key tonight. Prediction? A great game!

Photo Credit: John Ell