In a game where neither team could get a cushion, the Allen Americans escaped with a 3-2 victory over the Wichita Thunder.

Neither team gained more than a two-goal lead, and Darryl Bootland's goal in the third period proved to be the difference maker.

Wichita's power play was ineffective against Allen's penalty kill, which allowed one goal while shorthanded.

The Americans were led by Bootland, who had one goal and one assist. Bootland scored 5:43 into the third period to make the score 3-2 Allen. Jason Deitsch picked up the assist.

Allen forced its penalty killing units to work especially hard during the game, picking up 10 minors and two majors for 30 minutes in penalty time. The Americans surpassed its season average of 20.0 penalty minutes per game.

Allen additionally got points from Anthony Maiani, who also tallied one goal and one assist. Allen also got a goal from Trevor Ludwig as well. In addition, Allen received assists from Mike Montgomery and Adam Pineault, who contributed one a piece.

The the Thunder penalty box was a popular destination as the team totaled seven minors and two majors for 24 minutes in penalty time. Wichita had been averaging 16.0 minutes in penalties per game. The Thunder relied on a core group of players for most of their offense, as Gregor Hanson, Kevin Young and Ian Lowe took 13 of the team's 24 shots.

More assists for Wichita came via Neil Trimm, Nathan Lutz, and Andrew Martens, who each chipped in one.

Aaron Dell recorded 22 saves for Allen. The Americans registered one goal on seven power play opportunities. Torrie Jung made 18 saves for Wichita on 21 shots.