The Allen Americans gutted out a close 5-3 win against the Wichita Thunder.

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

Phil Fox was all over the ice for Allen, as he grabbed two goals in the win. Fox's tallies came at 12:56 into the second period to make the score 2-2 and 19:11 into the third to make the score 5-3 Allen.

The Americans put up an impenetrable defensive front on the penalty kill, and did not allow Wichita to score on any of its three power plays. Allen's offense was clicking better than usual and put 45 shots on goal during the game, better than the 29.0 shots per game it averages.

Allen also got points from Kale Kerbashian, who also racked up one goal and two assists to lead the team in points. Allen also got a goal from Tyler Ludwig as well. Other players who recorded assists for Allen were Gregor Hanson, who had two and Mike Berube, Brian McMillin, Alex Lavoie, Trevor Ludwig, and Darryl Bootland, who contributed one a piece.

The Thunder's penalty kill was spotless, allowing no goals on four Allen power plays. By firing 33 shots on goal, Wichita exceeded the 26.0 shots it averages per game this year.

The Thunder were helped by Jared Walker, who registered one goal. Walker scored 14:58 into the second period to make the score 3-2 Wichita. Erick Lizon picked up the assist. Wichita also had goals scored by Jason Wilson and RG Flath, who each put in one. More assists for Wichita came via Jon Madden, Jon Booras, and Dustin Donaghy, who each chipped in one.

Bryan Pitton made 30 saves for the Americans on 33 shots. Allen incurred six minutes in penalty time with three minors. Wichita's David Brown stopped 40 shots out of the 44 that he faced. The Thunder incurred 10 minutes in penalty time with five minors.