Blazers lose 4-2 to Americans

Oct 15, 2016 | 7:31 AM

KENNEWICK, WA — The Kamloops Blazers slow start cost them in a 4-2 road loss in Tri-Cities on Friday night.

The Americans came out with a strong first period and got power play goals from Michael Rasmussen and Parker Wotherspoon to jump out to a 2-0 first period lead. They outshot the Blazers 14-5 in the period.

Nick Chyzowski, who was one of the best Blazers on the night, pulled the hockey club within a goal. He drove wide and slipped a shot five-hole past goaltender Rylan Parenteau.

Rasmussen restored the two-goal lead late in the period. The Blazers couldn’t get the puck out of their zone and Rasmussen made a move and slid a puck underneath goaltender Connor Ingramto give the Americans a 3-1 lead through two periods.

Travis Walton got the Blazers back within a goal midway through the third period. He took a pass from Matt Revel and scored his first career WHL goal.

The Blazers had a late power play, but didn’t score and gave up an empty net goal in the process to make it a 4-2 final for the Americans.

The Americans were 2-for-3 on the power play, while the Blazers were 0-for-2. Connor Ingramwas busy in goal with 33 saves on 36 shots, while Rylan Parenteau earned his first win with the Americans with 28 saves.

After a stretch of eight of their first 10 games on the road, the Blazers will now enjoy some home cookin’ as they play 15 of their next 20 games at home.