Hank Crone's natural hat trick was all the Americans needed in their win over the Utah Grizzlies.
The Allen Americans opened a homestand with a School Day morning contest against the Utah Grizzlies at CUTX Event Center.
Hank Crone gave the kids in attendance a taste of what it’s like to throw hats on the ice, scoring a natural hat trick, which accounted for all three of Allen’s goals in a 3-2 victory.
Over 6,000 School Kids were in attendance, making it the fourth time this season the Americans had a crowd over 6,000.
The hatty gave Crone his fourth, fifth, and sixth goals of the season. He’s now tied with Michael Gildon and Brayden Watts for the team lead in goals, and one point behind Watts for the team lead in points.
“It was a great win for us today in front of a big crowd,” Crone said after the win. “I need to thank my linemates for helping make it happen. The hat trick is nice, but getting the win is all that matters”
Jack Ricketts and Neil Shea got the only two goals for the Grizzlies. David Tendeck had his best game in an Americans sweater, stopping 45 shots. 20 of the 47 total shots came in the third period.
Tendeck made his second consecutive start for Allen and appeared in his third straight game. He came on in relief of Marco Costantini on Friday night, after the Allen netminder suffered a lower-body injury.
Both teams were shut out on the power play on Wednesday morning. The Americans were 0-for-3, while the Grizzlies went 0-for-4.
“Hank (Crone) and David (Tendeck) had big games,” Americans head coach Steve Martinson said. “Crone is moving and creating offense. It’s time to get everyone going and put some wins together.”
Crone led the Americans in shots with six. Utah’s Reed Lebster had eight shots on goal.
The Americans and Grizzlies resume the three-game series on Friday night at CUTX Event Center. Game time is at 7:10 PM CST. Allen leads the season series 3-1.