KENNEWICK, WA - After seven scoreless periods of hockey, the Tri-City Americans (2-3-1-1) finally broke through to down the Portland Winter Hawks (1-5-0-0) 4-1 at the Toyota Center in Kennewick. It was both teams' final pre-season tune-up before the Western Hockey League officially kicks-off its 42nd year next week.

While on the power play, the 'Hawks struck first in the contest. With less than six minutes to play in the first period, Portland's Matt Schmermund beat Tri-City goaltender Chet Pickard to put the 'Hawks up 1-0.

However, just three minutes into the second period, Tri-City tied the game at 1-all. While short-handed, Kruise Reddick broke out Taylor Procyshen, who then beat Portland net minder, Mark Guggenberger, for his first goal of the pre-season. Then, with less than three minutes remaining in the period and on the power play, Petr Stoklasa netted his second game-winning goal of the pre-season to put Tri-City on top for good.

The Americans notched two more goals in the third period after Shaun Vey connected at the six minute mark and Reddick registered an empty-netter with a minute and a half remaining in regulation. Pickard stopped 24 of the 25 shots he faced in the victory. Meanwhile, Guggenberger collected 45 saves on the night.