Stay-Puft
09-21-2005, 05:56 PM
Tri-City Americans
Although the Americans got off to a rough start during the 2004-05 season, a series of trades and a little bit of chemistry helped the club come on strong at the end of the season. Tri-City would go onto to take over the fourth and final spot in the U.S. Division, which also landed them in the playoffs.
This year maybe another challenge season for head coach Don Nachbaur and the Americans, as many key players from last season’s squad have moved on. The teams overall success will depend if Nachbaur’s go-to players cash in on their chances and carry consistency throughout year.
Up front, the team welcomes back Matt Schneider (CGY), Riley Emmerson (MIN) and Juraj Gracik (ATL). Schneider is a big center that stands at 6’7, and 190 pounds. He will continue to grow into his large frame, but is already a monster in down low on the forecheck, most notably in close. Emmerson is another big forward that is listed at 6’8, 230 lbs. Although he is not an offensive threat, he can skate at defense and he’s also a willing enforcer. Gracik is a skilled winger who can score. He had a below average 2004-05 rookie season, but the team is banking he will be back and have the success that helped put him on the radar in his draft year. He already had a successful Traverse City tournament with the Thrashers.
Tri-City will also have newcomer Donnie Glennie (2006 eligible) and second-year left wing, Chris Inglis (2006 eligible) to help out. The Americans picked up Glennie in a trade with Medicine Hat during the preseason. He led the Manitoba midget AAA league with 88 points (37 goals, 51 assists). Inglis is another older and has another year of experience under his belt. He’s got the skill, but may take a longer time to bloom than others his age.
The franchise’s defense took a big hit because they lost three key players in Shawn Belle (DAL), Clayton Stoner (MIN) and Andy Thompson (free agent).
Returning is fourth-year rearguard Logan Stephenson (PHX), Matt Swaby (2006 eligible) and Mike McDonald (2006 eligible). Stephenson is a defensive defensemen who has the poise and leadership skills to guide a young defensive unit. Swaby, who is barely scratching 6’0, is a good overall blueliner who needs to look to develop his offensive game with the loss of Belle and Stoner. McDonald came to the Am’s last year in a trade involving the Vancouver Giants. He spent the season in junior B, but needs to make the transaction this season.
The Americans do have the best goalie in all the WHL returning this season. Carey Price (MTL) will be between the pipes for his third season with the team. The 2005 first round, fifth overall pick of Canadiens has been busy during the off-season with Team Canada, Canadiens rookie camp and then main training camp. He is an established hybrid goalie who will be the backbone of the Americans this season.
Part of US Division Review on www.hockeysfuture.com
Although the Americans got off to a rough start during the 2004-05 season, a series of trades and a little bit of chemistry helped the club come on strong at the end of the season. Tri-City would go onto to take over the fourth and final spot in the U.S. Division, which also landed them in the playoffs.
This year maybe another challenge season for head coach Don Nachbaur and the Americans, as many key players from last season’s squad have moved on. The teams overall success will depend if Nachbaur’s go-to players cash in on their chances and carry consistency throughout year.
Up front, the team welcomes back Matt Schneider (CGY), Riley Emmerson (MIN) and Juraj Gracik (ATL). Schneider is a big center that stands at 6’7, and 190 pounds. He will continue to grow into his large frame, but is already a monster in down low on the forecheck, most notably in close. Emmerson is another big forward that is listed at 6’8, 230 lbs. Although he is not an offensive threat, he can skate at defense and he’s also a willing enforcer. Gracik is a skilled winger who can score. He had a below average 2004-05 rookie season, but the team is banking he will be back and have the success that helped put him on the radar in his draft year. He already had a successful Traverse City tournament with the Thrashers.
Tri-City will also have newcomer Donnie Glennie (2006 eligible) and second-year left wing, Chris Inglis (2006 eligible) to help out. The Americans picked up Glennie in a trade with Medicine Hat during the preseason. He led the Manitoba midget AAA league with 88 points (37 goals, 51 assists). Inglis is another older and has another year of experience under his belt. He’s got the skill, but may take a longer time to bloom than others his age.
The franchise’s defense took a big hit because they lost three key players in Shawn Belle (DAL), Clayton Stoner (MIN) and Andy Thompson (free agent).
Returning is fourth-year rearguard Logan Stephenson (PHX), Matt Swaby (2006 eligible) and Mike McDonald (2006 eligible). Stephenson is a defensive defensemen who has the poise and leadership skills to guide a young defensive unit. Swaby, who is barely scratching 6’0, is a good overall blueliner who needs to look to develop his offensive game with the loss of Belle and Stoner. McDonald came to the Am’s last year in a trade involving the Vancouver Giants. He spent the season in junior B, but needs to make the transaction this season.
The Americans do have the best goalie in all the WHL returning this season. Carey Price (MTL) will be between the pipes for his third season with the team. The 2005 first round, fifth overall pick of Canadiens has been busy during the off-season with Team Canada, Canadiens rookie camp and then main training camp. He is an established hybrid goalie who will be the backbone of the Americans this season.
Part of US Division Review on www.hockeysfuture.com