i would really like to see kelowna as an americans fan.
reason being kelowna didn't beat us all year if i recall. seattle though had our number a few nights and that series where seattle embarrased the boys last year is still fresh in my mind.
as far as tough places to play yah kelowna is a tough place BUT the americans can win there. seattle gave us trouble when we were up there this season. it's just an odd rink to play on and is hard to get used to.
as far as physicality and who would have a toll on us i think both teams are very very physical and as kelowna proved the last time we played them here they aren't afraid of intimidating anyone by crashing the net or taking liberties on players. seattle is just as capable though. i remember last year scott jackson was being his usual physical presence all series and it really had it's effect. mckinzie and olson can be just as physical though.
bottom line we can beat either team if we play how we did vs kamloops. minus the 2nd period of tuesdays game and it was a very dominating effort from what i saw. i really liked how the boys stepped up in front of pickard and showed they weren't going to be pushed around. stoklassa's fight in game 1 was a big part of that as well. we definitely need to work on the road powerplay if we want to go anywhere though especially since seattle and kelowna will take lots of penalties vs us.
Tri-City Americans 2008 WHL Regular Season Champions! vci34