It is hard to a better start to a season than Tri-City Americans, 2001-born forward Sasha Mutala did on Friday. Facing the defending U.S. Division champions, Mutala was all over the ice, creating scoring opportunities constantly in a four-point performance in a 4-2 win over the Everett Silvertips.
Compiled with six points in two preseason games, Mutala clearly worked hard in the offseason and is ready to lead the way offensively for Tri-City.
“He got off to a great start in Everett. He is a mature and humble athlete and is focused,” Tri-City general manager and governor Bob Tory said of Mutala.
Americans head coach Kelly Buchberger continued the praise for the Vancouver, B.C., native.
“He came into camp in unreal shape. Right from day one, he has been working extremely hard. He went to development camp and probably got some feedback from different players in different leagues . For us, we need him to be at the top of his game.”
Mutala was drafted by the Colorado Avalanche in the fifth round of the 2019 NHL Draft. He went into development camp ready to prove the Avalanche were right to take him and just might have a steal.
“It was exciting to go back and play against those guys. Anytime you are competing against the best, it is an honor. I get excited for that kind of stuff,” Mutala said.
He then went back to the Avalanche for main camp and impressed.
“Sasha is one of our leaders. He had a very good summer training which consequently led to a good training camp. The Colorado Avalanche experience has helped him set goals for training and development which has only increased his focus and determination,” Tory said.
Now that he is back with the Americans, Mutala is excited to lead what he sees as a talented team ready to make some noise.
“It’s early right now, but we have a lot of young guys with good skill and potential. We have good top-end talent. I think we have one of the best goalies in the league in Beck. He will give us a chance to win every night,” Mutala said.
“I think we are a good team and ready for a run.”
Notes…
-Tri-City fell on Saturday 6-1 on the road to Portland. After going 2-for-4 on the power play in Friday’s win, they went 0-for-5 on Saturday.