I don’t know about you, but I feel like there has not been enough conversation about the Tri-City Americans since the season began. It’s time to change that, so let’s check in on how everything has been going out in Kennewick.
After starting their season with a statement shootout win over the Portland Winterhawks at home, the Tri-City Americans faced the Spokane Chiefs for their next three. Taking the first one and dropping the next two, the Ams went on a nine-game losing streak, collecting a point in just one of the nine. The Americans are the kind of team you just want to root for, and, despite what their current record shows, they are certainly on their way up.
Ending the month of November with a 4-11-2-0 record, the Americans have gotten off to a slow start but have seen some shining moments from their roster.
The future of this team is bright. Especially the younger members of this roster have been proving themselves more than capable of carrying the torch moving forward. This team is shaping up to be a strong contender in the near future, and if you are not excited about that, you should be.
October and November Trades
October 22: Acquired 2002 BY Ethan Ernst for a seventh-round pick in 2002
October 31: Traded 2002 BY Landon Roberts to the Wheat Kings for a seventh-round pick in 2024
November 7: Traded Talyn Boyko to the Kelowna Rockets for Cole Tisdale and a third-round pick in 2024; both goaltenders are 2002 BY
The Americans have completed a trade with the Kelowna Rockets, acquiring Cole Tisdale (G) and a third round pick.
READ 🔄 » https://t.co/FWFG6KapLl pic.twitter.com/iVxAPEbREo
— Tri-City Americans (@TCAmericans) November 7, 2021
Keep an eye on:
Dwayne Jean Jr.: No surprises here, but Dwayne Jean Jr. is a player everybody should be watching. Though he has just four points in 16 games this season, just as the Ams as a whole, the points don’t tell you the entire story in this case. The 2004-born forward will be a threat to the rest of the league as his career continues. Yes, that is a personal prediction.
Deagen McMillan: Another Americans forward with a points total that does not do his performance justice; the 2005-born McMillan will catch your eye any time you tune in for a Tri-City tilt this season. He has a number of years of WHL eligibility left, and I don’t know about you, but I’m excited to see how they play out.
Marc Lajoie: At this point, I feel like this is a name people should be expecting on this list. Lajoie has made himself a bit of a favorite among Tri-City fans. The 2003-born defenseman has been a prominent figure over the last three seasons, and you can be sure to look to him to continue to make a positive impact throughout the rest of the season (and for a few years to come).
Nick Avakyan: It wouldn’t be a post from me if there was no goalie mentioned. The 17-year-old netminder from Glendale, CA, has been putting in the work and cranking out the saves for his team. He will be a big piece for this team once everything starts to click for this Tri-City roster. Look for him to continue to perform in the crease and maybe steal a few games for his team this season.
How about Nick Avakyan making 48 saves in his first WHL start last night? 🤩#AmsNation pic.twitter.com/8PabbTX9OI
— Tri-City Americans (@TCAmericans) November 7, 2021
