Doug Love
U.S. Division, WHL Schedule

Tri-City Americans 21-22 Schedule: what to look forward to

Written by Jessica Mosley on

 

For the Tri-City American’s returning to play isn’t new; in March of 2021, they returned for a shortened season, playing just 18 of the expected 24-game shortened season. However, for many, playing a full 68 game season might seem like a novel idea. It’s hard to believe, but an entire season in the WHL hasn’t been played since the 18-19 season. That almost feels like a lifetime ago.

Return to ‘normal’

The 21-22 season, while expected to be a full season, will see a few differences in how it gets handled. Most notably, the annual meeting of the East Conference and West Conference clubs will not take place. The US Division will instead stick to what it knows best; continuing rivalries in their backyard.

Unlike last year’s strictly divisional play, the Tri-City Americans will get to see the BC Division clubs. The Americans will play each of the five Western Canadian teams four times, twice at home and twice on the road. The WHL opening up the divisional play between all of the West teams allows for more excitement. It was fun last season, being able to watch the Americans battle the US teams, but we can hardly deny that the prospect of playing other teams is one to celebrate.

Not the US but still the West

Friday, October 15, 2021, marks the first time since March 8, 2020, that the Tri-City Americans will have played a team that is not in the US division. Their last game of the cut short 19-20 season was at home against Kamloops. Their first game against a BC division team will be at home against Kamloops.

The first of many

Tri-City opens the season on Friday, October 1, 2021, against the Portland Winterhawks at the Toyota Center in Kennewick. It will be the first of 12 meetings against the Portland Winterhawks for Tri-City. They are expected to open with fans in the stands and no restrictions on occupancy. Then, on October 2, 2021, they kindly lend a hand to the Spokane Chiefs to open their season.

The schedule for the Americans is relatively standard, with very little standing out. They will play each of the US division teams 12 times, six at home and six away. They won’t meet Seattle or Everett until the early part of November, instead, they’ll be giving their attention in October to Portland and Spokane and BC teams, including Kamloops, Kelowna, and Victoria.

Closing out the season, Tri-City faces Everett at home on April 2, 2022. Now, we don’t want to talk about the season-ending before it’s begun, but like all good things, even hockey has to end.

The Western Hockey League has plans for playoffs, which is an improvement from the last two seasons, but not much is known about it. However, the East and West will finally, after two years, meet during the playoffs, and that’s something to look forward to.