Tri-City Americans

Tri-City Americans. The Tri-City Americans are a major junior ice hockey team based in Kennewick, Washington, and are members of the U.S. Division of the Western Conference in the Western Hockey League. The franchise, which began play in the 1988–89 WHL season, represents the Tri-Cities, Washington area, also including Pasco and Richland. Competing in one of the premier development leagues for the National Hockey League, the team has developed numerous professional players and won its first Ed Chynoweth Cup as WHL champion in the 2010 WHL playoffs.

History

The franchise originated as the New Westminster Bruins, a founding member of the Western Canada Hockey League in 1966, before relocating to become the Kamloops Blazers in 1981. In 1988, the franchise was transferred to Tri-Cities, Washington, becoming the Americans, marking the WHL's return to the Pacific Northwest after the departure of the Portland Winterhawks briefly in the 1970s. Early years were challenging, but stability came under the ownership group led by former Washington Capitals goaltender Olaf Kolzig and Dallas Stars forward Stu Barnes. A significant turning point was the hiring of general manager Bob Tory in 2003, who built a consistent contender, culminating in the team's first appearance in the WHL Championship Series in 2008 and their championship victory in 2010 under coach Jim Hiller.

Season-by-season results

Since their inaugural season, the team has qualified for the WHL playoffs numerous times, with notable runs occurring in the late 2000s and early 2010s. The 2007–08 WHL season saw them finish first in the U.S. Division and advance to the finals, losing to the Spokane Chiefs. Their championship season in 2009–10 was followed by another strong campaign in 2011–12, where they again reached the WHL finals. Recent seasons have seen competitive teams, including a Western Conference finals appearance in 2018. Complete season records, including regular season standings and playoff results, are documented in the Western Hockey League's official guides and reflect the team's periods of rebuilding and contention.

Players

The roster has featured many players who have advanced to the National Hockey League, including notable alumni such as Carey Price, who won the Hart Memorial Trophy and Vezina Trophy with the Montreal Canadiens, and Olli Jokinen, a longtime Florida Panthers captain. Other prominent graduates include goaltender Eric Comrie of the Winnipeg Jets, defenseman Dylan McIlrath of the Washington Capitals, and forward Adam Hughesman. The team has also been led on ice by captains like Kruise Reddick and has seen numerous players selected in the NHL Entry Draft, contributing to the league's reputation for developing top talent for professional leagues across North America and Europe.

Team information

The Americans play their home games at the Toyota Center in Kennewick, Washington, a multi-purpose arena that also hosts concerts and other sporting events. The team's primary affiliate is the Colorado Eagles of the American Hockey League, providing a development path for players. The ownership group, which includes Olaf Kolzig, Stu Barnes, and general manager Bob Tory, has been instrumental in the franchise's community engagement and operational stability. Broadcasts are carried on radio stations KFLD and KONA, and the team maintains a strong rivalry with other U.S. Division teams like the Spokane Chiefs and Portland Winterhawks.

Championships and achievements

The team's greatest achievement is winning the Ed Chynoweth Cup as WHL champions in 2010, after defeating the Calgary Hitmen in the finals. They have also secured multiple U.S. Division titles and have been Western Conference champions twice (2008, 2010). Individual player awards include Carey Price winning the Del Wilson Trophy as top goaltender and the CHL Goaltender of the Year award in 2007. The franchise has been recognized for its contributions to player development, with numerous alumni participating in the Stanley Cup playoffs and international tournaments like the IIHF World U20 Championship.

Category:Western Hockey League teams Category:Sports in Washington (state) Category:Ice hockey teams in Washington (state) Category:Tri-Cities, Washington Category:1988 establishments in Washington (state)