With all the injuries sustained by the Americans, including in goal, they've had to start using  their bantam draft picks. (Beck Warm seen in Americans 2014 Rookie Camp)

General Manager Bob Tory announced Friday 15-year-old bantam draft pick Beck Warm has been signed to a standard WHL player contract. The native of Whistler, British Columbia has been playing for the Vancouver NW Giants in the British Columbia Major Midget Hockey League, or BCHML.  Warm will join the team today, and is slated to start tomorrow vs. Spokane.

Evan Sarthou is out for the season, and doubts continue if Eric Comrie will be able to return before the end of the season.

Warm will remain with the team for a week, before returning to his home team as they ready for the playoffs.  Friday, the Am's other goalie prospect, Nicholas Sanders, will make his second start in goal vs. the Chiefs.  He then will return to his parent club Saturday 2-28 as they too are approaching the post-season.

This round-robin roulette will have to continue for Tri-City, as WHL rules don't allow you to "shop around" for free-agent players.  But in the case of goaltenders, you can sign emergency players, such as Richland's Casey Kaiser, and the use of their draft prospects.   Warm signed his contract today, as WHL rules stipulate draftees have to be signed before they can compete.

So far this season, the amount of time missed by all injured Americans exceeds at least 141 games worth of playing time.

 

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