Tri City Americans Standout Riley Hillis Talks about First Career WHL Goal [AUDIO]

Tri City Americans defenseman Riley Hillis has fast become one of the most "annoying" players in the Western Hockey League - but it's a badge of honor.

Following in the footsteps of such Am's defenseman legends Tyler Schmidt, Hillis has a knack for getting under an opponents skin.  One of those guys who's constantly barking at the other team, throwing them off their game.    And he follows it up with physical play, like the huge legal check he threw on an Everett player last Tuesday - blasting him into the boards right in front of the Everett bench.   It infuriated the Silvertips, they retaliated, and the Americans ended up getting a power play from the penalty - which led to a score.   He scored his first career goal in a victory last Sunday over Kootenay.

The 6' 195lb. Hillis makes his presence known all over the ice, and should the need come to drop the gloves, he won't hesitate if it will fire up the team,  or take the edge away from an opponent's tough guy.

Few knew, however, that Hillis, who's in his second season with the Americans, had yet to score a goal.  That changed against Everett Tuesday, and he talked with Americans broadcaster Craig West about that "first one."