Tri City Americans Win 4th US Division Title!

It was a magical night at the Toyota Center Friday...the Americans were tied 1-1 with Everett, then they exploded.

Spurred on by a crowd of over 6,000, the Americans overcame a tight checking defense plan by the stubborn Everett Silvertips to score 3 times in the final five minutes, including two by Adam Hughesman, to secure a 4-1 victory.  With the win, and the Victoria Cougars upsetting the Portland Winterhawks for the second straight game (3-1 score Friday)  The Americans claimed their 4th US Division title in the last five years.

  Hughesman joins Brendan Shinnimin as the first two Americans to score 50 goals in a season since the 1994-95 team that featured Terry Ryan and Damon Langkow.  Shinnimin kept his scoring streak alive, now at 22 games, tying the franchise record set in 2007-2008 by Colton Yellow Horn.  The Americans will have to wait to see who they play Friday March 23rd in the opening round.  Seattle and Everett meet today to decide the 8th and final playoff spot in the Western Conference.  

  Ty Rimmer was outstanding in goal for the Americans Friday, picking up first star honors for the night.

  If Tri City beats Spokane Saturday, and Edmonton loses, the Americans will also win their second Scotty Munro trophy for the BEST overall record in the entire WHL.