Tuesday, August 20, 2013

Stability Needed in Net

TRI-CITY AMERICANS

2012-13 record: 40-27-2-3 (lost to Spokane in Conference quarterfinals)

Fresh off of a Conference Finals appearance in 2012, the Tri-City Americans were hoping to build off of that run.  Unfortunately, injuries to the goaltending led to no less than five players starting in net and a quick first round ouster at the hands of rival Spokane.  The offense wasn't as plentiful, and now, it will have to deal with leading scorer and Four Broncos Memorial Trophy finalist Justin Feser heading to the pros.  Drydn Dow and Jesse Mychan are also out due to graduation, but having a healthy Eric Comrie should help solidify a goaltending position that was in flux last year.  Connor Rankin is the most likely leading scorer to return, and he will be joined by the likes of Jakub Illes (who is likely replacing Malte Stromwall) and Parker Bowles.  Replacing Feser won't be an easy task, but the Ams are quite balanced on offense, as five players broke the 20 goal mark last season, and that figures to be the case again this season.

Prediction: 3rd in the West

Injuries kept the Ams from fulfilling their full potential last season.  A healthy Comrie and a possible breakout season from either Rankin or Bowles should have the Ams in the thick of another playoff run.

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