Americans Sign Draft Pick Driedger
October 8, 2009 - Western Hockey League (WHL)
Tri-City Americans News Release
KENNEWICK, WA - Tri-City Americans General Manager Bob Tory announced today that the team has signed 2009 fourth round (80th overall) bantam draft pick Chris Driedger to a standard WHL Players Contract. With today's announcement, the Americans have now signed their top four picks from this year's bantam draft class, joining Connor Rankin, Marcus Messier and Riley Guenther.
Driedger, a 6'1 175 lb. goaltender from Winnipeg, Manitoba, spent last season with the Winnipeg Monarchs bantam club, appearing in 18 games and collecting a 14-3 record along with a 1.71 goals against average. Driedger was also named a 2008-09 All-Star while leading the Monarchs to the Bronze Medal at the Western Canadian Bantam Championships.
"We are excited that Chris has committed to our program," stated Tory. "He is a big goaltender with quick reflexes and sound technical elements to his game. We look forward to watching him develop and make his appearance in an Americans' uniform in the near future."
Earlier this week, Driedger was also named to Team Manitoba's roster for the upcoming Western Canada U-16 Championship in Blackfalds, Alberta from October 29 through November 1. Driedger, who attended this year's rookie camp in August, is currently playing for the Winnipeg Monarchs midget team.
Fresh off their weekend split, Tri-City will now prepare for their next contest, set for Friday, October 9th vs. the Portland Winterhawks at Memorial Coliseum. Game time is 7:30 p.m. Portland's only loss this season came at the hands of the Americans, a 4-3 loss in Kennewick on September 25. Meanwhile, Tri-City will be looking to get their first road victory of the season. Fans can watch all the action live, via WHL WebTV, at the Americans' Home Away From Home, Kimo's Sports Café in Richland, starting at 7:30 p.m. Fans can also catch the game live on NewsTalk 870 AM, starting with the Sterling Savings Bank Warm-up Show at 7:15 p.m.
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