
Americans Welcome Hitmen for First Time Since 2018
November 18, 2022 - Western Hockey League (WHL)
Tri-City Americans News Release
The Tri-City Americans (7-11-0-0) will look to get back in the win column tonight as they face off against the Calgary Hitmen (10-5-1-1) at the Toyota Center. It will be the first time the Americans have played Calgary since November 2019 and the first time the Hitmen have visited Kennewick since November 2018.
The Americans have won their last four meetings against the Hitmen. Their last three games were one-goal games and the last two were won in a shootout. Marc Lajoie and Tyson Greenway are the only players on Tri-City's roster that were in the lineup the last time they played Calgary.
Both teams come into tonight's game looking to get back into the win column. Calgary last played on Tuesday, falling 4-1 to the Portland Winterhawks and ending a seven-game win streak. The Americans have lost their last three.
Tri-City's most recent game was Saturday in Spokane. Lukas Dragicevic opened scoring on the power play to give Tri-City an early lead, but the tired Americans team struggled throughout the game and fell to the Chiefs 7-3. Spokane scored seven straight, putting the Americans behind 7-1 in the third period. Tri-City found some momentum late in the game as Ethan Ernst and Andrew Fan each scored to narrow the deficit. Tomas Suchanek started in net but was relieved for the third period after Spokane's fifth goal. Nick Avakyan finished the game, turning aside 11 of 13 shots faced.
With a goal and an assist, Dragicevic extends his point streak to 12 games with four goals and 15 assists over that period. The 17-year-old defenseman leads the Americans with 25 points over 18 games. He also has more points than any other WHL defenseman.
Jordan Gavin, who was away at the World U-17 Hockey Challenge, will return to the lineup. Jake Sloan will also rejoin the Americans after missing the last two games.
Record: Tri-City 7-11-0-0 | Calgary 10-5-1-1
Special Teams
Power Play: Tri-City 22/81 (27.2%) | Calgary 14/78 (17.9%)
Penalty Kill: Tri-City 26/85 (69.4%) | Calgary 8/79 (89.9%)
How to Tune In:
Webcast: WHL Live - Sign Up & Watch Here
Radio: NewsTalk 870 KFLD / 98.7 FM - Listen Online
Follow us on social media: Twitter » Facebook » Instagram
Around the Concourse:
Gesa Autograph Booth: Lukas Dragicevic signing after the game (section J)
Jersey Auction: Alex Serraglio - blue (section D)
Western Hockey League Stories from November 18, 2022
- HIitmen Fall to Americans in Overtime - Calgary Hitmen
- Warriors Secure Victory Over Broncos on Hockey Fights Cancer Night - Moose Jaw Warriors
- Tigers Fall to Blades in Overtime Thriller - Medicine Hat Tigers
- Broncos' Comeback Falls One Goal Short in Moose Jaw - Swift Current Broncos
- Royals Third Round Pick Grant Reid to Make WHL Debut Friday Night - Victoria Royals
- Game Preview: Prince George Cougars at Victoria Royals (Game #20) - Prince George Cougars
- Game Day Hub: November 18 vs Everett - Portland Winterhawks
- Chiefs Back on the Road to Face Kelowna Rockets - Spokane Chiefs
- Americans Welcome Hitmen for First Time Since 2018 - Tri-City Americans
- Warriors Play Host to Broncos for Hockey Fights Cancer Night - Moose Jaw Warriors
- Game Day Preview November 18 at Saskatoon - Medicine Hat Tigers
- Game Preview: Wheat Kings Look To Snap Losing Skid In Edmonton - Brandon Wheat Kings
- ICE Down Regina 9-5 - Winnipeg Ice
- ICE Score Five Times in the Third to Beat the Pats 9-5 - Regina Pats
The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.
Other Recent Tri-City Americans Stories
- Jackson Smith drafted 14th overall by Columbus Blue Jackets in 2025 NHL Draft
- 2025 NHL Draft Preview
- Americans announce full 2025-26 regular season schedule
- Americans acquire draft picks from Edmonton for Max Curran
- Americans name Jody Hull 17th Head Coach in franchise history

