Americans Deal Driedger to Hitmen

KENNEWICK, WA – Tri-City Americans Governor/General Manager Bob Tory announced today that the team has traded 17-year-old goaltender Chris Driedger to the Calgary Hitmen in exchange for a 3rd round pick in the 2012 Bantam Draft.

Driedger, listed at 6’2 175 pounds, had a solid rookie season with Tri-City, appearing in 22 games while compiling a 6-6-0-1 record.  The Winnipeg, Manitoba native finished his first WHL season with a 3.50 goals against average and a 0.881 save percentage, all as a 16-year-old.  Driedger also got a taste of international competition in 2010-11, serving as the starting goaltender for Team West at the 2011 World U17 Hockey Challenge in Winnipeg.  In four tournament games, Driedger compiled a 3.26 goals against average and a 0.880 save percentage.  As a 15-year-old, Driedger also led Team Manitoba to a silver medal at the 2009 Western Canada U16 Challenge Cup.  This off-season, Driedger served as the only WHL goaltender to earn an invitation to Hockey Canada’s annual U18 Program of Excellence Goaltending Camp this past June.

“With our depth at the goaltender position, a trade with going to be necessary sooner or later,” Tory explained.  “Going into his NHL Draft year, Chris deserves a chance to play more WHL games that he did last year and I could not guarantee that would occur for him here.”

“Calgary is a good fit for him and this helps us replenish some (Bantam) Draft picks that we have given up in the past,” continued Tory.  “We thank Chris for all his contributions to our team and wish him nothing but the best in Calgary.”

Tri-City Americans season ticket plans are now available for the 2011-12 season.  Season ticket plans can be purchased by using several, convenient monthly payment schedules after a one-time service charge.  Call 509.736.0606, visit AmsHockey.com or drop by the Americans offices’ at the bottom level of the Toyota Center for more information.