Wilgosh Tabbed as Americans’ Captain for 2011-12 Season

KENNEWICK, WA – Tri-City Americans’ Governor/General Manager Bob Tory announced today that 20-year-old forward Mason Wilgosh will serve as the team’s captain for the upcoming 2011-12 season.  The announcement was made during a press conference at Toyota Center in Kennewick.  Wilgosh becomes the 23rd captain in the franchise’s history.

Wilgosh, who is in the midst of his fifth and final season with the Americans, is coming off a career-best 2010-11 campaign, recording new highs in goals (12), assists (24), points (36) and plus/minus (+19).  In 226 career games, all with Tri-City, the Winnipeg, Manitoba-native has registered 29 goals and 80 points.  Wilgosh is a career plus-25 and enters this week ranked 21st all-time on the Americans’ games played list, just four games shy of passing Craig Stahl (229) for 20th.  Originally listed by Tri-City in May of 2006, Wilgosh played his first full WHL season in 2007-08, making his WHL debut on September 23, 2007 in Chilliwack.

Tory also announced the team’s choices for alternate captains.  Wearing the ‘A’ this season will be 20-year-old forwards Adam Hughesman and Brendan Shinnimin.  The team will rotate the third ‘A’ between 19-year-old forwards Justin Feser and Patrick Holland.

“Mason epitomizes everything we ask of our players…TEAM FIRST,” Tory detailed.  “He joined us as a 16-year-old and has done everything asked of him.  Not only does he lead by example on the ice but, off ice, he is a leader in the community and has set a standard unparalled with his off-season commitment to fitness and conditioning.”

“He is capable of playing on any of our lines, kills penalties and brings a tireless, workman-like approach to the rink every day,” Tory continued.  “This is an honor he deserves and has earned.”

“Mason exemplifies all the qualities that we value as a team,” said Tri-City coach Jim Hiller.  “His passion and tenacity set the standard each and every night.”

The Americans are resting up before another busy week, as they prepare for a four-games-in-five-nights stretch.  With three of their four games scheduled for the friendly confines of the Toyota Center, Tri-City will kick-off the schedule on Wednesday, October 12 vs. the East Division’s Prince Albert Raiders.  Game time is 7:05 p.m. in Kennewick.  Tri-City will put their 3-0 home record on the line vs. the Raiders, who will be making their fourth of five stops through the U.S. Division.  The Raiders will be in Everett on Tuesday before stopping in Kennewick for Wednesday’s match-up.  Tickets are available through all Ticketmaster outlets, including online at ticketmaster.com, the Toyota Center box office, or all Fred Meyer outlets. The game will also be broadcast live on NewsTalk 870 AM, starting with the Sterling Savings Bank Warm-up Show at 6:45 p.m.