KENNEWICK, WA - Tri-City Americans Governor/General Manager Bob Tory announced today that the team's Asst. General Manager/Dir. of Player Personnel Terry Bangen has officially chosen to retire. Bangen, however, will remain as a special advisor and consultant to the General Manager.

Bangen, in his five seasons working for Tri-City, helped Tory transform the Americans into a formidable team year in and year out. Prior to his second stint with Tri-City, Bangen spent five years with Hockey Canada as their Manager of High Performance Program. In 1989, Bangen made the jump to major junior hockey when he accepted the role of Assistant Coach with the WHL's Kamloops Blazers. He spent five years with the Blazers, winning three Memorial Cup championships in the process. In 1995, Bangen moved east, assuming the role of Head Coach of the McGill University Redmen for one season before making his way to the NHL as an Assistant Coach with the Vancouver Canucks. He rejoined former Blazers' coach Don Hay in Tri-City for two seasons (1998-99 and 1999-00) as Assistant GM/Assistant Coach before accepting a position within Hockey Canada.

"Terry has been an incredibly valuable asset to this organization but we understand and respect his decision to retire and relocate to Kamloops with his wife, Margaret," said Tory. "(Terry) advised us of his decision prior to this year's Bantam Draft and I have been working on the transition since then. We hope to announce a replacement in early August. We wish Terry and Margaret nothing but the best as they enjoy their retirement together."

All inquiries regarding the position should be e-mailed directly to btory@amshockey.com along with credentials in a PDF format. No phone inquiries will be accepted.

Tri-City Americans season ticket plans are now available for the 2010-11 season. Season ticket plans can be purchased 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.