The Americans wrapped up their first round match-up with the Everett Silvertips in impressive fashion with a dominant 6-1 victory. Rookie Jordan Messier led the way with two goals and tough guy Mitch McColm added his first career WHL playoff goal.The three straight victories should calm whatever nerves were created for the club in their home split in games one and two with the Tips. The Tips showed no quit in their game and even down 6-0, they continued to bang and scrap their way up and down the ice. Pesky Jesse Burt continued to play well above his listed size as he laid some big impact hits throughout the game. Rugged blueliner Taylor Ellington saw his WHL career come to an end. Ellington was a horse for the Tips this season and logged a ton of ice time during the 5 game series. A hard nosed d-man, Ellington plays a rough and honest game while chipping in pretty good skills. He should have a good pro career.
The Americans now move on to face the Kelowna Rockets. Only two teams scored more goals than the Americans this season in the Western Conference. The Giants, obviously, but the Rockets were four better than Tri-City at season's end. Fans should be in for a shoot out as both teams have high octane offenses capable of putting goals up in short order. The Americans have the edge in goal, but will need Brett Plouffe back in the lineup to try to match with Kelowna's strong defensive corps. Tri-City will also have to contend with a physical group up front. Ryley Grantham led the Western Conference in penalty minutes and along with former Americans list player Lucas Bloodoff will be a pair who will try to bang the Americans defenders along the end wall.
