Saturday, Jul. 26, 2008

Ams open Sept. 20

By Annie Fowler, Herald staff writer

The Tri-City Americans plan to raise their U.S. Division banner before their home opener Sept. 20 at Toyota Center.

The Americans set their 2008-09 season schedule Thursday in Kelowna, British Columbia, but the Western Hockey League won't allow the Western Conference teams to release their schedules until Aug. 7.

"Some teams still have some building issues," said Tri-City general manager Bob Tory. "We are exceptionally pleased with our schedule. It's the best we've had since I've been here. It gets harder and harder each year with the building

having more events, but to come out with as many weekend dates as we did is something special for our team and fans."

The Americans will play 10 Friday home games, 12 on Saturday and six on Sunday. They have just seven weekday games -- eight if you include the annual New Year's Eve game with rival Spokane. The team also will play three games in three nights six times this season.

"We have the seven weekday games, but none in September or October," Tory said. "In January, we do have six games in eight nights, but other than that, it's pretty good."