2020 Best Local Sports Team: Tri-City Americans
The Tri-City Americans are the longest running sports franchise in the area — just finishing their 32nd season — and they have earned the respect of the local sports fans for the third year in a row.
“It’s exciting,” Americans owner and general manager Bob Tory said. “It’s much more than hockey. We take pride in being part of the community. We are more than a sports team, we are a symbol of our community. Three years in a row speaks more to our organization than wins or losses.”
The Americans were in the midst of a mediocre season when COVID-19 shut down play in March, yet the fans remained loyal.
“Our fans have been supportive, even in a down season,” Tory said. “We appreciate that.”
The Americans play in the Western Hockey League, one of the premier junior hockey leagues in North America. They have turned out NHL players such as Olie Kolzig, Stu Barnes, Carey Price, Brian Boucher and Brandon Carlo.
Specialty games during the season include New Year’s Eve, Breast Cancer Awareness Night and Military Night. They also honor local teams that win state championships, and perform 2,500 hours of community service each year.
Over the past 15 years, they have raised more than $260,000 for the Tri-Cities Cancer Center Foundation.
“It’s a big thing,” Tory said of being part of the community. “It makes us take a look at things that are important. We want to be appreciative of where we live.”
1. Tri-City Americans
7000 W. Grandridge Blvd., Kennewick
509-736-0606
2. Seattle Seahawks
3. Tri-City Dust Devils
6200 Burden Blvd., Pasco
509-544-8789
This story was originally published June 5, 2020 at 12:01 AM with the headline "2020 Best Local Sports Team: Tri-City Americans."