Massive Boost as Eleven Current Americans Players and Alumni Heading to NHL Rookie Camps

Eleven current Americans players and alumni heading to NHL Rookie Camps

The Tri-City Americans are making headlines this week with an impressive showcase of talent, as 11 of their current and former players are set to make their mark at NHL Rookie Camps. This notable achievement not only highlights the depth of talent developed within the Americans’ organization but also underscores their role as a critical stepping stone for players aspiring to reach the NHL.

Among the standout names heading to these prestigious camps is Tomas Suchanek, a promising goaltender hailing from Prerov, Czechia. Suchanek, who had a phenomenal debut professional season with the Anaheim Ducks organization, is one of the most anticipated players. Last year, he played for the San Diego Gulls, the Ducks’ AHL affiliate, where he posted a solid 14-10-5 record, a .910 save percentage, and a 2.92 goals against average, alongside three shutouts. His impressive performance earned him a three-year, entry-level contract with the Ducks. However, a setback occurred when an injury sustained during offseason training is expected to sideline him for much of the 2024-25 season. Despite this challenge, Suchanek’s journey remains a testament to his skill and potential, reflecting the high caliber of talent nurtured by the Tri-City Americans.

Jake Sloan, another key player, is also heading to the NHL Rookie Camps, representing the Boston Bruins. Sloan, from Leduc County, Alberta, is entering his fifth and final season with the Americans, where he will serve as team captain. Drafted in the third round of the 2019 WHL Prospects Draft, Sloan has accumulated an impressive 168 points (72-96-168) over 203 career games with the Americans. His leadership and on-ice performance have made him a crucial part of the team, and his upcoming NHL rookie camp is a well-deserved opportunity to showcase his skills at the next level.

Adam Mechura, from Pisek, Czechia, is another exciting player making the leap to NHL rookie camps. Mechura, who played 59 games with the Americans, significantly impacted the team during the 2022-23 season. Drafted fourth overall in the 2022 CHL Import Draft, he notched 52 points (26-26-52) in 58 games and further demonstrated his prowess in the playoffs with a goal and six assists in six games. After a brief stint with the Providence Bruins and the ECHL’s Maine Mariners, Mechura is set to make his mark with the Boston Bruins, showcasing the development and growth experienced during his time with the Americans.

Parker Bell, a product of Campbell River, B.C., is another notable name on the list. Bell graduated from the WHL last season after a standout five-year career with the Americans. Selected 102nd overall in the 2018 WHL Prospects Draft, Bell played in 239 games with Tri-City, amassing 184 points (77-107-184). His exceptional performance during the 2021-22 season led to his selection in the fifth round, 155th overall, by the Calgary Flames in the 2022 NHL Draft. Bell signed a three-year, entry-level contract with Calgary in September 2023, and his journey reflects his remarkable development and potential.

Jalen Luypen, hailing from Kelowna, B.C., is another player to watch. Although Luypen spent only 38 games with the Americans, he made a significant impact by scoring 39 points (18-21-39) and contributing three goals and three assists in six playoff games. Drafted in the seventh round of the 2021 NHL Draft by the Chicago Blackhawks, Luypen signed a three-year, entry-level contract with Chicago in August 2022. His time with the Rockford IceHogs, the Blackhawks’ AHL affiliate, last season showcased his potential, and his appearance at the NHL rookie camp is highly anticipated.

Max Curran, a talent from Prague, Czechia, is also heading to the NHL Rookie Camps. Curran, entering his second season with the Americans, was selected 39th overall in the 2023 CHL Import Draft. Despite being limited to 40 games due to injury last season, he scored 32 points (5-27-32). Drafted in the fifth round, 161st overall, by the Colorado Avalanche in the 2024 NHL Draft, Curran’s potential and skill are evident, making his participation in the rookie camp an exciting prospect.

Lukas Matecha, also from Czechia, is another player poised to make an impression. Entering his second year with the Americans, Matecha was drafted 99th overall in the 2023 CHL Import Draft. Despite dealing with injuries last season, he played in 35 games, recording a 13-19-1-1 record, a 3.42 goals against average, and a .901 save percentage. His continued development and presence at the rookie camp will be closely watched.

Lukas Dragicevic, who spent the first three years of his WHL career with the Americans, is another name making waves. Dragicevic, drafted 57th overall in the 2023 NHL Draft by the Seattle Kraken, recorded 157 points (35-122-157) over 202 games with Tri-City. His recent trade to the Prince Albert Raiders and participation in the rookie camp will be significant in gauging his transition to the professional level.

Jake Gudelj, from North Vancouver, B.C., is another player to keep an eye on. Acquired from the Spokane Chiefs ahead of the 2023-24 season, Gudelj was limited to 16 games with Tri-City last year due to an injury. Despite this, he has accumulated 29 points (14-15-29) over 135 career WHL games. His resilience and performance at the rookie camp will be key in showcasing his abilities.

Terrell Goldsmith, hailing from Fort St. James, B.C., brings a strong defensive presence to the rookie camps. Acquired from the Prince Albert Raiders, Goldsmith was drafted 15th overall in the 2020 WHL Prospects Draft and has played 185 career games. His solid defensive play and physicality caught the attention of the Arizona Coyotes, who drafted him 102nd overall in the 2023 NHL Draft. With the Coyotes relocating to Salt Lake City and becoming the Utah Hockey Club, Goldsmith’s participation will be pivotal in their inaugural season.

Finally, Deagan McMillan, who was selected 24th overall by the Americans in the 2020 WHL Prospects Draft, has also made his mark. Spending the first three years of his WHL career with Tri-City before being traded to the Victoria Royals, McMillan recorded 90 points (36-54-90) in 170 games. His journey reflects his growth and potential, making his appearance at the rookie camp noteworthy.

This impressive roster of players and alumni heading to NHL Rookie Camps is a testament to the Tri-City Americans’ ability to develop and nurture talent. Each player’s journey reflects their hard work, dedication, and the crucial role that the Americans’ organization has played in their development. As these players step into the NHL Rookie Camps, they carry with them the experience, skills, and potential honed during their time with Tri-City, eager to make their mark at the next level.

For the Tri-City Americans, this moment is not just about celebrating individual achievements but also about recognizing the collective effort that has gone into developing these players. The pathway from junior hockey to the NHL is a challenging one, and seeing so many former and current Americans players reach this milestone is a proud moment for the organization and its fans.

As the NHL Rookie Camps unfold, all eyes will be on these talented individuals as they showcase their skills and vie for a spot in the NHL. The Tri-City Americans have once again demonstrated their commitment to fostering top-tier hockey talent, and the future looks bright for these players as they continue their journey toward professional success.