Some 2011-2012 Overager News

Tory has to sort through 10 19-year-olds to determine which three will make the final roster.

Three for sure will not be back -- F Carter Ashton, a first-round pick of the Tampa Bay Lightning, will play either in the NHL or American Hockey League, while F David Conrad and D Paul Sohor already have been told to make other arrangements.

That leaves seven possibilities -- Fs Brendan Shinnimin, Jordan Messier, Mason Wilgosh and Adam Hughesman; Ds Brock Sutherland and Matt MacKenzie; and G Drew Owsley.

"Those are all tough decisions," Tory said. "But we're in a fortunate situation. We have an abundance of overagers, and we can pick the ones that best fit our organization."

MacKenzie, meanwhile, is a second-round pick of the Buffalo Sabres, who have another year to decide whether to sign him.

If he returns from Sabres camp, he'll be a top candidate to take over the captaincy from Reddick, along with Wilgosh (an alternate this season) and 19-year-old F Justin Feser.

If the Sabres keep MacKenzie with their organization, while it will make Tory's job a little easier regarding the 20s, it also complicates his No. 1 offseason priority. (Examiner)

Ok A.) not that surprised about Sohor and Conrad, though I'll miss both those lovely faces. Especially David Conrad.

B.) Jordan's a 20 next season?? He was born in 92, doesn't that make his "hockey age" 19 at the start of the season?

**UPDATE** The lovely Q-Girl informs me the CHL rule is that to be an overager a player can't turn 20 before the December 31st of the season.  Jordan's b-day is February so that would mean he will NOT be in the running for an overager spot the 2011-2012 season.

**UPDATE TO THE UPDATE** Confirmed from Bob Tory, Jordan Messier is NOT a 20-year-old next season.

and C.) Ferran's moving to Portland?

"As the Americans prepare for their future, so too does this intrepid writer.

This article represents my final report on the team, as I will be moving in a couple of weeks to the Portland area to start a new job in the Rose City.

I wanted to take this opportunity to thank the Americans organization, which took a chance and granted access to someone from a website few had ever heard of during a real dark period in his life.

I also want to thank all my readers who sought me out and made me a part of their online experience. I appreciated all the positive feedback I receiving over the course of the past year.

Safe travels down the road, my friends."

So there goes the best professional coverage the team had. You're stuck with me and Annie Fowler.  Best of luck Rene, thank you for your excellent analysis and coverage of the team.