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Tri-City Americans Governor/General Manager Bob Tory announced today that the team has traded 20-year-old goaltender Drew Owsley and a conditional 7th round pick in the 2013 draft to the Prince George Cougars in exchange for 19-year-old goaltender Ty Rimmer, a 3rd round pick in the 2012 draft and a 5th round pick in the 2013 draft.

Rimmer, a 6’0 174-pound netminder from Edmonton, Alberta, was a 14th round (303rd overall) selection by the Brandon Wheat Kings in the 2007 Bantam Draft. After making his WHL debut in 2009-10 with Brandon, Rimmer was dealt on October 18 to the Cougars where he went on to appear in 43 games. Rimmer amassed a 17-20-0-2 record in 2010-11 along with a 3.29 goals against average, a 0.899 save percentage and four shutouts in his rookie WHL season.

“Obviously we have an overage situation that needed attention,” stated Tory. “This deal helps alleviate some of those issues while returning valuable draft picks and a veteran goaltender. We feel that the tandem of Ty (Rimmer) and Eric (Comrie) gives us depth in goal headed into the 2011-12 season. We welcome Ty to our family and look forward to watching him compete at camp.” (Americans)

It's my fault, I jinxed it you guys.  Just yesterday I was thinking things had been quiet and training camp is rapidly approaching.  THIS ISN'T WHAT I WANTED THOUGH.

It solves one piece of the overager puzzle.  Does this mean Bob is pretty confident in Matt MacKenzie's return, providing a huge defensive presence that can help out a not-Drew goalie?  If no Matt, is there that same confidence in Sutherland?  If not, is the D-corps strong enough?  

There are still 5 players for 3 spots--Shinnimin, Sutherland, Hughesman, Wilgosh, MacKenzie.  UGH.

New goalie Ty Rimmer's stats aren't sparkling, I have to assume (possibly incorrectly) the intention is a tandem situation with Eric Comrie.

Best of luck to Drew in Prince George, thank you so much for your time and commitment to the Americans.  You're an amazing goalie and just terrific with the fans.  I will still wear my Owsley jersey with a whole lot of pride!  I'll miss seeing Drew play and I'll miss seeing his family on the concourse!