Americans announce 2026-27 leadership group; Jaxen Adam named 36th captain in Americans franchise history
Kennewick, WA. – Tri-City Americans general manager Bob Tory today announced 2007-born defenseman Jaxen Adam has been named the 36th captain in Americans franchise history. He takes over the captaincy that has been vacant since Jake Sloan graduated from the WHL at the end of the 2024-25 season.
Forwards Grady Martin and Cruz Pavao, along with defenseman Jakub Vanecek, will serve as alternate captains.
“These guys represent everything our program is all about,” said Tory. “Work ethic, humility, sincerity and a genuine caring for group success on and off the ice.”
“Jaxen is a player who is a protector of our group in the eyes of the coaching staff,” commented head coach Jody Hull. “It’s apparent to everyone how much he cares and how much he wants to win. He’s come a long way during his time with our team and has a great demeanor for the position of captain.”
Adam, from Cochrane, Alberta, is entering his third season with the Americans after being drafted in the fifth round, 90th overall, in the 2022 WHL Prospects Draft. He is making his season debut tonight after missing the Americans home opener while attending Tampa Bay Lightning rookie camp.
Through 137 games with Tri-City Adam has recorded 26 points (6-20-26). Last season he set a career high with 16 points (3-13-16) while also leading the Americans in penalty minutes with 97.
“It’s a huge honor to have the belief of the staff and the players in me,” said Adam. “I take a lot of pride in being the captain and always want to be there for my guys, so they know they’re not going into the fight alone.”
Martin, from Oyen, Alberta, is in his fifth and final season in the WHL and third with the Americans after being acquired in a trade with Prince Albert before the 2024-25 season. Through 223 games in the WHL Martin has recorded 50 points (17-33-50) along with 217 penalty minutes.
Pavao, from Calgary, Alberta, is in his third season with the Americans after being drafted 13th overall in the 2023 WHL Prospects Draft. Pavao posted 25 points (10-15-25) in his rookie season before bumping that total to 43 (21-22-43) in 2025-26. He recently committed to play NCAA Division 1 Hockey at Merrimack College.
Vanecek, from Humpolec, Czechia, is in his second season with Tri-City. He was selected 25th overall in the 2025 CHL Import Draft. Vanecek had a strong rookie campaign, leading all WHL rookie defensemen in goals with 14 and finishing the year with 35 points (14-21-35).
He was drafted 59th overall in the second round by the Dallas Stars in the 2026 NHL Draft.
