Vancouver Sun: Giants, Americans both dinged up for playoffs

By Elliott Pap | Vancouver Sun

LADNER — It appears both the Vancouver Giants and Tri-City Americans will be missing vital pieces when they open their WHL first-round playoff series Friday in Kennewick, Wash.

Giants captain James Henry has a knee problem, didn’t practise again Wednesday and is “day-to-day”, according to head coach Don Hay. Henry plays on all the Giants’ special teams and is a top-six forward. Hay would not even mention the words “doubtful” or “questionable” in addressing Henry’s injury.

“We won’t make any type of decision on when James Henry is going to play until that day comes about,” Hay stated, sounding vague.

Meanwhile, Americans coach Jim Hiller doesn’t expect first-line forward Adam Hughesman to be ready for Friday, saying over the phone from Kennewick that Hughesman is “not ready.” Of course, coaches at all levels often fudge injuries at playoff time so you never know. But Hiller didn’t sound vague on this one. Hughesman missed the final month of the regular season with a knee injury.

“It doesn’t look like Adam will start the series,” Hiller continued. “Hopefully we’ll see him at some point.”

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