As the Tri-City Americans prepare to drop the puck on their 38th season in the Western Hockey League, the organization finds itself at the beginning of a new chapter — one built on familiarity, trust, and a bold vision for the future. After three years as associate coach, Jody Hull was officially named the 17th head coach in franchise history in June, taking over for longtime friend and former NHL teammate Stu Barnes.
For Hull, the appointment is less about changing course and more about continuing the work he and the staff have laid down since arriving in 2021. It’s a natural transition — one that keeps the culture intact but adds a different leadership to the front of the room.
“I’m really excited about the opportunity,” Hull told The Sports Council on 1340 ESPN. “I’ve loved my time in the Tri-Cities. This place has become a second home.”
From the NHL to Behind the Bench
Meeting Jody Hull, you wouldn’t guess he played in over 800 NHL games or skated in a Stanley Cup Final. Quietly confident and refreshingly unassuming, Hull carries himself more like a teacher than a former first-round draft pick. But behind the modest demeanor is a wealth of experience built over a 16-year NHL career with six teams, including the Hartford Whalers, Rangers, Senators, Panthers, Lightning, and Flyers.
“If people ran into me on the street, they would not know that,” Hull said. “I’m a pretty humble guy when it comes to stuff like this. I don’t really talk about my playing career unless someone asks.”
Over the course of 831 NHL games, Hull accumulated 124 goals and 137 assists—totaling 261 points—and made a deep playoff run to the Stanley Cup Final in 1996 with the Florida Panthers. He wasn’t the flashiest player on the ice, but he was the kind every coach values: reliable, disciplined, and selfless.
Hull reflects on his playing days, saying, “I never looked at it as work—I just showed up each day and did what I could to help the team.” That same mindset carried him into coaching. After retiring, he returned to his roots with the Peterborough Petes, eventually serving as head coach from 2012 to 2018. In 2021, he joined the Tri‑City Americans as associate coach.
“I was always willing to learn—even late in my playing career,” Hull told The Sports Council. “That mindset helped me as a coach. I just love being around the rink and helping guys find their way.”
Originally a scorer in junior hockey, Hull had to reinvent himself in the NHL to stay in the game, moving into a defensive-first mindset. That change wasn’t easy, but it allowed him to carve out a long career in a league where only the most adaptable survive.
“I took pride in that. I took pride in not getting scored on. I had to find a new role. That’s what kept me around,” he said. “It wasn’t what I thought I’d be doing, but it became something I took pride in.”
It’s that lived experience—navigating role changes, trades, and uncertainty—that Hull now passes on to his players. He understands the ups and downs of a hockey career because he’s lived them, and that perspective helps him guide young athletes with empathy and honesty.
“Today’s players are facing pressure at such a young age. I’ve been in their skates,” Hull said. “Whether it’s ice time, trades, or figuring out who they are on the ice, I want them to know I’ve walked through that too.”
Familiar Faces, New Roles
Joining Hull on the bench this season are two assistants who bring both energy and experience. TJ Miller, who arrived with Hull three years ago, returns for his fourth season. The duo were hired on the same day and even became roommates in the Tri-Cities — a personal connection that’s carried over to the locker room.
They’re now joined by Ben Assad, a new addition to the coaching staff who brings a development-first mindset and strong rapport with players. Assad was officially hired on July 15.
“Ben’s passionate and connects well with young athletes,” Hull said. “We’ve built a staff that knows how to teach and also how to relate.”
A Roster in Transition — and Full of Opportunity
The Americans open the 2025–26 campaign with a mix of returning veterans, emerging talent, and key offseason additions — most notably through the CHL Import Draft. The team added defenseman Jakub Vanecek and forward David Krcal, who are both expected to make an immediate impact.
Offensively, look for Gavin Garland and Savin Virk to set the tone.
Cash Coch is someone Coach Hull is looking forward to seeing his progression, hungry for a bounce-back season.
“I’m excited to see what Cash can do,” said Hull. “I think he had a bit of an off season last year and I think he’s hungry to prove people wrong… especially statistically. I’ve never questioned his work ethic or anything like that.”
Cruz Pavao, now a year older and more confident, could also take a major leap, and Jake Gudelj is someone that came alive during he playoffs, hoping the momentum will translate into the upcoming season.
“We’re not a team that’s going to lean on just two or three guys,” Hull said. “It’s got to be by committee — and I think we’ve got the right group for that.”
Local product Dylan Lebrett, from Spokane, adds a Pacific Northwest storyline that fans will enjoy rooting for.
New Blood on the Blue Line
With the departure of defenseman Jackson Smith, the Americans will turn to a younger but promising defensive unit. Czech import Jakub Vanecek, a first-round pick in the CHL Import Draft, is expected to lead the group with offensive instincts and international experience.
“I think he’s going to lead the way for us offensively on the backend.”
Veterans Jackson Adam and Carter Savage return to provide stability and structure, while Aden Bouchard, a skilled 16-year-old blueliner, will be eased into WHL play with high upside.
Battle in the Blue Paint
In net, the Americans will enter the season with a true goaltending competition with a split net situation in mind. Neither has been named the clear-cut starter, and that’s by design. Hull believes both young netminders will benefit from pushing each other every day — creating a healthy, competitive environment between the pipes.
“I think we’ve got two goaltenders that are going to be competing for ice every game,” Hull said. “It’s not just going to be a number one guy and a number two guy. They’re going to be pushing each other — that’s just how they are as people and as players. That competitive fire is exactly what we want to see.”
A Coaching Style Rooted in Accountability
Hull isn’t out to reinvent the wheel — but he is clear about the culture he wants to reinforce. At his core, he’s a relationship-first coach, focused on communication and building trust. But that doesn’t mean expectations are low.
“I’m firm, but I’m fair,” he said. “Accountability matters. That’s what makes players grow.”
He’s already met with most of the returning players, reinforcing that while his title has changed, the person they’ve come to know over the last three years hasn’t.
“I’ll still be in the locker room before practice, still checking in with the guys,” Hull added. “I just happen to be the one making the final decisions now.”
Key Dates to Watch
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Preseason action begins August 31 vs. Wenatchee Wild
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Home Opener: Saturday, September 14 at Toyota Center
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Regular Season Opener: Saturday, September 20 on the road in Seattle
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Full schedule and ticket info: chl.ca/whl-americans
With a team-first mindset, a competitive roster, and a coach who’s walked the path from junior hopeful to NHL veteran, the foundation is set.
“That’s the beauty of junior hockey,” Hull said. “You never know when the light turns on for a player. When it does — that’s when the magic happens.”
Let’s Go, Ams.
Follow along all season at chl.ca/whl-americans and on social media for roster news, game recaps, and exclusive behind-the-scenes content.