Cruz Pavao signs with Tri-City

KENNEWICK, WASH. – Tri-City Americans General Manager Bob Tory announced today the team has signed 2008-born forward Cruz Pavao to a WHL Scholarship and Development Agreement. Pavao was drafted by 13th overall by the Americans in the 2023 WHL Prospects Draft.

“We are excited to have Cruz join our program,” said Tory. “Cruz is a dynamic offensive threat who plays an intense game. He exudes leadership and has a tremendous work ethic.”

Pavao, from Calgary, Alberta, was selected after a sensational season with the Edge School U15 Prep team where he scored 67 points (32-35-67) in just 23 games. He continued his torrid scoring pace during the Canadian Sport School Hockey League playoffs by adding 11 points (5-6-11) in just four playoff games.

He also suited up with the U18 Edge School team for four games during the regular season, scoring once and adding an assist. He was teammates with Americans prospects Jackson Smith and Cash Koch during those games.

“I am super excited to join the Americans,” said Pavao. “Playing in Western Hockey League is something I have always wanted. It’s cool that I’ll get to go play in the U.S. and that I know a couple guys on the team with Jackson and Cash.”

Pavao, who doesn’t turn 15 until August 24, was the CSSHL U15 Varsity League’s MVP in the 2021-22 season after posting 50 points (31-19-50) in 29 games. He then scored at nearly a four points-per-game pace in the playoffs that year with 19 points (8-11-19) in just five games.

The 5-foot-9, 165-pound Pavao is the first member of the Americans 2023 draft class to sign with the team.

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