Ed Chynoweth, the president of the Western...

Ed Chynoweth, the president of the Western Hockey League, stepped in and persuaded members of the Tri-Cities Americans that they should play their scheduled game against the Portland Winter Hawks at Portland Sunday night.

The night before, the Americans and Winter Hawks were scheduled to play in in Kennewick, Wash., but that game was canceled after 20 members of the Americans refused to play.

The revolt was aimed at Bill LaForge, the team’s new director of hockey operations. The players want him fired.

A spokesman for the players said Saturday that they disliked LaForge’s approach and would not play until he is gone.

Chynoweth said a compromise was reached Sunday. He didn’t say what it was, but added: “What I pointed out to them, very simply, was that if they weren’t prepared to play, then I had no choice but to look at possible suspensions and the possible loss of scholarships.

“I don’t think that’s a threat. I think that’s a fact of life.”

LaForge, hired Dec. 17, has taken on the duties of co-coach with Rick Kozuback, who has been head coach since the hockey season began. The Americans began the season as a favorite to win the WHL’s Western Division but have fallen into third place at 16-16-3.