Update On Former Americans Players

Colton Yellow Horn Leads ECHL in Goals

Dave Bonk plays in Japan photo by chlphotos.com

With the CHL on a break I thought I would take another look at how former Allen Americans players are doing. A couple of items related to the current team in case you haven't been tracking the transactions. Mike Montgomery is on bereavement leave and Trevor Ludwig has been called up by the Houston Aeros following in his brother's (Tyler) footsteps who was called up briefly last week. It is a great time to be called up as the entire Aeros team is in Minnesota helping the Wild prepare for the NHL season. Since Houston didn't have a game from last Sunday (1/13) until next Saturday (1/19) and the game on Saturday is in Chicago the Aeros stopped in Minnesota to participate in a couple of intrasquad games with the Wild.

Here is what I found about some of the former players:

Liam Huculak retires photo by chlphotos.com

-  Forward Liam Huculak (2009-2011) announced last week he has decided to retire to pursue other career options outside of hockey. He started this year playing in Europe and signed with Bakersfield (ECHL) the end of November. We would like to wish “Hooch” the best of luck in his future endeavors! He has his degree from Colgate University and was captain of the Colgate hockey team so we know he will be a success at whatever he pursues.

- Dave Bonk (2010-2011) continues to do well in Japan. He leads his team in all offensive categories and ranks in the top ten in the league in goals (16), assists (26), and points (42). His team (Nikko Ice Bucks) is not having a good year as they are in sixth place in the seven team league. An interesting note is the last place team, the China Dragon, who play in Shanghai, have yet to win a game in 28 tries.

- Colton Yellow Horn (2009-2012) leads the entire ECHL in goals scored with 29 which is seven more than the next closest player. He has 18 assists for a total of 47 points which ranks him second in the league. His team (Ontario, California Reign) leads their division in points with a 26-10-1-2 record. Their point total of 55 ranks second in the entire league which has 23 teams. The Reign average 7070 in attendance which ranks second in the league.

-Bruce Graham continues to play well for the Nottingham Panthers in the British Elite Ice hockey League. Bruce has 22 goals & 20 assists in 37 games which places him second on the team in goals and points. His team leads the league with a 26-6 record.

- The San Francisco Bulls, home to former players Justin Bowers (2009-2010), Scott Langdon (2010-2012) and Dylan King (2010-2012) continue to struggle having won only three times in the last ten games. They have the second worst record in the league. Justin Bowers leads the team in assists with 21 but has the worst +/- on the team at -17. Scott Langdon is one of a few players on the team on the + side in +/- stats and is the leader with a +13. Dylan king is a -12.

- Josh Hepditch (2011-2012) who is in his first year as coach and general manager of the Creston Valley Thunder Cats in the Kootenay International Hockey League is in last place in his division with a 13-22 record in regulation. They have had 6 overtime games and are 0-6 in those games.

- Nino Musitelli (2009-2011 & 2012-2013), who was traded to Rapid City for Alex Penner on January 5th has not reported to Rapid City. The rumor is he is entertaining offers from the ECHL.

- Judd Blackwater (2010-2011) who got off to a fast start this year with three goals in the first three games playing for the Las Vegas Wranglers has only score 6 goals in his last 33 games. The Wranglers are third in their division and will probably not make the playoffs.

- Justin Dacosta (2010-2011) who signed with Elmira (ECHL) the beginning of November after starting the season playing in Europe (Austria) is still with the team. The Elmira Jackals, who are coached by former Allen Amercians coach Dwight Mullins (2009-2012) are in third place in their four team division. Justin has no goals and ten assists in 27 games with the Jackals and has a team worst -9 in +/-. Elmira continues to struggle at the box office as they rank 22nd out of 23 teams with an average attendance of 2644.

- Chris Whitley (2009-2011)  is the third ranked goalie in the Federal Hockey League with a GAA of 3.64 and a save percentage of 91%. His team, Williamsport Outlaws, are in second place in the six team league.

- Jordie Benn (2009-2010)  is currently at training camp with the NHL Dallas Stars after having a good year thus far with the AHL Texas Stars. Jordie is fighting for a position on the Stars and has a legitimate shot.

- Scotty Howes (2012-2013) was signed by the Springfield Falcons (AHL) on January 3rd but has yet to play. With several forwards from the Falcons at the Columbus Blue Jackets NHL training camp let's hope he gets his first start tonight as Springfield plays the Manchester Monarchs.

- Erik Adams (2009-2012) has been working in the front office for the Americans since he retired. His business card says he is the manager of community relations and game operations but it seems like he gets involved in a myriad of other issues as well. While most everyone knows Erik works in the Americans front office what is less well known is he and his wife Jennifer are expecting their first child, a girl, in March. Erik is also pursuing his interest in coaching as he is the assistant coach of the Dallas Stars Elite Hockey Club Under 18 team.