McKenzie Signs, Maiani Cut, Suspension Rule Clarification

I plan on attending practice today and will provide a report this afternoon but had a few items to cover for those of you that don't closely monitor the message boards and social media.

- Jim McKenzie who was recently released by the Americans has signed to play for the Quad City Mallards this season. Here is what Quad City coach Terry Ruskowski had to say about Jim:

“We as an organization felt we needed a tough winger who can score because it’s crucial that you have three lines that can score.  We didn’t want just a tough guy, we wanted a tough guy who can play, and Jim is tough and can play, which he proved when he was with Allen,” said Mallards coach and general manager Terry Ruskowski.  “I called coaches he’s played for who said he’s a really good guy and a really good team guy.  He makes everyone else on the team feel like they’re two inches taller.  He’s a big piece of the puzzle for us.”

Allen fans would agree with Ruskowski as Jim is a great competitor and he has always been a fan favorite with his style of play. Good luck to Jim and we can look forward to thanking him when he receives his championship ring when Quad City visits Allen (let's hope that is the plan).



- It what has to be somewhat of a surprise Anthony Maiani was released by the Kalamazoo Wings (ECHL) yesterday. Allen's leading scorer from last year with 55 points (17 goals & 38  assists), Anthony decided to make the jump to the ECHL this year rather than return to the Americans. I assume the Americans still hold Maiani's CHL rights so we should know quickly if there is any chance of his return to Allen.


- I have had several questions about the new suspension rule so tried to get some clarification. This doesn't answer all of the questions but this is from the league office: "If a player is suspended, the team has to play short a man (two players suspended would mean two men short) for up to ten games. Meaning if a player received a fifteen game suspension, his team would only have to play short for the first ten games." While it wasn't specifically addressed the rule uses the term "player" so assume it would not apply to coaches suspensions. Will get that answer today.


- If you are interested in seeing the training camp rosters for all CHL teams you can find them at the CHL web site (centralhockeyleague.com) in the news section: "Training Camps Underway!"