Housing and Transportation Much Improved This Season, Bootland Signs in Orlando, Players Overseas

When Jack Gulati took over the ownership of the Allen Americans one of the many things he addressed was taking care of the players. It was so important to Jack he stopped by practice to address the team about 30 minutes prior to holding the press conference announcing he had purchased the Allen Americans. Here is what I wrote at the time (February 24):
"The concern about providing all necessary equipment for the players was clearly covered by Jack. He sees that as a top of the list item. That issue was so important to Jack he went to the Americans practice just prior to the press conference and personally told the players skates, sticks, tape etc. were a top priority and were being ordered. The picture below shows Jack addressing the team. The photo was prior to Gulati telling the team that their skates were on the way because as soon as he said that there were smiles and stick taps all around."

Jack Gulati addressing the team - photo by Dianne Webster

 
- Back in February I had a chance to check with several players that had played for Jack in Reading and they all confirmed that he took good care of the players. Jack himself told me how important it was to take care of the players in order to have a successful franchise.


- Here are two examples of taking care of players that prove the point. Coach Martinson shared with me that the team will be staying in brand new apartments just five minutes from the rink. Two miles to be exact from apartment to rink. All apartments offer premium interior features such as dark cabinetry, granite countertops, stainless steel appliances with built-in microwaves, wood style flooring, and full size washer and dryers. Some of the amenities include resort style swimming pool with tanning ledge, poolside gas grills with dining space, 24 hour fitness studio equipped with cardio and strength training, game room with billiard table, theater room & leash free dog park. This is definitely a housing upgrade from past seasons.


- There are a lot of moving parts when getting housing ready for the players arrival. One group that doesn't get enough credit is the Allen Americans Fan Club. They take on the task of setting up the apartments so they are ready when the players arrive. Setting up one apartment would be a big task. Imagine doing it for 20 players.


- Big Red (bus) is gone and from what I have heard the Americans will be traveling on a very nice sleeper bus for those trips when they don't fly. My reporting (not verified) is the team will be leasing a bus for their road trips that was recently acquired from a private party in California and is in the process of being converted to a sleeper bus. This will be a big upgrade from Big Red. I promise a complete story on this new mode of transportation as soon as I get all of the details.


- After a few years of problems with housing and transportation things should be much improved for the 2017-18 season and maybe the biggest improvement from a recruiting standpoint is Allen will be flying rather than busing on the longer road trips. There is no doubt players were aware in the past that Allen bused more than the typical ECHL team.


- Former Allen Americans forward and fan favorite Darryl "Booter" Bootland has signed with the Orlando Solar Bears for the upcoming season. It will be Bootlands 16th professional season. Here is part of what he had to say on social media, "Well I am sure some have heard the rumors, it has been a very tough decision but Sarah and I have decided we are moving to Orlando to join the Solar Bears. We are very thankful for our time in Colorado and wish we could stay." Bootland joins former Allen players Chris Crane, Tristan King and John Snowden (asst. coach) in Orlando. Make sure to get your tickets for October 21 & 22 when Orlando plays Allen at the Allen Event Center.


DID YOU KNOW: Here are some of the Allen Americans from the past that are playing overseas this season. Information courtesy of eliteprospects.com.

Alex Lavoie - Finland
Konrad Abeltshauser - Germany
Dave Bonk - Japan
Nikita Jevpalovs - Latvia
Dallas Ehrhardt - England
Josh Brittain - Slovakia
Jordan Rowley - Finland
Jake Newton - Finland
Tony Turgeon - England
Wade MacLeod - Germany
Judd Blackwater - Slovakia
Josef Fojtik - Czech Republic
Jack Combs - Germany
Austin Smith - Italy
Devin DiDiomete - Italy
Steven Tarasuk - Germany
Spencer Asuchak - Slovakia
Rylan Schwartz - Germany
Colton Yellow Horn - Czech Republic
Justin Kirsch - Germany
Spencer Edwards - France
Chad Costello - Germany