Wednesday, September 4, 2024

Allen Americans Weekly Update - Asuchak Returns, Roster Reaches 13, Style of Play, Division Championship Contenders and Fun Facts

 

- The Allen Americans announced their ninth returning player yesterday and 13th overall for the 2024-25 season. Spencer Asuchak will return to Allen for his 12th season. Asuchak has played more games for the Allen Americans than the rest of the roster combined. In his 13 year pro career he has played in 610 games (regular season & playoffs) at the AA level (CHL & ECHL), 607 of those games with Allen. In 2011-12 he played three games with the Ontario Reign (ECHL) after he completed his junior career. Asuchak has played in 64 AHL games over the years, the rest of the Allen roster has a combined five AHL games played. Spencer's AHL career is highlighted by a hat trick on December 2, 2015 playing for the Chicago Wolves. FYI, his line mate that night was another former Allen American, Jacob Doty, who assisted on two of the goals. Pretty special to have an AHL hat trick on your resume. Not many career ECHL players can say that. 

 

- In addition to winning three championships with the Americans (2014, 2015, 2016) Asuchak has been the captain of the team and is the all-time leader in many categories. While he may have lost a step after 12 years of getting pounded in front of Allen's net and working through injuries his experience is something the Americans need. Allen missed his net front presence when he left for Europe at the end of last season and he is still one of the best faceoff players in the league. Here is the press release announcing Asuchak's return. https://allenamericans.com/news/2024/09/longest-tenured-player-returns   

 

 - Here is Allen's updated roster with each skater's average points per game and plus/minus for the team or teams they played for last season:

Goalies

  • Marco Costantini
     

Defensemen

  • Nolan Orzeck:  .47 PPG, +6
  • Justin Allen: .26 PPG, -2
  • Ty Farmer: .21 PPG, +9
  • Mike Van Unen: PPG .18, -4
  • Ryan Gagnon: .17 PPG, +5

Forwards

  • Brayden Watts: .94 PPG, -34
  • Easton Brodzinski: .63 PPG, +/-0
  • Chaz Smedsrud: .63 PPG, -7
  • James Hardie: .58 PPG,  -13
  • Rylan Van Unen: .30 PPG, -5
  • Liam Gorman: .14 PPG, +2
  • Spencer Asuchak: .33 PPG -28


- It is clear from the stats above the Americans will need to add more firepower to the roster through a combination of signing players and having NHL/AHL contracted players assigned by Utah/Tuscon. Here are the stats I shared last week that shows the offense Allen has lost from last season.

Defenseman 

  • Kris Myllari: .67 PPG, -17
  • Eric Williams: .44 PPG, -16 

Forwards

  • Colton Hargrove: 1.33 PPG, -2 (2022-23 stats)
  • Hank Crone: 1.30 PPG, -7
  • Colby McAuley: .93 PPG, -18
  • Blake Murray: .87 PPG, +10
  • Liam Finlay: .73 PPG, -4
  • Bennett MacArthur: .58 PPG, +3

 

- One thing to keep in mind is the style of play coach Adams could implement may be different. You could see a style of play that calls for less offense and more defense. After all Allen was ranked #26 in the ECHL last season in goals allowed (3.83 goals per game) and last in shots allowed (39.90 shots per game). If you compare that to the #1 ranked teams last season there is quite a difference. Kelly Cup champion Florida was #1 in goals allowed at 2.58 per game. South Carolina was #1 in shots allowed at 26.49 per game. 

 

- The final four teams in the 2024 Kelly Cup playoffs were ranked #1, #3, #8 and #9 in goals allowed and ranked #3, #7, #8 and #11 in shots allowed. Allen still needs a high powered offense, but better team defense will be a necessity to be successful in 2024-25.  

 

- If you follow the hockey data bases you may have seen another Allen player announcement yesterday. Dakota Seaman has signed a tryout agreement (PTO) and will be attending training camp with the Americans. In the past there have been a handful of these tryout players attend training camp, but rarely do any of them make the roster. Seaman is a third year pro that has never played above the FPHL which is two leagues below the ECHL. (NHL, AHL, ECHL, SPHL, FPHL). Last season playing for the Watertown Wolves (FPHL), in 39 games he had seven points (1G, 6A) and 211 penalty minutes. According to his profile he can play both forward and defense. His 5.14 average penalty minutes per game would have ranked #2 in the entire ECHL. He is clearly coming to training camp as a tryout for the enforcer role. You don't see many players make the jump from the FPHL to the ECHL, but remember with teams getting an extra player for each game you will see 12 forwards in the lineup, so you might expect more fighters on the bench as the 12th forward in 2024-25. Here is the press release from his FPHL team about his PTO with Allen: https://www.watertownwolves.net/news/pair-of-wolves-get-the-call  

 

- I posted this on my ECHL Stats page the other day that includes my take on how the ECHL division champions from last season might fare in 2024-25. Would be interested in your thoughts.

Which 2023-24 ECHL division champion will most likely repeat in 2024-25? Here are the champions with 2023-24 points:
 
119 points - Kansas City (Mountain)
105 points - Toledo (Central)
97 points - Adirondack (North)
93 points - Greenville (South)
 
Thoughts: 
 
Mountain Division - Idaho has signed the 2023 league MVP (Hank Crone), the 2020 Goalie of the Year (Tomas Sholl) to join the 2024 Defenseman of the Year (Patrick Kudla) and will battle Kansas City for the championship.
 
Central Division - Cincinnati could go from worst to first after affiliating with Toronto who will assign a team full of NHL/AHL contracted players to the Cyclones. They should battle Toledo for the championship.
 
North Division - This division was the closest from top to bottom in the league. Adirondack traded its leading scorer, its assist leader went to Europe and its 2nd leading scorer is unsigned and expected to retire. This division is wide open.
 
South Division - Florida has added three forwards, each with over 100 AHL games played (488 total) plus a top defenseman. Look for the Everblades to be at the top of the division for the first time since 2021-22 as they try for a Kelly Cup four-peat.


 

DID YOU KNOW: Some fun facts on ECHL players announced thus far for the 2024-25 season.  Courtesy of Elite Prospects:
 
Oldest: 36, John Muse (Worcester)
Youngest: 20, Jackson Stewart (Bloomington)
Tallest: 6’9’ Joshua Karlsson (Greenville)
Shortest: 5’6” Charlie Combs (South Carolina)
Heaviest: 234 lbs. Tristan Trudel (Fort Wayne)
Lightest: 146 lbs. Griffin Loughran (Worcester)
 
 
Here are these "fun facts" for Allen's current roster. Some of these will definitely change as more players are added to the roster.
 
Oldest: 32 - Spencer Asuchak
Youngest: 22 - Marco Costantini and James Hardie
Tallest: 6'6" - Spencer Asuchak
Shortest: 5'11" - Ty Farmer, Nolan Orzeck, James Hardie, Brayden Watts
Heaviest: 231 lbs - Spencer Asuchak
Lightest: 172 lbs - Brayden Watts
 
FYI, the roster as of today averages 25.43 years old, 6'1" and 190 pounds. 

   

 

88 comments:

  1. Noticed Kyle Crnkovic is at Utah’s rookie camp. Maybe a sign Barry?

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    Replies
    1. He is still unsigned for the 2024-25 season. Would be great for Allen if Utah/Tucson signed him to an AHL deal.

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  2. great update thanks Barry!

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  3. Yea let’s just take away all the goal scoring for guys who played in the FPHL nice move Allen. Joke

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    Replies
    1. lol it must be a miserable to live with this much pessimism for a season that hasn’t started. Really should seek some counseling. https://www.betterhelp.com/get-started/?utm_content=133524759310&utm_source=AdWords&utm_medium=Search_PPC_m&utm_term=betterhelp_b&network=g&placement=&target=&matchtype=b&utm_campaign=15234220559&ad_type=text&adposition=&kwd_id=kwd-299033048821&gad_source=1&gbraid=0AAAAADqBHiZIaNSG7iJ-LF4kK0KVy3D6P&gclid=Cj0KCQjwiuC2BhDSARIsALOVfBKBzsIKFIgIij0_546qrQEUp7SD0LYx-PDjSdD2gZX9Uqs31aBjscoaAsLyEALw_wcB&not_found=1&gor=start-go

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    2. Please stop posting the junk you have been posting.

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    3. BOTH OF THEM!

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  4. Guys/Gals -
    We are all fans. Some crazy passionate, others not so much. That’s all OK.
    Some are mad and angry about the off season’s events - that’s OK.
    Some couldn’t care less and still support the team. That’s OK.

    Everyone is passionate.
    Let’s continue to let the blog be a place for us to express the support we have, whether it be for Allen Americans or Chad Costello.

    Let’s not bash each other. Again, it’s ok for us all to be passionate.

    Go Red!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Agree. Move forward and get ready for the season.

      I just hope those who can’t get over the stuff that has happened understand that those of us moving forward are going to have a lot better time cheering on the boys.

      Get over it. Move forward.

      Delete
  5. Yes. Ok there were/are things that are a mess. But let’s move past that and focus on the season. Nobody knows how any of the guys will work out. Let’s watch and see. 5 years from now you might be complaining they let that Federal league guy depart. Point being, nobody is forcing anyone to like or support the team. So if you don’t feel it, move on. It’s minor league hockey for God sake. Some of you let this take on a life of its own.

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  6. I like the signing of Spencer, just would not seem like the Americans without Spencer. Brings a lot of experience to the locker room. One of the all time players for the franchise!

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  7. I think it’s funny some people feel the need to “clutch their pearls”… yea I could see that too if you didn’t really know what happens behind the curtain. You’re probably the same person who didn’t think a lot of players would not return.
    Yep we all just have to sit back and watch, but come on stop takingother people’s responses so personal.

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  8. All of you "Anonymous" pansies need to either claim your post or close your pie hole.

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    Replies
    1. What Mark says!

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    2. Mark, you forgot if you comment on your own post to do it anonymously.

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    3. lol right … so funny

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    4. What’s the difference between posting as Anonymous or Mike from Section 117, Row G, Seat 10 ?
      What does it matter?
      Why is it relevant in any capacity?

      Delete
    5. It’s funny when you post with your name then forgot to post anonymously liking your own post

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    6. Especially when it’s the guy that calls out “anonymous” posters constantly. Lol

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    7. Exactly! Lol lol

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    8. That wasn’t me…

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    9. Yes it was....

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  9. They still haven’t paid Costello and Gens.

    Why not?

    Why did Myles cave to Ernst?

    Why did Myles tell Chad he had his back?

    Why was BJ the 4th choice?

    What is LaSonjia’s background and what qualifies her to make hockey decisions?

    Why has there been an exodus of players?

    We the fans demand answers!

    Oh, and for those upset about fans posting their thoughts and feelings, there’s much more to come……


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  10. So… you okay bud? Do you need a hug?

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    Replies
    1. some people want to know the answers to those questions. If it was you not getting paid then you would want to know as well. Leave him alone! Take your hug and go somewhere else

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    2. Hugs, Tissues …. Relax bro!
      Feelings hurt because some poster criticizes the Americans?
      Seriously?

      Delete
  11. “Why” is it important for you to know about other people’s personal business?

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  12. I think some fans have legitimate questions about the team they support.
    Don’t we all question Jerry Jones over the Cowboys daily? The media certainly does. We critique the handling of contracts almost daily.
    We’ve critiqued prior Dallas Stars ownership.
    The difference appears to be that in this instance there are strong whispers, others clearly have more info, where Chad was told one thing and fired 10 days later. He also had a contract, why hasn’t he been paid?
    Was BJ hired as the 4th option because they are reserving funds to ultimately settle with Chad’s attorneys?

    Lots of clouds here with little clarity.

    We are all entitled to ask questions.

    Why support a train wreck?

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    Replies
    1. At this point you sound like a scorned employee (or crazy ex girlfriend) that was fired, hell bent on airing internal drama in here and claiming to be a concerned fan.

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    2. I don't think so....

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    3. Is it internal "drama"?
      I'm not an ex-employee or the like.
      Just a fan asking questions. That's ok to do right?

      Sounds like your en "employee" defending the decisions made to date. Sounds like you're a little scorned with internal information leaking from within the inner sanctum.

      Delete
    4. Your ENTITLED. So by all means ask away your highness of entitlement.

      (Eye roll) you need to take a step back and do a reality check. Thinking you’re entitled to anything in life is funny let alone asking very micromanaging questions that have nothing to do with you.

      But hey sit up on your high horse your highness

      All hail entitlement

      Hail hail

      Delete
    5. You’re definitely not happy some internal information is leaked.
      Tissues?

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    6. Former disgruntled employee say what?

      Delete
  13. Why are the Americans doing a slow walk of introducing players? The Asuchak signing could have been announced with someone else a few weeks ago. This would open announcements for more players.

    Are we to conclude that Adams is having a hard time finding players who want to come here or he doesn't have the connections we were led to believe? I've been following signings around the league and lots of teams are signing what look like great players from other leagues. Look at who the Swamp Rabbits just posted today. Two brothers with a combination of 6 goals isn't going to provide much help, also can't recall Martinson signing anyone who was granted a tryout but maybe I'm missing one. Gonna have to ask him to make sure.

    Sorry but I don't see any reason to believe we're going to have a team some people here believe will be competitive.

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    Replies
    1. Yep rosters not filled and has no connections to call. That’s why they are going to have an open tryout.

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    2. Chad staying would have meant lots of returning players and with a new affiliate hopefully some players from Utah. So if it's true Adams was the fourth on the list and this is who they've got now seems like players not returning will be replaced with fourth tier guys.

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    3. They never gave Chad a chance.
      Our affiliation last season was pathetic.
      Look at AHL player Chad sources vs. what we got from Belleville.

      Ownership, because we’ve confirmed they are the owners, made the decision to fire Chad because of why? In all fairness, he was handed an affiliate that contributed at the bottom of the ECHL as Barry has stated.

      Trainwreck as someone said.

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  14. Martinson brought in and signed Ben Owen, great guy but what had he done prior to joining the Americans?

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  15. big difference here. Owen was brought in mid season when Martinson was filling holes as needed. NOT building a team in the off season. Martinson filled his teams with established players. Adams is building his team with mostly SPHL and lower league players after the talent was run off by ownership.

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    Replies
    1. ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

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    2. Yep, Yep, Yep and Yep.
      Colossal train wreck occurring right before our eyes.

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  16. Shout out to Joe for blowing up a team … he the worst thing that has happened in Allen

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    Replies
    1. Gutted the team.

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    2. The Stevens brothers, as bad as they were, at least didn't screw things up as bad as what's going on today.

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    3. A little less self promotion by Myles and his mom.

      They could have learnt a lot from another season of observations.

      At what point does Mydra’s position start to get questioned?

      Delete
  17. From office is a trash pile minus fink everyone else sucks

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  18. The issue is not what Costello did wrong, or what warranted change (nothing), outside of an AHL/NHL affiliation change needed based on Belleville’s total cluster last season in assigning players to Allen.

    This was all the doing of Joe Ernst, who’s first duty upon employment with Zawyer was to effect change at the Americans by leaning in to influence Myles and with the strongest of urging, to fire Costello and Gens.

    The ramifications of this will be felt all season long by Allen’s loyal fans. Some will leave, some will stay.

    One thing is for sure, there is no sugar coating this unmitigated mess.

    Heads should roll, and Myles should terminate the Zawyer agreement. Problem is, he won’t, he’s in bed with them on Zawyer owned teams elsewhere.

    Complicated mess.

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  19. Oh no how will the team ever recover from the 5 fans dramatically overreacting. People seem to forget Gens sued the team prior to being hired. The type of thing that causes teams to fold. Puzzling how he was able to get hired after that. The team will be fine and it appears that there will finally be some much needed structure throughout the organization. The team might even make some money this year!

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    Replies
    1. What a cute front office response…

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    2. No kidding. Front office defending things here.
      If you're going to open up a can of worms, let's be very clear and specific as to allegations.
      Gens sued whom? and why specifically?
      I know the answers, I'm just curious as to why you'd raise that?

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    3. It’s very black and white. Said person sued said team. Not sure what more to explain? 90 percent of the front office are interns who work for free. My money is on Tommy or Johnny ;)

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    4. Nope. Gens did not sue the team.
      Let’s try and be clear on the facts and have an understanding of what occurred before posting incorrect statements.
      Gens NEVER sued the team.

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    5. Make money this year????? LMMFAO!!!!!!

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    6. sounds like a bunch of people who have 1% of the full story trying to make it sound like you have 100% of the story... lots of anonymous people talking about stuff they know nothing about...

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    7. Tissue Boy you’re wrong.
      Gens did not sue the Americans.
      Feel free to do your own research and understand who was litigated.
      You’re clearly an employee who is defending things and have 1% of the story.

      Delete
    8. Money on Tommy… now that’s the funniest think I have ever heard on this thread… LOL

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    9. Huh? Where did I say that? I didn’t say Gens sued not repeat anything that was said. I was simply saying. It looks like it’s a bunch of people talking about stuff they don’t know anything about.

      I literally don’t care and that has nothing to do with anything Barry has written about. You are just causing shit.

      If you are such an insider with intel. Post your name and your sources.

      I’m sorry you’re so petty. But love how easy you are to troll.

      Delete
    10. Post your name LOL … nice hypocrisy Tissue Boy

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    11. “Get off your cross, we need the wood.” - Letterkenny

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    12. "WOW - these other teams are really good" - BJ Adams

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    13. “Oh boy. We listened to Ernst, we destroyed a team” - Myles and LaSonjia Jack (Circa 2024)

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    14. "Myles - should I wash and wax your car after I'm finished posting" - Tissue Boy

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    15. "We got a NHL Coach? Damn we're good" - Allen Americans Ownership 2024

      "Why would a guy move from NHL to ECHL" - Allen Americans Fans 2024

      "A video coach ... for real?" - Allen Americans Fans 2024

      Delete
  20. Can you at least come up with a fake name so we can track which bitter fired employee you are.

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  21. Unfortunately no one knows "the style of play" coach Adams could implement. Those who went to the meet and greet heard some of what Martinson said when he came here and I believe that video is still on youtube. The difference is on the presentation. You could tell Martinson was a winner just by listening to him, what I heard from Adams didn't leave me with any sense of optimism. "You've got to have a great player with great character, it's about relationships, the best motivation is ice time, we want players that want to move up and players that want to win championships", and don't forget he was fired previously. I recorded the event, that's why there are quotes there. On top of that, no matter how "defensively" great your team is you still need to score. We lost 8 guys who were .5 - 1.3 PPG and so far we've one guy with a .9 and the rest .1 - .3.

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    1. Adams isn’t the guy and obviously it’s come out that he was the 4th choice.
      He got chosen, good for him. I do hope he proves us all wrong.

      BUT…. He isn’t Martinson or Costello, clearly doesn’t have the pull they did, players obviously have made decisions to depart, either because of Costello’s firing or lack of trust in Adams/Jacks/Zawyer.
      Ownership put him in a bad position to where he will last a max of 2 seasons at best.

      Delete
    2. Be careful - Tissue Boy will want to give you a hug

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  22. Tissue Boy... oh man i have a name! Happy to give hugs! come here big guy!

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  23. Outstanding questions:

    1. Why was Costello fired? This should be answered directly from Myles Jack.
    2. Why hasn’t Costello (or Gens for that matter) been paid out their final salary, or are you drip feeding them throughout the upcoming season so as to limit any comments from them?
    3. Was BJ really the 4th option?
    4. Is the Utah/Tucson deal only for 12 months?
    5. Are the Jack’s happy with progress made in the offseason, especially with the recruiting and roster?

    Allen - wake up. You’re being sold junk so far this offseason.

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    Replies
    1. Maybe ask Adams “How would you rate the offseason recruiting on a scale of 1 to 10 ?”

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    2. "What recruiting?" - BJ Adams

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  24. Even Solag Bakich says “Thanks but no Thanks to the Americans”.

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    Replies
    1. Comical. He thought even the Tulsa Oilers were a better option, and that's coming from a guy that grew up in Dallas.
      Things must be bad.

      Delete
  25. We all know trades are inevitable. Imagine being is such a crap position you need to make trades to help the team. The trade would pretty much be a basic below average player for a different one. While it may turn out to help the team history says it won't be on a scale to get you up one or two spots in the standings. Unless Utah has some tricks up their sleeves it's going to be a long year.

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  26. Oh, it’s going to be a long year for sure, but at least we have each other. <3

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    Replies
    1. And Tissue Boy to help wipe our tears and provide hugs after 6-1 losses... I think we're going to be OK

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  27. Dang it… hugs and tissues for all those with issues!!!

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  28. Rumor has it Allen is withholding seats and availability is not a true reflection of true seat availability 🤯

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    Replies
    1. Definitely seems like it. I was trying to add a few seats next to ours for the home opener but nothing was available in the account manager (or ticketmaster). Called my rep and all of a sudden seats are available...

      Delete
  29. Nice announcement today.
    Pleasantly surprised.
    Keep going in that recruitment direction and I will eat humble pie.
    I’m still mad at the offseason though.

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