Monday, June 23, 2025

Allen's Season-Ending Roster, No CBA Yet, Players Heading to Europe, ECHL Summer Meeting, Affiliation Update and More

 

It is a busy time of year if you are an ECHL and Allen Americans fan, with a lot happening. Future considerations trades (last Friday), season-ending rosters yesterday, the first day to sign players (today), and players leaving for Europe. The PHPA had its annual meeting in Orlando last week, and the ECHL is meeting in Orlando this week. There is no CBA, and the Utah Grizzlies ownership announced the team is for sale. Here is my take on these items, plus more:

 

- Future Considerations - 20 ECHL teams traded 41 players to satisfy future considerations trades. Several players got traded more than once in this process. Allen lost two players, Liam Gorman to Maine and Tyler Burnie to Orlando. Gorman was to complete the trade for Ayden MacDonald (3/18/25), and Burnie was to complete the trade for Ryan Mashie (11/17/24). Allen was owed a player from Norfolk, but coach Martinson opted not to take any of the players offered. 

 

- Season-ending rosters had to be submitted yesterday. A maximum of 20 players can be included, and it is a way for teams to retain the rights to players from now until qualifying offers (8 maximum) are due on July 7. Here are the rosters for every ECHL team: https://echl.com/news/2025/06/echl-announces-season-ending-rosters

 

- Here is Allen's list:

  • Goalie (1)
  • Luke Richardson
 
  • Defensemen (8)
  • JC Brassard
  • Cole Fraser
  • Kenny Johnson
  • Artem Kulakov
  • Trevor LeDonne 
  • Mike Van Unen
  • Quinn Warmuth
  • Hudson Wilson
 
  • Forwards (11)
  • Spencer Asuchak
  • Harrison Blaisdell 
  • Mark Duarte 
  • Michael Gildon
  • Nick Isaacson 
  • Noah Kane
  • Ayden MacDonald 
  • Brad Morrison
  • Reid Perepeluk 
  • Brayden Watts 
  • Jared Westcott

 It should be clear Martinson is not trying to sign all of these players on this list. It does buy him some time to figure out who he wants back, to go with the new players he is recruiting. Any players not signed by July 7 or given one of the eight qualifying offers will become free agents

 

 - Players omitted from the season-ending roster who are now free agents:

  • Brian Chambers
  • Colin Jacobs 
  • Dylan Myskiw
  • Kamerin Nault
  • Jay Powell 
 
 - If you look at all of the season-ending rosters, there are some familiar names to Allen Americans fans that are now free agents. Here are just a few of them. Franklin is signed in Europe, but the rest are true free agents:
  • Colton Hargrove
  • Marco Costantini
  • Gavin Gould
  • Zane Franklin
  • Dalton Skelly 

 

- Signing players/CBA - Today is the first day players can sign contracts for the 2025-26 season. However, nobody knows what the salary cap will be since there is no collective bargaining agreement (CBA) in place. The last CBA started in 2018 and was extended two years because of COVID-19, so a new CBA is being negotiated after seven seasons. It is hard for general managers/coaches to recruit without knowing how much the salary cap will be and what other provisions may be changed, such as the veteran rules. While contracts could be signed with language to provide for salary cap increases once the salary cap is known, coaches may delay a few days, hoping the salary cap figures will be known soon. 

 

- Players to Europe - The Americans have only lost one player to Europe, Nick Isaackson has signed in Scotland with the Dundee Stars (EIHL). Since the ECHL regular season ended, 41 players have signed in Europe. Kansas City lost its top two goal scorers, Borchardt and Giroux. Borchardt led the ECHL in goals (40) and only played in 58 games. Tulsa lost its #1 scorer (Farren), as did Fort Wayne (Jack Dugan). Fort Wayne also lost its all-star defenseman Kyle Mathew. These are just a few examples of the ECHL losing top talent to Europe. The unanswered question is whether the new CBA, the first in seven years, will close the gap with Europe or continue to widen it. The ECHL salary cap over the last seven years didn't come close to keeping up with inflation. In 2018, the salary cap was $13,000; this past season, it was $14,600. That is less than a two percent (1.75%) increase per year over the last seven seasons. If the new CBA doesn't have a decent salary cap increase, you will see even more top players head to Europe, and the quality of play in the ECHL will continue to decline.  

 

- The ECHL summer meetings take place in Orlando this week and always produce new information. The Board of Governors (BOG) meets before the general meeting and could be discussing existing and new franchises, rule changes, and, of course, the status of the CBA. The winners of the 21 different team awards will be announced on Wednesday. Allen is nominated for four of the 21 awards, so should come home with some hardware.

 

- You have probably seen by now that the Utah Grizzlies announced yesterday that the organization has begun a formal process to explore the potential sale of the team, a path that could ultimately lead to the relocation of the franchise. With the NHL Utah Mammoth relocating to the area last season, there was some thought that the Mammoth would eventually buy the Grizzlies. It appears that is not going to happen. There are questions about the Mammoth bringing in an AHL franchise to Salt Lake City. Lots of moving parts between ECHL and AHL teams to see how this all plays out. Here is the press release from the Grizzlies on the sale of the team: https://utahgrizzlies.com/news/2025/06/utah-grizzlies-ownership-begins-exploration-of-sale-and-potential-relocation  

 

- Team president. Jonny Mydra, sent an email to all Patriots Club Members (season ticket holders) last week providing updates on what next season will look like and the activities that are planned. If you are a season ticket holder and did not get this email, Jonny would like you to email him directly and let him know you are not on his mailing list. His email address is JM@AllenAmericans.com.

 

- Nothing new to report regarding Allen finding an affiliation for next season. I have heard the same rumor as many of you that the Utah Grizzlies will have a primary affiliation with the Colorado Avalanche/Eagles and a secondary affiliation with Utah/Tucson. While the ECHL limits teams to one formal affiliation, teams can work informally with other NHL teams. Now that the ECHL is getting closer to the same number of teams as the NHL and AHL, the ECHL BOG should rethink the secondary affiliation option, or at least limit the number of players the secondary affiliate can send to the ECHL. Bottom line is,  Allen still doesn't have an affiliate for next season. 

 

- I posted this on my ECHL Stats page the other day, and wanted it to tie into the Allen Americans:

 
The ECHL had 15 players score more than 30 goals in 2022-23, 14 in 2023-24, but just four in 2024-25. Here is the 2024-25 list:
 
40 - Cade Borchardt, Kansas City
37 - Brandon Hawkins, Toledo
33 - Simon Pinard, Tahoe
32 - Devon Paliani, Savannah 
 
  • Allen's leading goal scorer in 2024-25 was Mark Duarte with 23 goals.
  • In 2023-24, Allen's leading goal scorer was Colby McAyley with 25 goals.
  • In 2022-23, the ECHL had 15 players with more than 30 goals, four of whom played for the Allen Americans.
  • 49 goals - Hank Crone 
  • 39 goals - Colton Hargrove
  • 36 goals - Jack Combs
  • 33 goals - Liam Finlay
 
 
- If you have been tracking the new ECHL franchise in Rio Rancho, NM, that will begin play in 2026-27, you might have seen the three finalists for the team name, the Cutthroats, the Goatheads, and the Tarantula Hawks. Here is the press release with the details. https://echl.com/news/2025/06/new-mexico-pro-hockey-announces-finalists-for-name-the-team-contest 
 
 
 
DID YOU KNOW: Spencer Asuchak plans on returning to Allen for his 13th season with the Americans in 2025-26 after the season he had in 2024-25. After all, he was the only player on the stage when Steve Martinson was introduced as the new coach.  Last season, Asuchak was #3 on the team in goals (18) and led the team in power play goals with seven. He also led the league in faceoff percentage, the last stats I saw. Spencer is Allen's all-time leader in games played (568) and goals (173). 
 
Here are Allen's #1 and #2 all-time. It has a familiar ring:
 
  • Points  
  • #1 Chad Costello - 422
  • #2 Spencer Asuchak - 421
 
  • Goals
  • #1 Spencer Ashchak - 173
  • #2 Chad Costello - 124
 
  • Assists
  • #1 Chad Costello - 298
  • #2 Spencer Asuchak - 248
 
  • Games Played
  • #1 Spencer Asuchak - 568
  • #2 Chad Costello - 284

    

52 comments:

  1. Was hoping Spencer was going to be the Associate Coach

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  2. Never got email.
    I shouldn’t have to chase the club to ensure they have my email.
    They need to make sure JM has the emails of all Patriots Club members.
    Shouldn’t be that difficult.

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    1. This! Sometimes I feel the team is worried about all the wrong things. Cant put a price on loyalty

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    2. I did not get an email either.

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    3. DITTO, no email received and put the focus on the fans, especially STH's as we are the ones paying the bills aren't we?

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    4. If you didn't get the email, reach out to JM. He will have the team's email lady add you to the list. People change emails or accidentally unsubscribe all of the time. Not that big of deal.

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    5. Respectfully, I disagree with the amount of money that I pay this team. My email has not changed. I’ve not unsubscribed, and this is not the first time that the club has failed to send me an email.

      Processes and procedures folks……

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    6. Why complain? You’re all adults. Call the front office or your ticket rep and get them to update your email. Mistakes happen, gets lost, etc. is it ideal? No. But out you adult pants on, quit bitching and ensure your information is accurate. Or are you just looking to complain?

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    7. I should call the team and make sure they have my email address? Seriously? I get all the other emails. Austin and JM need to sync email lists. Clearly the club needs to fix this. They responded so let’s hope it’s the last of it.

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    8. To the “I pay for this team” 🤣🤣 omg you pay for the seat your ass sits in and that’s it. Get over the entitlement.

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  3. Not to bash anyone in the front office, but it’s the same things over & over again. The main de facto is JM is still running things & nothing is changing. No offense to JM, but he was a ticket guy before TD got him the presidents position while Jack was still the owner. With that said, you’d think the ticket department would be on top on it. Especially after the season that was just presented to us.

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    1. Tommy Daniels got JM the role?

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    2. Terrible comment backed by zero facts. JM has been fantastic.

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    3. Never said he didn’t do a good job. Was just stating what is still going on. For what he has had to work with. Yes he has done a good job. But it’s still the same things that are falling through the cracks.

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    4. Hence the reason why the front office was mentioned

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    5. You say the truth about TD and he calls Barry to delete the truth lol.

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  4. Atleast Tulsa is trying hard to fill the arena and giving discounts to real fans!!! Limited Time Offer! Buy One Get One 50% off season tickets for the 2025-26 hockey season. Interested in learning more? Reply "deal"
    Nathan - Tulsa Oilers ext 104

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    Replies
    1. WOW, that's a heck of a deal for Tulsa STH's. We don't even get t-shirts, much less anything worthwhile, not to mention discounts on tickets!

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  5. Colton Hargrove is not on Floridas roster.
    Interesting..... :-)

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    Replies
    1. Probably because he’s a veteran & bought a house in Dallas

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    2. Not on there because he’s coming back to Allen and told Florida as much, hence the omission from season ending roster.

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  6. A lot of people probably hit unsubscribe to an email long ago or something and that's keeping them off the lists. The letter from JM was awesome, and it's cool he's doing stuff like this in the middle of the summer. Makes me feel like it's going to be a great season. He's the best President we've ever had and it's not close. Some of yall will just never be happy.

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    Replies
    1. Agreed! JM has been 10/10. Looking forward to a good season with him and Marty. Letter was a nice touch.

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    2. JM is a loser idiot!

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    3. Tell him to his face instead of posting it on here.

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    4. “Tell him to his face…”

      Yeah, right. Keyboard warriors only have their perceived relevance and self esteem through anonymity and acting tough.

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    5. JM has done a fantastic job and 99.9% of the fans are very thankful we have him. Best President in the league and one of the few that actually listens to fans and agrees to go out to lunch with any and every STM that wants to. Very intelligent guy and a class act!

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  7. Got to give credit where credit is due.
    The blog blows up about people not receiving an email, and before I’ve had time to wake up and grab a coffee, I’ve got an email from the team in my inbox.
    Class act of a response.
    They read, and they listen.
    The blog is a powerful tool.

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    Replies
    1. Yes it is.. they all read it

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    2. Agree, they listen and they do respond.
      Life isn't perfect, but a positive attitude, or an attitude to help or assist goes a long way.
      Kudos to JM.

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    3. ☝🏻☝🏻☝🏻☝🏻☝🏻☝🏻☝🏻

      Delete
  8. Costantini…. Anyone know if we’re trying to bring back a solid goalie? I see he’s on the free agent list and maybe found a home in Europe.

    How Adams treated Marco last year was disgusting. Granted I don’t know the entire story, but on the ice, Macro was stellar. Others might disagree and that’s ok.

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    Replies
    1. Marco played one game. He deserved more.
      If Martinson studied the season before last, he'd invite Marco in.

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    2. ☝️☝️☝️☝️☝️

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    3. Agreed. Marco is a good kid. Fan favorite.

      Would also like to see Farmer come back.

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  9. Quite from part of The Stars article today. The last line is fitting for the negative trolls here:

    “It starts over, as it does every season, and the challenges will again be daunting. But that’s why we watch, that’s why we have hope that something great can happen. Otherwise, we’d just be negative online trolls who only want to criticize everything.”

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  10. Does anybody really care what Tulsa is doing?

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  11. Malik johnson is signing with allen

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    Replies
    1. Lets hope Martinson has more up his sleeve than recruiting Rock Lobster players .......

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    2. I agree but I looked more into malik he is very physical and can score but I agree we don't want too many rock lobsters

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  12. ready for some more hockey news Barry!

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  13. Kent Dorfman hired by KC

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  14. The Kansas City Mavericks are proud to announce the hiring of Brett Ferguson as the team’s new Assistant Coach.

    Ferguson arrives in Kansas City with 15 years of diverse and high-level experience across the ECHL, AHL, and NHL. His coaching background includes time as an assistant coach with the Des Moines Buccaneers (USHL), video coach for both the Norfolk Admirals and San Diego Gulls (AHL), and a promotion to assistant coach with the Gulls. Most recently, he served as the video coach for the Anaheim Ducks (NHL) and was named Interim Head Coach of the Allen Americans (ECHL).

    Ferguson, along with his wife Amanda and their three sons—Caleb, Aiden, and Reid—are excited to join Mavs Country and become part of the Kansas City community.

    “The Mavericks are incredibly excited about this hire,” said Mavericks General Manager and Head Coach Tad O’Had.
    “Brett rose to the top of an impressive pool of applicants. He’s a coach with purpose and passion, and an exceptional hockey mind with elite video analysis skills. He’s worked alongside some of the NHL and AHL’s top coaches and brings tremendous knowledge and insight to our team.

    But what sets Brett apart is his ability to connect with players. He understands what it takes to thrive in professional hockey and is committed to making us better every day. His impact will be felt across player development, team systems, structure, and pre-scout preparation.

    In speaking with over a dozen former players, coaches, and colleagues, one thing became crystal clear—Brett is highly respected as a coach, mentor, and person. He exemplifies the culture we continue to build in Mavs Country. Our mission is simple: to be all-in on making our players and organization the best it can be as we push toward the Kelly Cup.”

    “My family and I are incredibly grateful for the opportunity to join the Kansas City Mavericks organization,” said Assistant Coach Brett Ferguson.
    “We’re looking forward to discovering everything the great city of Kansas City has to offer. I want to thank Tad O’Had, the Mavericks' management, and ownership for this opportunity.

    From the opposing bench, I always recognized the Mavericks as a first-class organization. I love the team’s commitment to success both on the ice and in the community. The Orange Army makes Cable Dahmer Arena one of the toughest buildings to play in the ECHL, and I can’t wait to get started and help continue the drive toward a Kelly Cup.”

    Hockey runs deep in the Ferguson family. Brett’s grandfather, Lorne Ferguson, played eight seasons in the NHL during the 1950s, suiting up for three of the league’s Original Six teams—the Boston Bruins, Detroit Red Wings, and Chicago Blackhawks. His father, Bob Ferguson, has dedicated his professional life to the sport. A 1974 NHL Draft pick by the New York Islanders, Bob transitioned into coaching, where he won five USHL championshipsand earned USHL Coach of the Year honors five times. In the ECHL, he earned back-to-back John Brophy Awards (Coach of the Year) with the Florida Everblades. Since 2015, he has served as the General Manager of the San Diego Gulls.

    Born in Sioux City, Iowa, and raised in West Des Moines, Brett Ferguson brings not only a rich hockey pedigree but also elite coaching intellect, deep passion for the game, and a relentless drive to help the Mavericks reach championship heights.

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  15. KC will learn what we did last year. Nice enough guy. Very average at best as a hockey coach

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  16. The sound of silence...ready for updates Barry

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  17. Barry come back. Need my hockey fix!

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  18. I'd like to think the team could have announced a signing by now.
    First phase of the Martinson narrative is this off season and the recruiting.

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  19. I'd love to see something as well

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  20. What’s the status of the collective bargaining agreement??

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  21. Duarte and Isaacson are the only two on the protected list

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    Replies
    1. I was hoping to see Watts on there as well. I think with the right motivation he would have been an asset.

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    2. He could already be signed, hence the possible omission from the list. Same applies to any other player we suspect should be signed: Asuchak, Hargrove, Brassard etc.
      Suspect Duarte is looking for an AHL contract first.

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