Martinson Post Game Comments - 12/7

There were two themes in the comments made by Coach Martinson after the 2-1 loss to the Denver Cutthroats and he kept coming back to them numerous times. We are not ready to play at the beginning of  games and our veterans/high paid players are not earning their pay. Here are a few of those comments:

- We didn't play the first two periods
- We were a completely different team in the third period
- Its frustrating that after a week where we had lots of time to practice defense and emphasize angles the same mistakes were made in the game
- We played soft on both of the Denver goals
- We didn't compete hard the first two periods
- You can't have four shots on goal in the first period and twenty in the third period
- The veterans need to step up
- As a coach this is very frustrating
- No need to push the panic button but if this keeps up there will be changes
- It is not the young  guys causing our problems
- We still are not getting ready to play. The veterans need to fix this, not the coach. They need to close the door and fix this problem.
- Nobody earned their paychecks the first two periods
- If our veteran/high paid players can't get the job done up front Saturday I may move Clarke or Daniels up front
- We played like a last place team the first two periods
- Our veterans need to man up

Player Updates:

- Mike Montgomery was called up by the Houston Aeros (one game call up) for their game against the Texas Stars Friday night. Houston won 2-1 in OT. Unless there are unforeseen circumstances Mike will be back in Allen and in the lineup Saturday against Wichita.
- Kip Brennan will probably play Saturday against Wichita.
- Scotty Howes is feeling much better and started riding the stationary bike on Friday. He will travel with the team on the upcoming road trip and hopes to play Wednesday against Arizona.
- For those at the game that were wondering why Steve Silverthorn was pulled for Aaron Dell with less than a minute left in the second period while the Americans were on a power play, the coach was just trying to buy some time for the PP unit on the ice.
- Aaron Dell will be in goal Saturday against Wichita.
- Look for a new player signing in the near future as the Coach mentioned he has been working for a couple of months in getting a player signed but it has been complicated as the player has been injured.
- The Stars player the Coach mentioned would be signed this week didn't sign because when the NHL owners got involved in negotiations everyone thought a deal would get done. Stay tuned.
- Nice to see Texas Rangers pitcher Derek Holland sitting in Section 116 with very few people noticing him. He is a big hockey fan.

Garrett Clarke - Player Profile

Photo by SceneByKimberly.com

 
Garrett Clarke #7
Birthdate: 11/3/1992
Birthplace: Windsor, Nova Scotia
6' 1" 210 lbs.

The story of Garrett Clarke is one of contrasts. There have been lots of highs and lows, ups and downs in such a young hockey players life. Garrett was only nineteen when he arrived in Allen for training camp. Just how young he is was apparent when I asked him what hockey players he admired as a youngster. He was a big fan of the Moncton Wildcats of the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League (QMJHL) as he lived close by and two of his favorite players growing up were Bruce Graham and Adam Pineault.  

Young is a theme that kept coming up in my conversation with Garrett. Even though he doesn't remember it, he started skating at 18 months with double bladed strap on skates holding on to the back of a chair, at 15 he became the youngest player to ever make an oral commitment to play college hockey at the University of North Dakota , he was drafted sixth overall in the 2008 QMJHL draft as a fifteen year old, at 18 he attended training camp with the Toronto Maple Leafs, and he is the youngest player on the Americans by over three years.

Lots of success so young came with a price. If you look at Garrett's hockey resume it looks like one of a grizzled old veteran. Lewiston MAINEiacs, Halifax Moosheads, Shawinigan Cataractes, Acadie-Bathurst Titan, Gatineau Olympiques. Five QMJHL teams in four years. Criticism began before he started playing in the league as people questioned his motives for the commitment to the University of North Dakota (UND).  The truth is his coach at the time was a UND grad and encouraged him to make an oral commitment to get an education.When he started playing in the QMJHL  he was a 15 year old playing with 19 & 20 year old guys. He had to grow up way to fast.

His style of play was always an agitator, a real get-under-your-skin type and in that role he was very effective. There was never any question about his skill, however when your style of play is on the edge it is easy to go over the edge. Garrett is  the first to admit that he made mistakes, took some stupid penalties and caused some problems. But unless you know the complete story about what was going on in each situation when he was traded the only conclusion people would draw was a negative one that Garrett was undisciplined, had an attitude problem and was released or traded because of this. It got so bad that he quit reading about himself on the internet.

The truth of the matter is in some situations the coaching style wasn't a good match,  others it was a mutually agreed trade to better the team and Garrett.  In one situation an owner made a financial decision against the will of the general manager (who was let go as well) and coach that resulted in Garrett being released.

Even the highlight of his career thus far ended up bittersweet. In 2011 he was invited to the Toronto Maple Leafs development camp. He did so well at the development camp he was invited to the main camp. Inspite of having played for four QMJHL teams in three years at that time, the Maple Leafs were impressed with his play. Dave Morrison, the Leafs'  chief scout at the time said the Leafs gave him a tryout because the club’s maritime scout said Clarke had played well in his most recent junior port, Acadie-Bathurst. "We liked his compete level and he surprised us with some of his puck decisions. Kid looks to have a lot of heart,” Dallas Eakins, the head coach of the rookie team, said at the time. His family came from far and wide to see his debut in a Maple Leafs jersey. Clarke’s mother, Janet, endured a 14-hour drive from Maine. Clarke’s father, Tim, also drove from Windsor, Nova Scotia. And rounding out the travelling fan base was Molly Chambers, Clarke’s maternal grandmother, who resides in tiny Brooklyn, Nova Scotia. The 74-year-old Chambers, accompanied by Clarke’s uncle Chester, took two planes and a taxi to arrive in time for the action.

Garrett's grandmother summed it all up: “It was kind of emotional when I saw him come out on the ice with that jersey on, with the Maple Leaf on it,” she said. “He’s worked so hard to get there. He’s really worked hard, and taken a lot of verbal abuse over things.”

Everything looked great including talk of an entry level NHL contract which was being worked on when Garrett broke his hand during camp and a decision was made to have him return to his QMJHL team (Acadie-Bathurst) for one more year. Anyone that knows QMJHL hockey is aware of the owner of the Acadie-Bathurst team. He has had seven coaches in the last eight years. Garrett was once again traded under some shady circumstances. The public perception was once again he had a problem but it wasn't the case at all. The end result was when his draft year came he went undrafted by the NHL.

So how did Clarke end up with the Americans? He signed his first pro contract with Reading (ECHL) in August 2012. With the NHL lockout there were lots of players sent down to AHL & ECHL affiliates so there was no room for him in Reading. He went home and was thinking about giving up hockey and going to school when his agent called and said the Americans were interested. His first reaction was no but after he checked into the team and found out about coach Martinson and the former Stars players involvement he was all in.   

My impression after having spent over an hour talking to him is Garrett is a sensitive young man with tons of potential and truly wants to do the right thing, develop his game, and be a good teammate. He told me if he had  it to do all over again he would have gone the college route and gotten his education. He really admires the guys on the team that played hockey while earning a degree. He is absolutely thrilled to be in Allen and had nothing but great things to say about the organization, coaches, teammates, fans and the people of North Texas. It is the best hockey situation he has ever been in.  He knows he still has lots to learn about life and hockey but he also knows he is in the perfect situation as the coaching staff is giving him lots of on ice one on one instruction.  He is improving each and everyday.

I for one am cheering for him to continue to grow, learn from his mistakes and make it to the next level. As a twenty year old I'm sure there will be bumps in the road but I look forward to watching his progress.

Keep an eye on Garrett this weekend as he has some extra incentive to play well. His mom (Janet), grandmother (Molly) and uncle (Chester) arrive today for a visit and to watch him play. I hope to meet them so I can share with them how impressed I was with Garrett and how we are all pulling for his continued success.

Here are some questions I asked Garrett to get to know him:

Family:
Mom (Janet) is a nurse
Dad (Tim) is the President of a Transportation Company
Sister (Ashley)
Grandmother (Molly)
Pet (Zoey) A Shih Tzu

Roommate: Ryley Grantham

Nickname: Clarkey

Hockey Hero: Eric Lindros & Mike Green

Favorite Actor: Zach Galifianakis

Favorite Actress: Jessica Biel

If you could have lunch with anyone living who would it be: Jessica Alba

One thing people would be surprised to learn about you: I am a hunting guide back home and specialize in bear hunts

What chore to you hate to do: washing dishes

Where is the most interesting place you have visited: Stockholm & Helsinki

If you could do anything besides being a pro hockey player what would it be: pro golfer

Any pregame superstitions or rituals: none

Who is the funniest guy on the team: Brett Skinner with his sarcastic humor

When was the last time you lost something: I lost my cell phone three days ago

Favorite thing to do on the bus: I like to play Schnarps but I am terrible at it. The guys don't want to play with me. I am so bad. They threaten me with a lifetime ban.

Do you have a favorite childhood toy: Roller Blades

Favorite TV Show: Breaking Bad, Family Guy

Practice Notes - 12/5

Spent some time at practice today but not a lot to report:

- I did not see anyone on the ice other than roster players. Team is one player short as Howes, Skinner & Brennan were not skating.
- Brennan posted the following on Twitter: MRI came back ok. Looks like it will be day to day. Hopefully be ready for the weekend.
- Howes still unable to do anything because of the effects of the blow to the head. First step will be getting on the stationary bike.
- Martinson, Matvichuk, Ludwig & Belfour all on the ice coaching during practice today
- I think the team has the day off tomorrow
- No news on the potential signing of a NHL player at least nobody is talking. Two potential issues in signing a Dallas Stars player. While they have lucrative contracts they currently have no money coming in and the same expenses so salary and cost of injury insurance are issues. Another concern is not wanting to displace any of our current players.
- After practice the team donned their game jerseys (Red) for a series of publicity pictures. I saw a team photo, d-men, goalies, and one I'll label "sin bin boys" which had Bootland, Brennan, Clarke & Grantham in the penalty box.
- Spent some time with Garrett Clarke after practice. Hope to post his story/player profile tomorrow.
- Ran into one of the teams biggest supporters (John W.) at practice and he said something that I think everyone would agree with. "I have never seen a player that has more fun playing hockey than Darryl Bootland."

Player Who Elbowed Howes Suspended

Kyle Hood, the Arizona player  that gave Scotty Howes a cheap shot to the head that put him on the seven day IR on Saturday has been suspended. A penalty was not called on the play as the referee told Coach Martinson he did not see what happened. See the CHL news release below.

I don't have an update on the Kip Brennan injury. I am attending practice today and will post this afternoon a "notes from practice" and I am also hoping to do another player profile feature.


GLENDALE, AZ (December 3, 2012) - The Central Hockey League (CHL) announced today that Arizona Sundogs forward/defenseman Kyle Hood has been suspended four (4) games as a result of his actions in Saturday's game at Allen and that Rapid City Rush defenseman Justin Sawyer has been suspended four (4) games as a result of his actions in Saturday's game versus Bloomington.
Hood was observed upon a request for review to have used his elbow to deliver a blow to the head area of another player. Although there was no penalty called at the time, the action was viewed to be in violation of "˜Rule 48' - where the head is targeted and the principle point of contact.
Hood has already served one game missing Sunday's contest in Tulsa (December 2) and will complete the suspension by missing Tuesday's game versus Denver (December 4) and Friday and Saturday's game versus Rapid City (December 7 and 8).
Sawyer's suspension comes from a Charging Major penalty (also received a game misconduct) he received in Saturday's game. On the play, Sawyer was observed delivering a careless, reckless and avoidable hit behind the opposing team's net against the opposing goaltender.
Sawyer will miss Tuesday's game against Wichita (December 4) as well as Friday and Saturday's games in Arizona (December 7 and 8) and next Tuesday's game in Wichita (December 11).

Allen Wins 4-2 & Other Thoughts

The Americans got back to their winning ways Sunday afternoon. My thoughts on the game and other things:

- How about the first goal by Lukin - off the stick, over the net, off the glass, off the goalies back, into the net
- Howes 7 day IR & Skinner 14 day IR - OUCH!
- How big is having Howes & Skinner on IR - when they got injured they had 44 of the 176 points scored thus far this season. The two of them have accounted for 25% of the offense
- With his game winning goal  Brian McMillin has 6 goals in 12 games this year. Last year he had 16 goals in 64 games. He continues to lead the CHL in scoring percentage (38%) with 6 goals on 16 shots. Don't know what the face off stats were but he rarely lost one on Sunday including several where the coach put him out just for the face off.
- If you are on twitter please give me a follow. My twitter handle is @allenamericans1
- If you haven't been checking out  the many interviews Tommy Daniels has been doing (Americans Podcast  http://allenamericanshockey.podbean.com/) give him a listen
- Hope to do a player profile feature sometime this week. If there is a player you would like to hear about please use the comment section below to let me know
- Next game is Friday (7:05 pm) versus the Denver Cutthroats at the AEC

GAME DETAILS SCORING SHOTS   1 2 3 TOTALS Fort Worth 0 2 0 2 Allen 2 1 1 4   1 2 3 TOTALS Fort Worth 11 11 5 27 Allen 8 8 9 25

POWERPLAYS Fort Worth 0 - 5 : Allen 1 - 3

SCORING SUMMARY Period 1 Allen - Jarret Lukin (Adam Pineault, Drew Daniels) 7:36 Allen - Anthony Maiani (Jason Deitsch) 19:10 Period 2 Fort Worth - Nick Schneider (Sy Nutkevitch, Jake Morley) 5:12 Allen - Brian McMillin (power play) (Tyler Ludwig, Anthony Maiani) 8:06 Fort Worth - Shawn Szydlowski (Austin Mayer, Erik Spady) 16:54 Period 3 Allen - Jamie Schaafsma (unsuccessful penalty shot) 2:38 Allen - Adam Pineault (Jamie Schaafsma, Jarret Lukin) 5:45

PENALTIES Period 1 Allen - Kip Brennan - (Elbowing), 2 MIN, 2:39 Allen - Ryley Grantham - (Slashing), 2 MIN, 9:26 Allen - Ryley Grantham - (Elbowing), 2 MIN, 9:26 Fort Worth - Phil Fox - (Roughing), 2 MIN, 11:31 Fort Worth - TJ Fox - (Tripping), 2 MIN, 12:09 Period 2 Allen - Darryl Bootland - (Hooking), 2 MIN, 2:08 Fort Worth - Tomas Klempa - (Holding), 2 MIN, 7:24 Period 3 Allen - Darryl Bootland - (Too Many Men) (Bench Minor), 2 MIN, 18:00

Post Game Comments - Coach Martinson - 12/1

For the second night in a row the Americans could not hold a lead and lost to the Arizona Sundogs 4-2. Three unanswered goals in the third period led to the first loss of the season by more than one goal. Even worse than the loss of the game was the loss of two key players to injury. Here are some of the comments Coach Martinson made at the post game press conference.

- Scotty Howes took an elbow to the head which the referee said he did not see thus no penalty was called. The video will be reviewed by the league and a suspension is possible
- Brett Skinner suffered a leg injury (possible high ankle sprain) and will be out a couple of weeks
- These injuries will put Drew Daniels & Nino Musitelli in the line up for today's game against Fort Worth
- The team doesn't seem to have the "jump" they had earlier in the year.  The long road trip to Arizona, the trip to Tulsa and back to back games may be a factor but all teams are dealing with this
- We gave up too many pucks especially in the third period
- Hopefully Musitelli, with his speed and fresh legs will will give us a spark against the Brahmas
- With the NHL lockout showing little progress look for more players to move into minor league hockey
- The biggest issue for the Americans signing NHL players is the CHL veteran rule which limits the numbers of veterans (over 300 games in any level of pro hockey) on the team to five. We only have on slot available.
- With that said it is very likely a NHL player (Dallas Stars) will be signed in the next week
- The best thing about the 4:05 PM start on Sunday is we will not have much time to dwell on the loss

Does NHL Player Exodus From CHL Mean Anything

Hang Time By Steve Stockmar sstockmar@prescottaz.com Daily Courier sports editor Steve Stockmar gives you the cheat sheet for today’s top sports stories. Wednesday, November 28, 2012 Are there signs of NHL lockout progress in our own CHL? By Steve Stockmar Les Stukenberg/The Daily Courier Phoenix Coyote and one-time Arizona Sundog teammates David Schlemko and Kyle Chipchura skated during practice Oct. 16 at Tim's Toyota Center in Prescott Valley. Hard to tell what to make of the Coyote exodus from the Sundogs, the double-A affiliate of the parent club that reached the NHL's Western Conference Finals a year ago - back when the NHL actually played games. That was so 2011. The team is certainly mum publicly on why Coyotes ringers Kyle Chipchura and David Schlemko and the franchise both parted ways within 10 days of each other through Schlemy's move on Tuesday. And the Coyotes can't say much. Literally. League rules prohibit team officials from talking with players during the lockout. (Which is in its 73rd day, if your advent calendar counts down NHL lockout days.) Chippy's void looms large on the stat sheet. When he left, he was leading the Sundogs in scoring, led the entire CHL in plus/minus with an insane +11, and was the reigning CHL Oakley Player of the Week. Without him, the 'Dogs - who had scored 16 goals in three games with Chippy on the home ice just prior to the Chip-less road trip - managed just three goals in three games. Schlemy hurts when it comes to mojo. A fan favorite around Tim's Toyota Center for years, he was an All-Star when he hoisted the CHL Cup in a Sundog sweater back in the day. So, what's the story here? The NHL has already lost more than 400 games, including its Jan. 27 All-Star Game, so nothing's happening on the NHL ice for a while. Or, is there? Chippy and Schlemy were two of only three NHL players in the CHL since the lockout began. They're both gone, within days of each other, one quieter than the next. The third NHL'er is defenseman Kyle Quincey, the Detroit Red Winger, who signed with the CHL's Denver Cutthroats before the season started (and with the NHL well on its way to a protracted impasse). Word today from Denver is that Quincey, on the Cutthroats' inactive list, was suspended from the CHL roster on Nov. 15. As though CHL teams with NHL players suddenly entered the same witness protection program, there are no specifics on the exit there either. A team spokesperson did say it was an internal issue, and that it was "doubtful" that Quincey would be returning to the Cutthroats. Meanwhile, a Sundogs source Wednesday afternoon said that 40-some NHL players are down in the Valley skating, and that is where Schlemy, for one, was heading. I'd like to think that NHL players are uniting and getting ready for a possible hush-hush dealmaker, so they're hitting the ice running. Or, maybe the Sundogs cut them because they stunk? Uh, no. Meanwhile, federal mediators are now involved in the labor talks in New York. The last bargaining session ended after about two hours, and included a new proposal by the union.