Tough OT Loss in Kalamazoo, Martinson Comments, Why This Team is Special

- If you didn't watch or listen to the Allen Americans game on Sunday afternoon and saw they lost in overtime by a score of 4-3 it would be easy to conclude the end of the road trip was successful by getting two points in Toledo on Saturday and one point in Kalamazoo on Sunday. Nothing could be further from the truth. Some losses are tougher than others and the 4-3 overtime loss to the Kalamazoo Wings was one of the toughest of the season. Anytime a team the caliber of the Allen Americans looses a three goal lead it is bad but the way they lost the three goal lead and the game yesterday was the worst. Leading 3-0 midway through the second period on goals by Costello (21), Schultz (17), and Young (5) the team went into self destruct mode. It started when one of the top defensmen on the team (Aaron Gens) took four penalties just thirteen seconds after Allen had taken a 3-0 lead. Gens was called for cross-checking (a questionable call from those in attendance at the game) but proceeded to get an unsportsmanlike conduct (disputing a call) minor, a ten misconduct and a game misconduct for abuse of officials.  In the last 29 minutes of the game Allen proceeded to give up a shorthanded goal, an even strength goal early in the third period, a game tying goal with just 26 seconds left in the game and an overtime goal at the 2:11 mark of overtime for the 4-3 Wings win. The Americans managed to make a long trip home (just over 1000 miles) seem a lot longer.


- It is difficult to call the weekend (playing three games outside the Central Division) a success when getting only three of six points and losing two of three games even with the big win in Toledo on Saturday. It is ironic the games many predicted the Americans would win (Indy & Kalamazoo) they lost and the game many predicted Allen would lose (Toledo) they won. Welcome to sports!


- The team will have the rest of the day off today after they arrive back in Allen (estimated around noon) and then on Tuesday will begin the preparation for the next two games against the Rapid City Rush on Thursday and Friday at the Allen Event Center.


- As you might expect coach Martinson was none to pleased after the game. His comments were brief and to the point, "It was frustrating when we did not protect the lead. Sometimes when this team gets a lead it becomes more important for them to score more goals than win the game. Doing that results in opportunities for the opponent and Kalamazoo capitalized on those opportunities to get back in the the game. It is a shame we lost that game but I have seen it before and it is getting old."


- For the game Kalamazoo out shot Allen 41-26. In the third period and overtime the Wings out shot the Americans 19-6.


- What a difference a day makes. Allen won a great game in Toledo on Saturday at one of the best arenas in the ECHL before a sold out crowd of over 8300. On Sunday a not so great game in Kalamazoo in a rink that was built so long ago (1974) that Steve Martinson played there. The announced crowd for the Sunday afternoon game was just 2723.


- Aaron Gens had an assist on the first goal of the game scored by Chad Costello and is now tied for the ECHL lead in points by a defenseman with 30 points.


- Chad Costello continued his torrid scoring pace getting a part of all three Allen goals (1 goal 2 assists) in Kalamazoo. He now leads the ECHL scoring race by 21 points.


- It is easy to focus on what was an atypical weekend for Allen with the losses in Indy and Kalamazoo but on the positive side Allen actually extended their lead in the Central Division which is now at eighteen points. The Americans also lead the entire ECHL in points (62) and have a three point lead over Toledo and Fort Wayne. Allen also leads the ECHL in winning percentage (.795).


- The last update received about Patrik Valcak he was scheduled to arrive in Dallas today (Monday). If you noticed on the ECHL transactions yesterday he was shown as signed and placed on reserve. 


- It is always difficult to know what makes a team special as you can count on players on all winning teams saying we have a great group of guys and there is great chemistry in the locker room. But this team really does seem to be unique. It is probably a combination of the make up of the team as well as the team leaders both formal and informal. Coach Martinson has mentioned numerous times the players only team meeting early in the season when the record was 3-3 as a turning point. At that meeting the team took responsibility for themselves and the season. With all of the trials and tribulations this season the team has stood together. Even with a great record there are always numerous issues both on and off the ice that can divide a team, have them pissed off at coaches, management and ownership and yes even the fans. This team has found a way through all of that and it is a tribute to the players and their leadership.


- Mike Stern is a friend who writes for insidehockey.com and wrote a story this week with the title, "Americans Soar to Top of ECHL at All-Star Break."  It is a good read so go to insidehockey.com and read the whole story. A couple of quotes Mike got from players for his story are examples of how tight this group has become and why it is a special group.

“As well as we’re playing, I don’t see us letting up. We’ll keep playing hard every night. What we looked for as kids was to be the best all the time, and we’re still like that. We’re never going to settle until we are the best. (Coach Martinson) and his staff will keep us focused, and we have blue collar, hard working guys who are like a family. The guys on this team go a lot further for each other than on any team I’ve ever played on.” .... Ian Schultz

“For us, winning is a habit, and we want to do the right things all the time because when you do the wrong things, all of a sudden instead of winning by one you start losing by one. We want to stay on top of things all of the time, and we’ll show up every night. We know (the ECHL) is a tough league that will require our best effort every game.” .... Chad Costello

“We score a lot from within six feet of the net because our guys go to the front and bang in rebounds. We have a determined group of guys on the team. We’re not the prettiest, nor are we picture perfect, but we get the job done night in and night out." .... Ian Schultz

At a recent game a player volunteered to me in a private conversation that he has never been in a locker room like this year. Don't remember the exact words but to paraphrase it was something like every single guy in that locker room from Brett Lyon to Chad Costello would fight, if necessary, for this team. It is the tightest group I have ever played with.



DID YOU KNOW: The Allen Americans lead the ECHL in penalty minutes with 885 in just 39 games for an average of 22.69 per game. This is not however, the most penalized team in Americans history. That honor goes to the 2012-2013 championship team who won the Presidents' Cup while having over 400 more penalty minutes than any other team in the league. Allen had 1571 penalty minutes that season in 66 games for an average of 23.80 per game.

Allen Gets Big 3-1 Win Over Toledo, Martinson's Post Game Comments, Fan Pics, Kalamazoo Preview

As disappointing as it was to get burned by the Fuel on Friday night the satisfaction from landing a lunker Walleye last night (sorry about that, being from Minnesota I couldn't help myself) was impressive. After one of their worst played games of the year against Indy on Friday night the Allen Americans played one of their best games of the year last night to beat Toledo 3-1 before a sold out crowd of over 8300 at Huntington Center.

When Toledo scored on their first shot of the game at the 1:52 mark of the first period it would have been easy to think here we go again but that was not the case. That would be the only goal Toledo could muster for the rest of the game. The Americans got the equalizer in the second period on a goal by Jamie Schaafsma (8), the go ahead tally early in the third period on a power play goal by Gary Steffes (26) and an empty net goal by Rylan Schwartz (6) to seal the victory. Aaron Gens and Chad Costello each had two assists in the game.

 It says a lot about the quality and character of this team that they were embarrassed about how they played on Friday (Tommy Daniels mentioned on his radio broadcast that three different players apologized and told Tommy to tell the fans they were sorry for their performance in Indy) and use the loss as motivation for the game against Toledo on Saturday. As John Wooden used to say, "Losing is only temporary and not all encompassing. You must simply study it, learn from it, and try not to lose the same way again. Then you must have the self-control to forget about it."

It was a great victory for Allen against one of the best teams in the ECHL made more important by the fact many were questioning whether Allen had such a good record because they have played all of their games against weaker competition in the Central Division. Yes, it was only one game and worth just two points but with many around the ECHL looking for Allen to lose it was a sweet win. If the Americans can't back up the win with another today in Kalamazoo (game time 2:00 pm CST) it will not be a successful trip.


STEVE MARTINSON'S POST GAME COMMENTS

- It was a really good win tonight especially after dropping the ball last night in Indy.

- We carried the play right from the first puck drop and then they came down and scored on their first shot.

- Riley Gill was solid in net after that first goal and he made many great plays with the puck which made it difficult for Toledo to forecheck.

- Everyone worked hard tonight and played a strong game. This was one of the most complete, solid team efforts we have had all year.


OTHER COMMENTS

- Had a chance to trade messages with Tommy Daniels after the game to get his thoughts and this is what he had to say, "The Americans made a statement to the rest of the ECHL tonight that their 29 wins are legit. We beat a great team tonight in their building in front of a sellout crowd of over 8300. It was the most fun I have had calling a game since the championship finals."

- Toledo coach Derek Lalonde attributed the loss in large part to lack of discipline by his team in taking so many penalties and having to expend so much time and energy killing penalties. Allen was 1-5 on the power play but the one goal by Gary Steffes was the game winner. Allen continued their outstanding penalty kill on the road holding the Walleye scoreless in four attempts and raising their league leading road penalty kill percentage to 91.7%.

- Here is an interview with Derek Lalonde after the 3-1 loss to Allen. It is labelled as highlights but the only goal included is the one goal Toledo scored.

- With his two assists last night Aaron Gens now has 29 points in 38 games and is second in the league in scoring by defensemen just one point out of first place. Allen has four defensemen with more than twenty points (Gens 29, Baker 26, Young 24, Tyler Ludwig (23). They are all in the top fourteen in the ECHL in scoring.

- With two assists last night Chad Costello extended his ECHL scoring lead to 19 points. Chad has 63 points and second place among active players is Adam Pleskach of Tulsa with 44 points.

- Gary Steffes scored his league leading 26th goal last night in his 38th game. Gary is having a career year as the most goals he has ever scored in a season was in 2011-2012 when he had 22 goals in 66 games. At his current pace he would finish with 50 goals this year.

- Kale Kerbashian (2012-2014), a member of both Allen championship teams was traded yesterday by the Evansville IceMen to the Rapid City Rush where he will be reunited with former teammates Daniel Tetrault and Dallas Ehrhardt. Kale was the second leading scorer for Evansville and led the team in assists. Rumor has it that new Evansville coach Al Sims will be making additional roster moves in the coming weeks. Jarret Lukin and Jim McKenzie also play for Evansville.

- Proving their victory over Allen Friday night was no fluke the Indy Fuel won their fifth straight game last night. Indy is still mired in sixth place in the North Division with just 31 points but they have earned ten points in the last week.

- The Americans have a contingent of super fans on the road trip and they are making their presence known. This is a group that has no problem letting everyone know who they support and they are also great representatives for the Americans who will make many new friends in Indy, Toledo and Kalamazoo. Tommy Daniels had some of the group as between period guests on his radio broadcast last night. The fan support means a lot to the players as well. "Awesome support on the road from the best fans in the league" ... Aaron Gens

Allen fans pose with "Cattrick" in Toledo

Allen fans celebrating in downtown Toledo after the big win

It is on to Kalamazoo for hopefully a big finish to the weekend

 

ALLEN VS KALAMAZOO GAME PREVIEW:

- If the Americans want to consider this road trip successful it will be important to get out of Kalamazoo with a win. Just like Indy and Toledo, the Wings have been playing great hockey recently. They have won seven of their last eight games with the only loss being a 2-1 shootout loss to Toledo on Friday.

- Allen has the statistical advantage in average goals scored (Allen 4.24 - Kalamazoo 2.94) and in goals allowed (Allen 2.58 - Kalamazoo 3.00). Special teams also favor the Americans. On the road the power play for Allen is 22.7% and the penalty kill is at 91.7%. Kalamazoo at home has a power play percentage of 12.5% and penalty kill of 87.3%.

- The scheduled officials for the game are referee Pierre Lambert (#20), linesmen Francois Dussureault (#62)  and Jesse Pletsch (#54).




DID YOU KNOW: With just half of the season completed Chad Costello is already seventh on the single season all time scoring list for the Allen Americans. Here is the list:

88 points - Colton Yellow Horn (2010-2011)
79 points - Bruce Graham (2009-2010)
76 points - Alex Lavoie (2013-2014)
73 points - Justin Bowers (2009-2010)
73 points - Bruce Graham (2010-2011)
71 points - Nino Musitelli (2010- 2011)
63 points - Chad Costello (2014-2015)

Allen vs Indy Preview, Dell Recalled to Worcester, Worcester Moving to San Jose, Indiana Farmers Coliseum

The weekend that everyone from players to fans to coaches had marked on the calendar when the ECHL schedule was published has finally arrived. An opportunity for the Allen Americans to play three teams outside the Central Division. Three games in less than 48 hours against three North Division teams (Indy, Toledo, Kalamazoo) who are all playing great hockey. The three teams combined have not lost a game in regulation in their last nineteen games.

- Indy has won four of their last five games which were all on the road. The only loss was in overtime. Toledo has won six of their last eight games with the two losses coming in overtime/shootout. Kalamazoo has won six straight games.

- Allen will be without the services of Aaron Dell who was recalled yesterday by the Worcester Sharks (AHL). The Americans will have Greger Hanson back in the line up as he is meeting the team in Indy after spending the last month in Worcester.

Aaron Dell has been recalled by Worcester

ALLEN VS INDY GAME PREVIEW

- A statistical comparison of Allen and Indy shows a huge advantage for Allen. Here are a few examples:

Points: Allen (59) - Indy (27)
Goals For: Allen (157) - Indy (95)
Goals Allowed: Allen (93) - Indy (136)
Goal Differential: Allen (+64) - Indy (-41)
Team Plus/Minus: Allen (+229) - Indy (-230)

Allen is ranked #1 in league standings. Indy is ranked #25.
Allen is #1 in average goals scored per game (4.36). Indy is #26 (2.50).
Allen is ranked #2 in average goals allowed (2.58). Indy is #25 (3.58).

- What the stats above don't show is recent success by Indy as they have a three game win streak and have won four of their last five games which were all on the road. Not to be outdone Allen is currently on a league leading nine game win streak.

- Special teams will be a key tonight and if the game is typical Allen will be on the penalty kill more than Indy. Allen leads the ECHL is average penalty minutes per game (23.19) while Indy is ranked #24 at just 13.29 minutes per game. Allen has been able to overcome giving up a lot of power plays because they have the #1 ranked road penalty kill unit in the ECHL which kills penalties at a rate of 90.8%. Allen's road power play is successful 23.8% of the time which is #2 in the league. At home Indy has a penalty kill percentage of  81.1% and power play percentage of 20.9%. Advanatge Allen.

- With Aaron Dell in Worcester look for Riley Gill to get the start in all three games this weekend. He thrives on a lot of work and that will certainly be the case with these three games. Riley has nineteen wins thus far which is second in the ECHL for most wins. Not sure who the back up goalie will be but often times in these situations if there is not enough time to get a goalie signed and to the road location a local goalie is signed for the night.

- Allen have five players that average over a point a game (Costello, Steffes, Schultz, Hanson, Schwartz). Indy has none.


OTHER COMMENTS 

- There will be quite a contingent of "super fans" cheering on the Americans on this road trip. They have promised to share some pictures so hopefully will have some Indy game pics for the post tomorrow. It is "Retro Rewind" night in Indy tonight with an appearance by the legendary Hanson  Brothers from the classic hockey film, "Slapshot." The first 1000 in attendance receive a pair of Indy Fuel Hanson Brothers glasses! Maybe a group picture with the glasses for the blog tomorrow.

- The move of the Worcester Sharks to San Jose was the subject of another article yesterday. This has been rumored for a while but it now seems to be an almost certainty that it will happen for the 2015-2016 season. The move is an unconventional one because according to reports the team will play in the same arena as their parent club, San Jose Sharks. Supposedly the "western strategy" details will be finalized at the AHL All-Star game executive meeting which takes place this weekend and an announcement could be forthcoming next week. What impact would this have on Allen's affiliation with the Sharks is unknown but with DFW airport so close and the numerous flights to California each day a continued affiliation is likely.

- Speaking of Worcester they are currently riding an eight game win streak and have vaulted themselves into the AHL playoff picture. They are currently tied for sixth place in the Eastern Conference standings with eight teams making the playoffs. AHL teams that don't make the playoffs often send players to their ECHL affiliates which can make a big difference for the ECHL playoffs. Have had players tell me seeding in the playoffs can be deceiving as lower seeds with AHL players sent to help can be much better than higher seeds. It may be best for the Americans self interest if Worcester does not make the playoffs. 



DID YOU KNOW:  The Indy Fuel play in a hockey rink (Indiana Farmers Coliseum) that is on the Indiana State Fairgrounds and was built in 1939. In 2012 the entire complex underwent a 53 million dollar renovation and was turned into a modern arena with two levels of seating, an elevated concourse, state of the art sound system and 6000 new seats.  There are a few remnants of the old Coliseum, the oldest building still in use for professional hockey in North America, including the large windows around the building's perimeter and one section of the original wooden Coliseum seats in the building's southeast corner.

The Indy Fuel play at the Indiana Farmers Coliseum built in 1939 and newly renovated

All-Stars Win 8-4, Martinson Post Game Comments, Three Hot Teams For Allen This Weekend

- The ECHL All-Star game took place last night and it went as predicted with lots of shots on goal (98), lots of goals (12), few penalties (1) and an easy (after a slow first period start) All-Star team victory over the host Orlando Solar Bears with a final score of 8-4 before the biggest All-Star game crowd (9288) since the 2000 game.

-  Had a chance to catch up with Steve Martinson this morning to get his thoughts on the game. Here is what he had to say.
"After the first period when we were trailing 1-0 we told the guys we had set an All-Star record for going an entire period without scoring a goal. The first period reminded me of our opening night game in Allen when Tulsa beat us 9-6 with a ton of odd man rushes.  Our goalie (Joe Cannata - Ontario Reign) was really good in the first period to keep the score close. We got going in the second period and finished off some plays. I have to admit it is different going a whole game without yelling at anyone. I was going to give our Central Division players a hard time but they all played really well. Chris Crane (Missouri Mavericks) was maybe the hardest working guy on the ice. Danick Gauthier (Wichita Thunder) made some strong plays and controls the puck. I really enjoyed the entire experience. The Fan Fest on Tuesday night was unique and a lot of fun. It is thanks to all of the hard work by the Allen players that I was able to be a coach for the All-Star game. I want to thank them again for giving me this experience."

- Myles Bell from the Evansville IceMen with two goals and an assist was named the games MVP. Alex Krushelnyski from the Utah Grizzlies won the fastest skater competition with the third fastest time (13.47) in ECHL All-Star skills competition history. The hardest shot competition was won by Orlando defenseman Yann Sauve with a shot of 94 MPH.

- The Allen Americans left for Indianapolis last night and should arrive sometime late this morning. Steve Martinson will be flying from Orlando to met the team in Indy. Also heard yesterday that Greger Hanson will be meeting the team in Indy. Have not heard anything official about Patrik Valcak but the rumor was he would not be arriving in Dallas yesterday so it is unlikely he will be on the road trip.

- Jack Combs will play his first game for Bjorkloven in Sweden on Friday. Saw an interview he did when he arrived in Sweden and he mentioned he has always wanted to play in Sweden, his favorite number is #21 (which is the number he will be wearing) because Swedish born Peter Forsberg was his favorite player growing up. Combs also stated in the interview he feels pressure to score right away for his Bjorkloven team. If you want to see the entire twelve minute interview you can find it at play.bjorkloven.com

Jack Combs plays his first game for Bjorkloven on Friday

- The upcoming three games this weekend will be a big challenge for the Americans as anytime you have to play three games in three days with travel it is a difficult task. What creates an even bigger challenge for Allen is all three opponents (Indy, Toledo, Kalamazoo) are playing well.

-At first blush you might think the game on Friday will be an easy win as Indy is ranked #13 in the fourteen team Eastern Conference with just 27 points. However, if you look at recent performance Indy has won four of their last five games which were all on the road. The only loss was in overtime.

- Saturday Allen takes on the Toledo Walleye who are ranked #2 in the Eastern Conference with 55 points. A very skilled team with three lines that can all score to go along with being the least penalized team in the ECHL. Toledo has won six of their last eight games with the two losses coming in overtime/shootout.

- Sunday will be a gut check game as after playing Saturday night in Toledo, Allen will travel to Kalamazoo for a 3:00 pm EST start on Sunday. The Wings are another team that are not highly ranked in the conference standings (#11 with 34 points) but have been hot lately as they have a six game win streak.


DID YOU KNOW: The Allen Americans are the most penalized team in the ECHL with 835 penalty minutes in 36 games. The Toledo Walleye are the least penalized team  in the ECHL with just 370 penalty minutes in 35 games.

Americans Practice Through All-Star Break, Pucks N' Paws Night, Mullins To Coach Jr. Stars

- Most teams in the ECHL are taking three days off because of the All-Star break but not the case for the Allen Americans. With Steve Martinson in Orlando to coach the the ECHL All-Stars, Erik Adams and Kevin Colley conducted a light practice yesterday and will have a regular practice today before the team gets on the bus tonight for the 850 mile trip to Indianapolis where they play the Indy Fuel on Friday. Steve Martinson will fly from Orlando to Indianapolis Thursday to meet the team.

- It may look like a different line up in Indy if everything goes as planned. Greger Hanson is on his way back to Allen, Tyler Barr was released yesterday and Patrik Valcak was scheduled to fly from Poland to Dallas and arrive today. Will be interesting to see who gets on the bus tonight. Garrett Clarke will make the trip but will not be eligible to play until Saturday.

- Just as they did last year the players and coach Martinson along with the league and PHPA agreed to switch the three day "All-Star" break to a later date. Coming so soon after the Christmas break it is better for everyone concerned to have the break later in the season. This year the break had to be delayed because of the travel schedule. So Allen will take three days off after the next two home games which are January 29 & 30 against Rapid City. It works out nice as it will be Super Bowl weekend.

- Tonight is the All-Star game which starts at 7:00 EST and you can watch it online for free through ECHL.TV. If you don't already have an ECHL-TV account established that is all you have to do to watch the game. Use the code CCMASC2015 to access the free feed from Orlando.

- What will Steve Martinson have to say to the All-Star team. He will emphasize two different messages to the guys. The first is to enjoy the experience and have some fun. The other is to remember there will be scouts from every NHL team watching so show them what you can do by playing your game and working hard.

- Okay dog lovers, here is a chance to bring your dog to an Allen Americans game and support the SPCA of Texas as "Pucks N' Paws Night" is coming on Valentines Day. Here are the details. If you have any questions contact Kailey Warren of the Allen Americans staff who is in charge of this promotion. Kailey can be reached at 972-912-1000 or you can email her at kwarren@allenamericans.com.

Registration:

• MUST REGISTER BY FEBRUARY 12.
• Register, via email (kwarren@allenamericans.com), or by calling (972) 912-1000. The Allen Event Center box office will not be selling tickets for this promotion.
• $5 each for canine admission, and $2 of every dog ticket is donated to the SPCA!
• Limit one dog per adult (18+) ticket.
• Must provide records of up-to-date vaccinations AND proof of spay/neuter, as well as sign a waiver for each dog.

Restrictions:

• Non-retractable leashes only.
• Non-aggressive dogs only.
• Dogs will not be allowed up to premium level.
• Pet entry and exit through south entrance only.
• Dogs will be limited to the south side of the main concourse. This area will be blocked off with stanchions outside of section 118 just before the box office; dogs will not be allowed past this point.
• Limited to seating in upper portions of sections 112 & 113.

Game Day:

• Dog check-in on the day of the game will take place at the south entrance, beginning at 6:00 pm.
• Owners will be issued a wristband, which will allow re-entry to the owner and dog ONLY throughout the game at the south entrance.
• Water stations will be placed outdoors, as well as inside near the designated sections.

-  If you never signed up for ECHL-TV at the beginning of the season and wished you had the ECHL has just announced a mid season pricing promotion for the rest of the season. You can purchase several different passes at reduced prices for the remaining of the regular season. An All-Access Pass to view everything is $149.99, to just watch the Allen Americans games it will cost $99.99 and if you just want the Allen away games the cost is $64.99. You can finds details at echl.com.

- The Dallas JR Stars have added former Allen head coach Dwight Mullins as a Co-Head Coach. Former Allen captain Jason Deitsch is the current head coach of the team but was not mentioned in the press release. Here is part of the press release.

The JR Stars add coach Dwight Mullins as a Co-Head Coach. Mullins has most recently coached at the professional level in the ECHL and has spent considerable time at the Junior/18U Tier I level in Dallas, Reggie Hall, President and General Manager made the announcement today.
“We believe our team has substantial talent and can compete with anyone in Tier III hockey. Through 30 games we have clearly not reached our potential and we are committed to making adjustments that improve our program. The opportunity to add a coach with Dwight’s experience and background doesn’t happen very often”, said Hall. “Having personally coached with Dwight for six seasons I know the level of game knowledge and teaching ability he brings to our players. At this level it is really about teaching effectiveness”, continued Hall.
Mullins brings a deep hockey background to the JR Stars organization.




DID YOU KNOW:  The 2010 ECHL All-Star game was one for the record books. The game was played in Ontario, California between All-Stars from the two conferences. The two teams combined for 19 goals to set a record for most goals in an ECHL All-Star game and the game went into overtime. The American Conference ended up winning the game 10-9 in a shootout over the National Conference. 
Q: Do the players get paid to play in the All-Star game?
A: Yes, according to the ECHL collective bargaining agreement each player that participates receives a flat fee of $300 from the host team in addition to transportation, accommodations and meals.

Game Recap, Martinson Post Game Comments, All-Star Rant, Schwartz Shout Out on NHL Telecast

Aaron Dell stopped 36 of 38 shots and was named the games #1 Star - photo by scenebykimberly.com

The Allen Americans ended their first half dream season in style yesterday easily defeating the Missouri Mavericks 5-2 at the Allen Event Center before a crowd of 4141 dominated by the SpongeBob SquarePants set on Kids' Day. The game was decided early in the first period as Justin Baker scored a power play goal at 1:09, Gary Steffes scored his league leading 24th goal at 3:34 and newly acquired Josef Fojtik got his first goal at 11:08. Chad Costello added two goals in the third period to finish the scoring . The win improved Allen's record against Missouri this season to 7-0. There is no other way to say it other than the teacher (Martinson) schooled the student (Matvichuk) in the first half of the first season in the ECHL. Eighteen years of head coaching experience trumps two years as an assistant/associate coach, an outstanding NHL career and a Stanley Cup. Missouri will get things sorted out and still has a chance to make the playoffs and one thing is for sure and that is Allen fans are pulling for Richard Matvichuk.

It is difficult to comprehend the success of the Americans in the first half. Nobody could have expected Allen to be leading the league in points (59) and winning percentage (.819)  at the halfway point of the season especially after being blown out by Tulsa 9-6 in the home opener. With the win yesterday Allen now has the  longest win streak in the ECHL this year (nine games) and also the longest home win streak (ten games). Allen's overall record is 28-5-1-2. Since November 9th the home record is 17-1 with the only loss being a an overtime loss to Wichita so the Americans have gotten at least one point in every home game for over two months. Job well done!


STEVE MARTINSON'S POST GAME COMMENTS

- I thought we started out good tonight but I don't think we had the killer instinct after we got the 3-0 lead. Missouri had a bunch of shots in the first period but Dell was really good. Most of their shots were on two shifts. Shots on goal can be deceiving because when you score goals you don't get secondary shots like you do if you don't score goals. We were out playing them even though they had more shots.

- The power play started out with a screen and a shot from the point for a goal but then we got away from that which was frustrating. We gave up a two on one when we were on the power play which Dell stopped and we changed the group and then gave up a shorthanded breakaway. What happened on that play was our defenseman decided to rush their guy after a turnover at the blue line. If he has stayed back it would have been a one on one. I told our guys Dell likes to have a good GAA and save percentage just as much as you like to score. It is frustrating to have that kind of effort and decision making that results in a shorthanded penalty shot goal.

- It wasn't the difference in the game but guys work hard for goals and Ian Schultz had a goal at the end of the game that was in the net that both the referee and goal judge missed and another goal was waived off that was clearly a goal. The guys play hard and want to score goals and you don't get that many so when you get one you want it to count. Because it doesn't make a difference in the game it is easy to say it is no big deal but it is a big deal. They didn't make a difference in the game but if you are the players that made good plays and worked hard to get a goal you like to have credit for the goal.

- It would be nice to have instant replay but it is cost prohibitive in our league to put it in place for all rinks so that is not going to happen. You just hope when you have obvious mistakes it is not the difference in the game. Luckily that was the case today.

- With 19 goals in the three games since Jack Combs left it shows the depth of this team. Other guys are getting more opportunity and that is great.

- Chad Costello is starting to shoot the puck more and is skating with speed which resulted in two goals today.

- What I like is we are first in points at the All-Star break. It was a great first half for the guys. I thanked them for giving me the opportunity to go to Orlando to coach the All-Star game. I owe it to them and they probably happy to get me out of town for a coupe of days.

- I haven't started to look at Indy, Toledo and Kalamazoo yet. I have downloaded some of their games and will take a look this week. I am familiar with some of the players on Indy, Toledo has a real good offensive team with three lines that can all score but they are not very physical at all, and I haven't seen Kalamazoo play for a while. I am expecting us to play well this weekend and everyone should be 100%.

- Right now we are playing some good hockey. Fojtik will get better every day and Valcak should be here Wednesday. I plan on playing Fojtik and Valcak together but I have not decided yet which center I will put with them.


OTHER COMMENTS

- It has been talked about on this blog several times and by many others but the ECHL All-Star rules need to be changed. Since the game is tomorrow it gives me one more opportunity to rant about the fact that the best team in the league has no player on the team. It is not a conspiracy but just the cockamamie rules but this is how it turned out from an Allen fan perspective. The coach with the best winning percentage (.819) in the ECHL (Steve Martinson) is not the head coach because of some cutoff date. The leading scorer (by 16 points) in the ECHL (Chad Costello) is not on the team because the former leading scorer (Jack Combs) was a teammate and left for Sweden.  The game is advertised as a showcase for prospects yet one of the best and arguably the best rookie defenseman in the league (Justin Baker with 7 goals, 19 assist,  +18 in 34 games) is left off the team because the former leading scorer (Jack Combs) was a teammate and left for Sweden. And I won't even make the case for the leading goal scorer in the league (Gary Steffes), the second leading scorer in the league for defensemen (Aaron Gens) and the goalie (Riley Gill) with the second most wins in the league (19), third best GAA (2.33) and third best save percentage (.922). If the ECHL is not willing to change the format and/or the rules then quit trying to market the game as an All-Star game.     C'MON MAN!

- Rylan Schwartz got a nice shout out on the national NHL television broadcast last night after his brother, Jaden, scored a goal for the St. Louis Blues. Commentator Pierre MCGuire pointed out how Jaden and his brother Rylan were both standout players when they played together at Colorado College.

- Playing in every game in a hockey season is quite an accomplishment and typically only one or two players have done it each year for Allen. They are the Ironmen  and at the halfway point there are only four players that have played in all 36 games. Congrats to Chad Costello, Aaron Gens, Jamie Schaafsma and Gary Steffes.

Gary Steffes scored his league leading 24th goal - photo by scenebykimberly.com

- Allen is 18-3 at home and has 15 home games remaining. They are on pace to break the ECHL record for home victories in a season which is 30.

- The Allen penalty kill held Missouri scoreless for the seventh consecutive game yesterday. The Mavericks were 0-5 in the game and are now 0-34  against the Americans.

- Had the chance to meet a couple of Missouri fans that made the trip to Allen to cheer on the Mavericks. It was great chatting with Michelle and Mary Ann (hope I remembered the names correctly). Great supporters of the Mavericks. Also met the former Mavericks mascot, Andrew Johnson, who now works as the mascot coordinator for the Dallas Stars.

DID YOU KNOW: Allen is the only Central Division team in the top ten in points in the ECHL. Here is how each team ranks:
#1 - Allen (59 points)
#12 - Quad City (42 points)
#13 - Wichita (42 points)
#14 - Tulsa (42 points)
#21 - Rapid City (34 points)
#23 - Missouri (32 points)
#28 - Brampton (26 points)

David Rutherford catches a ride with Trevor Ludwig. It didn't end well for Rutherford - photo by scenebykimberly.com

Allen vs Missouri Game Preview, Messier Provides Helping Hand, Watch All-Star Game For Free

It is afternoon hockey as the Allen Americans take on the Missouri Mavericks today at the Allen Event Center (AEC) with a 1:05 puck drop. The game marks the end of the first half of the inaugural ECHL season for Allen and the beginning of the official three day All-Star break. If there was ever a trap game this has to be the one. Missouri arrives in Allen with six straight losses overall and seven losses in a row at home. To add insult to injury the Mavericks are 0-6 against Allen this season.  Missouri has fallen to sixth place in the Central Division standings and are now 25 points behind the Allen Americans. Meanwhile Allen has won a league leading eight games in a row and nine straight games at home to go along with having the best record in the ECHL.

- Any statistical comparison between Allen and Missouri whether you look at head to head record, season long record, recent record, goals scored, goals allowed, goal differential, plus/minus, or special teams would show that Allen is the better team. That is precisely what makes the game this afternoon a concern.  

- Special teams have certainly been a key in Allen having a perfect 6-0 record against Missouri this year.  The Mavericks power play is the worst in the ECHL ranked #28 at 10.1%.  Missouri has not scored a power play goal on Allen all year going 0-29 in their six previous meetings. The Americans have five power play goals against the Mavericks.

- Missouri has struggled to score goals as they rank #27 with a goals scored per game average of 2.44. Allen is ranked #1 with an average of 4.34. During their current six game losing streak Missouri has just seven goals in six games.

-  Haven't heard who will be in goal this afternoon but Riley Gill has been out the last couple of games with bumps and bruises so Aaron Dell may get the start. Gill has been in goal for all six wins against Missouri this year giving up only seven goals in the six games including a 29 save 6-0 shutout in Missouri on November 26.

- Bottom line is Allen has a big advantage going into the game this afternoon. After all, they have beaten the Mavericks six straight times. The winning formula remains the same and that is out work Missouri, be aggressive but don't gamble, get back defensively, avoid odd man rushes, and take advantage of being the better team on special teams. Finally, get pucks to the net and don't try to make the perfect play. As a team the Missouri goalies have a combined .882 save percentage so pucks to the net with guys in front should get the job done.


OTHER COMMENTS

- With a win today Allen will hit the halfway point in the season with a huge 17 point lead in the Central Division standings. Quad City beat Rapid City last night to move into a three way tie for second place in the standings with Wichita and Tulsa. The second place teams have 42 points but none of them play today.

- Wish I had taken a picture of Jesse Messier helping a gangly, spaghetti legged child at the skate after the game on Saturday. Long after the other players had left the ice there was Jesse showing compassion for this not so young child who was struggling to stand up let alone skate. His compassion and encouragement was both noticed and appreciated.

- When you ask players if they have rituals or superstitions they most often say no but if you ask about routines they almost always say yes and are very specific about their game day routine. With a 1:05 game time you can bet routines are discombobulated today as to when to get up, what and when to eat, no nap, and preparing for a game that will be over before they usually get to the rink on a normal game day. Check with the wives and girlfriends at the game today to see if their man was a little more grouchy or out of sorts than normal this morning. Bet you will get a few yes answers.

- If you have an interest in watching the ECHL All-Star game Wednesday night you can watch it for free on ECHL-TV.  If you don't already have an account you can set one up free of charge and use code CCMASC2015 to access the feed from Orlando. If you just want to listen to the game it will be on iHeartRadio on iheartsolarbears.com. More details at the ECHL website.

- The official All-Star break is tomorrow through Thursday (January 20-22) as players are given that time off. However, because the Americans leave for their road trip on Wednesday (Indy, Toledo, Klalmazoo) it was agreed by everyone involved to take their All-Star break over the Super Bowl weekend (February 1st). Nice compromise!

- Today will be the last day to see the Allen Americans in their white jerseys at home. They will be wearing the red jerseys for the rest of the season starting with the January 29th home game against Rapid City.

- Had a good result last night in the Central Division vs the rest of the ECHL as Brampton beat Wheeling 2-1 in dramatic fashion. Tyler Donati scored the game winner with 1.9 second left in the game. With that win the Central Division finishes 7-19-1-0 against the other ECHL divisions in the first half. The Central Division teams will have 15 more opportunities in the second half.

- Have to admit it was good to see Dallas Ehrhardt have a good night against his old team on Saturday. Dallas is a big stay at home defenseman and when he was traded this past week by Missouri to Rapid City for offensive defenseman  Landon Oslanski a lot of people from both teams piled on saying Missouri got the better deal in the trade. Having watched Dallas for a year in Allen he was a big asset to the team. As fate would have it the second game Dallas played for Rapid City was against his old team in Missouri. Ehrhardt had two assists, a fight against Ryley Grantham (another former Allen American) and was named the #2 Star of the game. And his team won the game 3-1. Dallas always was the quiet type who let his actions speak louder than words. Job well done.



DID YOU KNOW: Allen has an amazing home record this season of 17-2-1-0. They are a perfect 13-0 when tied or leading after the first period. They have been out shot by their opponents just four times at home but are a perfect 4-0 in those games.