Allen Americans Weekly Update Plus Some News and Notes, Steve Martinson Coaching Again

 

Allen general manager Chad Costello continues to build the Americans 2023-24 roster with the addition of three players since my last update. The addition of forward Chad Butcher, goalie Chase Perry and defenseman Eric Williams brings the announced roster to 13 players. It is still relatively early in the process. You can expect one or two AHL level players signing with Allen, an older player or two and more rookies. This is the time of the recruiting process when the puzzle pieces become more difficult as ECHL coaches/general managers have to deal with the realities of affiliation help, salary cap, housing and a myriad of other issues.

 

- Chad Butcher has played 110 games for the Allen Americans over four seasons (23G, 60A) averaging .75 points per game. A fearless player that doesn't hesitate to go into the corners and tough areas to make a play. Chad is not a big player, and his fearless style of play makes him susceptible to injury. If he can stay healthy, he will be a big help up the middle for the Americans. Here is the press release from the Allen Americans: https://allenamericans.com/media/americans-add-depth-up-the-middle/

 

- Chase Perry arrived in Allen in January last season and was a big part of the Americans comeback from last place to second place. His record was 14-7-0-1 with a .921 save percentage. Chase won four of his last five starts in the regular season and in his lone loss he gave up one goal in a 2-0 shutout. Perry has a great attitude which is critical when you assume the Americans will get goalies from Belleville rotating to Allen to get playing time. Here is the press release from the Allen Americans: https://allenamericans.com/media/after-a-solid-2022-2023-season-between-the-pipes-goalie-chase-perry-returns/

 

- Eric Williams was a late season acquisition by the Americans in 2022-23 in a trade with Norfolk where he served as captain of the team. He played 16 regular season games in Allen (2G, 2A) and 11 playoff games (1G, 3A). Look for Williams to play a bigger role for the Americans is 2023-24. Here are a few bullet points from my player profile when Eric arrived in Allen and the press release from the Allen Americans: https://allenamericans.com/media/eric-williams-signed-for-the-upcoming-season/

• Two conference championships (Hockey East) at Northeastern University.
• #2 in blocked shots (81) as a junior in college, one behind the leader.
• Did not miss a single game in his college career (156 straight games).
• Scouting report says Eric has a cannon of a shot from the point along with the ability to get the puck to the net. A puck moving defenseman who is very cerebral.
• Eric has anchored the power play in juniors, college and as a pro.

 

- Here is the updated Allen roster with the 13 players announced for 2023-24:

GOALIES

• Chase Perry

DEFENSEMEN

• Matt Brassard
• Ty Farmer
• Ryan Gagnon
• Kris Myllari
• Eric Williams

FORWARDS

• Chad Butcher
• Liam Finlay
• Jordan Ty-Fournier
• Colton Hargrove
• Grant Hebert
• Colby McAuley
• Mikael Robidoux

 

 

NEWS AND NOTES

- I talked to Steve Martinson yesterday and he has expanded his portfolio. In addition to his solar business, which he operates with his wife, Michelle, he has taken on the role of head coach of the Roosevelt University Woman’s Hockey Team. Roosevelt is a small private college in Chicago. Per Martinson it is a great situation where he can continue to build the solar business from his home in Rockford and commute for his coaching duties. Martinson has been involved with women’s hockey throughout his daughter, Lily’s hockey career. She is a junior, playing hockey at NCAA Division I Providence College.  

Here is what Martinson had to say in his own words, "It's really nice to be able to coach from home and continue to build the solar business.  We partnered with JC Solar in Texas, so that we can now also offer financing and we don’t have to be in Texas full time. I probably should have gone into coaching college hockey years ago, but I was enjoying pro hockey. Anyone that knows me gets my passion for women’s hockey. I will have much more control coaching college hockey with fewer outside influences impacting the team.

Here is the press release from Roosevelt University announcing Steve Martinson's selection as the head coach of the Woman's Hockey Team:  https://www.rooseveltlakers.com/sports/wice/2023-24/releases/20230810jardax

 

 

- 3ICE wrapped up the season with the typical Allen Americans flair. In year one Chad Costello was the 3ICE MVP and his team won the championship (Patrick Cup). In year two Chad passed the torch to Hank Crone who was the 3ICE MVP and his team won the Patrick Cup. Ironically in the championship tournament (four of eight teams made the playoffs) Chad's team (Team Johnston) lost to Crone's team (Team Murphy) with the winner advancing to the championship game.  In the championship game Crone scored the only goal for his team in regulation and then score a shootout goal to win the championship. It was a dramatic ending to a dramatic 3ICE season.

 

- The SPHL has followed the lead of the ECHL and is now going by just SPHL instead of Southern Professional Hockey League. This may in fact be an easier transition for the SPHL as it is commonly known as the "SP" while the ECHL is still called the "Coast" by players and fans alike. Here are the details of the SPHL rebranding. https://www.thesphl.com/sphl-announces-rebrand

 

- The QMJHL, one of the three major junior hockey leagues in Canada has taken a big step in banning fighting starting with the upcoming season. Players who fight during a game will be automatically ejected and face additional suspensions as well. Here is a story with the details: https://bleacherreport.com/articles/10085758-quebec-major-junior-hockey-league-bans-fighting-will-result-in-automatic-ejection

 

- Saw this article in a local paper about long time Allen Americans sponsor Gary Hirsch, the owner of Hirsch's Meats. Gary is easily identifiable at Allen games with his distinct handlebar mustache. Fans will also recognize him as the sponsor of the "steak race" at each game. Gary has a great story about his business in Plano: https://starlocalmedia.com/planocourier/this-plano-business-owner-supplies-quality-meats-for-residents-and-area-restaurants/article_af330348-37af-11ee-847d-63542e91d2fb.html

 

 

DID YOU KNOW: Here is my ECHL stats post for today. Allen's points per game leader was Hank Crone who has signed and AHL deal with Chicago. Here are the 2023-24 plans for 2022-23 average points per game leaders for each ECHL team (minimum 30 games played):

Re-signed with same ECHL team: ATL, IDH, NOR, WIC

*Unsigned: ADK, CIN, FLA, IND, JAX, ORL, RC, TOL

Europe signed: GVL, IA, NFL, REA, SC, TUL

AHL signed: ALN, FW, KC, SAV, TR, UTA, WHL

Re-signed with different ECHL team: KAL, MNE, WOR

 

*These players could be signed but just not yet announced.

 

Allen Americans Weekly Update - Roster Now Up to 10 with Addition of Myllari, Robidoux, Fournier, Farmer and Gagnon, 3ICE Update and More

 

It has been a busy week for the Allen Americans. Since my last update a week ago, the Americans have doubled the roster by announcing five more players for 2023-24. The flurry of announcements started on August 3rd with defenseman Kris Myllari, who was recently voted by his ECHL peers as the best defensive defenseman in the Western Conference. The Americans followed up Myllari's announcement with an unprecedented three players the next day. 

• Ty Farmer - Defenseman Farmer joined Allen late last season after finishing his collegiate career at the University of North Dakota. He played 10 regular season and five playoff games before being injured. He will start the season on injured reserve after undergoing surgery in the off season.
• Mikael Robidoux - Robidoux returns to Allen for a second season in his role as a third line player that can skate, hit and chip in on the scoreboard. His offensive production increased dramatically last season. In his first 53 pro games (Maine & Kansas City) Mikael had no goals. In his 42 games in Allen last season, he had nine goals. Over a 72-game season that would equal 15 goals. In the role Robidoux plays for the Americans he is always playing on the edge. He will have to do a better job of not crossing the line in the upcoming season. He showed great discipline at the end of last season. If that continues in 2023-24, he will be a valuable asset to the team. His combination of being a great skater, ability to finish checks and toughness makes him a good fit for Allen.
• Jordan Ty-Fournier - Fournier is an interesting signing for the Americans for a few reasons. He is a rookie having just completed his collegiate career at McGill University. He will play his first pro game in October, but he is one of those mature seasoned rookies who has played four years of major junior hockey (QMJHL) and five years of college hockey. He is 26 years old, 6'1" and 205 pounds who is a left shot forward. He is the younger brother of Stefan Fournier who was with Allen last season. He plays the same style of hockey as his brother and will remind you of Dyson Stevenson when he was first is Allen in 2015.   
        

- The announcements were completed today when Ryan Gagnon became the fourth defenseman on the Allen roster. Gagnon played in all 72 regular season games (plus all 11 playoff games) as a rookie last season. The ECHL had over 1000 players last season and just 27 played in every game. It gets lost in all of the stats, but Gagnon led all Allen defensemen in points in the playoffs with six points in 11 games. Look for his second pro year to be a big step forward as he plays a key role for the Americans.

 

- Here is an updated Allen roster with the 10 players announced for 2023-24:

GOALIES

DEFENSEMEN

• Matt Brassard
• Ty Farmer
• Ryan Gagnon
• Kris Myllari

 FORWARDS

• Liam Finlay
• Jordan Ty-Fournier
• Colton Hargrove
• Grant Hebert
• Colby McAuley
• Mikael Robidoux

 

-  Coach Costello confirmed that he has been cleared to play in the 3ICE championship which takes place in Philadelphia on August 12. Four teams will compete for the Patrick Cup which Chad's team won last season. It will be an uphill battle for Costello's team (Team Johnston) as they enter the championship weekend as the #4 seed and will play the #1 seed (Team Murphy) that includes Hank Crone, Colton Hargrove and Matt Register. I heard a couple of players from Team Murphy had to leave for Europe so that may help. FYI, Hank Crone finished the 3ICE regular season in a familiar spot, leading the league in scoring. Hank had 15 points (11G, 4A) in six games. Colton Hargrove assisted on many of the Crone goals as he finished #2 in the league averaging 1.17 assists per game. Hargrove also finished #2 in 3ICE in blocked shots with seven blocked shots in six games. 

 

- The second semi-final game is between #2 seed Team Patrick and #3 seed Team Bourque. Team Patrick scored the most goals in the regular season (31) and allowed the fewest (18) so should be favored to make the finals. If all goes as planned Team Murphy should meet Team Patrick for the championship but as ECHL fans know very well, upsets happen all of the time.  

 

DID YOU KNOW: ECHL COACHES WITH MOST CAREER PLAYOFF WINS

79: Brad Ralph - Idaho, Florida (2 Kelly Cups in Florida)

55: John Brophy - Hampton Roads (3 Kelly Cups)

54: Steve Martinson - San Diego, Elmira, Allen (2 Kelly Cups in Allen)

54: Matt Thomas - Atlantic City, Fresno, Stockton, Cincinnati

51: Dan Watson - Toledo

 

 

 

Allen Americans Weekly Update - A Life Well Lived, Colby McAuley Returns, Colton Saucerman to Europe and More

 

I want to start this week's update by sending my condolences to Rick Gosselin, who lost his wife, Ellen, last week after a long and courageous battle with cancer. As many of you know from the stories about Rick in the blog over the years, we became friends because of our mutual interest and joy of the Allen Americans. It was back in 2013 when as a brand-new blogger trying to find my way, I approached the NFL Fall of Fame writer at an Allen practice to ask about how to cover the team. He could not have been more generous with his time and information. Over the last 10 years we have become good friends on the foundation of the Allen Americans but so much more than that. I asked Rick if I could share the obituary he wrote about Ellen. When you combine a great writer, writing about the love of his life, speaking from the heart, this is what you get. I know the entire Allen Americans family sends heartfelt condolences to Rick during this difficult time.         

Ellen Marie (Mahon) Gosselin passed away on July 25, 2023 after a lengthy battle with cancer in Lewisville, Texas.

Ellen was born in Scranton, Pennsylvania, on March 5, 1951 and became well-traveled at a young age, living in five different states by the time she was 20 – Pennsylvania, California (San Rafael), Illinois (Western Springs), Michigan (Grosse Pointe Park) and Colorado (Littleton). She attended St. Ambrose Elementary School, Dominican High School and Western Michigan University before settling down to have a family in the Grosse Pointes. She had three children – Peter Sullivan, Erin Sullivan and Rory Lynch (Patrick) – and one grandchild, Cole Richardson, who was the light of her life.

Ellen dated her husband Rick Gosselin in college before going their separate ways and reconnecting 35 years later. They were married in 2010, sharing common backgrounds, common interests and a forever love for each other.

Ellen enjoyed a lifelong love affair with music, dating to the first record she bought (Pineapple Princess by Annette Funicello in 1960) and the first concert she attended (Beatles in 1964). She grew up in Detroit on Motown, specifically Marvin Gaye, Smokey Robinson and the Temptations, adored the music of both James Taylor (she even got to meet him) and Frank Sinatra and later in life, after her move to Texas, developed a friendship with the music of Waylon, Willie and the Boys.

She coupled her love of music with dance – the East Coast swing, foxtrot, tango and Viennese waltz – and often broke out in dance with Rick in the kitchen at dinner time when a Sinatra tune turned up on the playlist. She hung a sign in her kitchen reading “When You Stumble, Make It Part of the Dance.” She lived by the credo when you fall, pick yourself up. She loved watching Fred Astaire movies for their blend of music and dance.

Ellen was a vibrant presence in life with a forever smile, admired and loved by all those who crossed her path. She was a Little League mom, a soccer mom and a hockey mom. She always put her kids first. She was involved in parent groups at both Trombly Elementary School and Pierce Junior High School in Grosse Pointe Park and also was active with her daughters in Girl Scouts.

Ellen had a professional career in Michigan in banking but gave it up in her move to Texas. She loved her Irish heritage and also favored a good Italian meal, preferably spaghetti from the Roma Café in Detroit. She loved taking long walks with her black Labradors Jack and Gracie and staying at Texas B&B’s in Fredericksburg and Palestine.  She also delighted in her trips to Naperville, Ill., to visit her son, the other light of her life.

Ellen was preceded in death by her parents, Gerard and Maryann Mahon. She is survived by her husband Rick, her brothers Rick Mahon (Claudia), Christopher Mahon (Robin) and Michael Mahon (Zsuzsanna), her sister Mary Cae Pilypaitis (Ben), her children and grandson plus countless nieces and nephews. A memorial service will be held at St. Ambrose Catholic Church in Grosse Pointe Park, Michigan on Friday, Sept. 8 at 12 p.m.

 

- Allen added another piece to the puzzle with the announcement that Colby McAuley will be returning for the 2023-24 season. It will be Colby's fifth different season in Allen, but the prior ones have all been   partial seasons. Here is an interesting stat, only two players in the history of the franchise have played more seasons in Allen (Spencer Asuchak 10, Gary Steffes 6) than McAuley, but his 96 games played ranks him #45 on the all time list. 

McAuley joined the Americans at the end of January last season and was a big part of Allen's turnaround. He had 34 points (11G, 23A) in 38 games for a point per game average of .90. He has great skill, is a two way player and is hard to play against. McAuley hasn't played 40+ games for the same team since he was in juniors. If he stays healthy and is with Allen all season, he will have the best season of his pro career.

 

- Here is an updated Allen roster

GOALIES

DEFENSEMEN

• Matt Brassard

 FORWARDS

• Liam Finlay
• Colton Hargrove
• Grant Hebert
• Colby McAuley

 

- Colton Saucerman will not return to the Americans as he has signed in Europe with the Sheffield Steelers in the EIHL. The EIHL has been a popular destination for Allen Americans players. Here is a list of former Allen players that have already signed with the EIHL for 2023-24.

• Dyson Stevenson (Glasgow)
• Josh Brittain (Dundee)
• Travis Brown (Belfast)
• Collin Shirley (Fife)
• Kameron Kielly (Sheffield)
• J.D. Dudek (Coventry)
   

- If you have been tracking 3ICE the final regular season tournament will be tomorrow night with the top four teams in the regular season qualifying for the championship tournament which will be held in Philadelphia on August 12. Team Murphy (Hargrove, Crone, Register) have already qualified for the championships and Team Johnston (Costello) will likely make it. Chad Costello was injured and missed a week but plans to be back if Team Johnston qualifies for the championship. 

 

DID YOU KNOW: With five players announced, Allen is it the low end of player announcements. Here is the complete list:

Players announced thus far by ECHL teams for 2023-24 ranges from 16 to 0. The total announced is 108. That means by the time the season starts at least 575 more players will be announced. A couple of things to keep in mind. Many more players have been signed but not yet announced. Also, teams that expect a lot of contract players being assigned from affiliates will not have as many players announced

16 - FW

15 - IA

12 - KC

11 - NOR

10 - ATL, TR

9 - JAX

8 - WHL

7 - REA, TOL, WIC, WOR

6 - GVL

5 - ALN, MNE, SAV, TUL, UTA

4 - CIN, FLA, IND, SC

3 - ADK, ORL, RC

2 - KAL

0 - IDH, NFL

 

Allen Americans Weekly Update - Hebert Returns, Combs Retires, Costello 3ICE Injury, Where Are They Now and More

 

Some big happenings around the Allen Americans since the last update and a look at news for some former Allen players. Here goes:

- The Americans announced the signing of Grant Hebert for the 2023-24 season. Hebert joined the Americans last season in January after playing at the University of Maine. In 37 games as a rookie, Grant had 26 points (8G, 18A). A powerful skater with great vision and ability to carry the puck, look for Hebert to compete for a top six forward spot in his first full season in Allen. Allen has now announced four players for the 2023-24 season. Forwards Colton Hargrove, Liam Finlay, Hebert and defenseman Matt Brassard. 

 

- Jack Combs had a career year last season with 95 points (36G, 59A) which was second in the ECHL behind his teammate, Hank Crone. Jack played more games (70) than any other forward on the team and played in every situation. It was an amazing season for the 35-year-old. Despite the great season it was pretty much a foregone conclusion Combs would retire to pursue a coaching position. That happened this past week with Jack announcing his retirement to become an assistant coach at Lindenwood University in his hometown of St. Louis. 

I asked Jack what his role will be at Lindenwood since college programs have several assistants and also asked him what it was like playing his last pro season in Allen with his close friend (and coach) Chad Costello. Here is what Jack had to say:

 "My role at Lindenwood will be individual skills and special teams."

"Last season in Allen was honestly how I envisioned going out with the exception of not winning the Kelly Cup. Playing for Chad was awesome and being able to see him firsthand excel at being a head coach was very special. I am really going to miss everything about playing in Allen, but I am also very excited to put down roots for my family at home and to be challenged right away with an amazing opportunity to stay involved in the game I love so much."

 

- It was quite a ride for Jack Combs over his 14-year pro career that saw him play in the AHL. ECHL and CHL in North America and overseas in Russia, Germany, Sweden, Switzerland and Romania. Here are a few of his stats:

• 162 AHL games (40G, 39A), points per game average of .49
• 350 ECHL games (189G, 246A), points per game average of 1.24
• In 2014-15 playing for Allen, Jack had 56 points (22G, 34A) in just 32 games (1.75 PPG) before leaving for Europe.
• Combs played 162 of his 350 ECHL games for the Allen Americans. He is only #9 on the all-time Allen games played list (ECHL only) but is #4 in goals (79), #3 in assists (134), #3 in points (213) and #2 in points per game (1.31).
• Combs and Costello had amazing chemistry and friendship. They played together on six different teams (Allen Americans, Bridgeport Islanders, Colorado Eagles, Iserlohn Roosters, Tulsa Oilers and Worcester Sharks). 
• If you look at ECHL points per game since 2009-10 when Combs first played in the league the top two (minimum 275 ECHL games played) are Costello (1.50) and Combs (1.24). No other player is above 1.08. 

 

- If you watch 3ICE you saw Chad Costello, take a puck to the ear in the tournament in Grand Rapids a couple of weeks ago. The injury was bad enough to keep Chad out if his team's (Team Johnston) game in Newark last week. Team Johnston won the tournament in Newark and has finished its regular season (each team plays three times). Most teams in the eight-team league have one or two games remaining. Team Johnston is currently in second place but will have to wait out the final two regular season weeks to see if they finish in the top four and advance to the championship finals in Philadelphia on August 12. FYI, the top team in 3ICE is Team Murphy who has played twice and won both weeks. Colton Hargrove, Hank Crone and Matt Register are on Team Murphy.

 

- Former Allen player John Snowden (2013-14) has had quite the career since retiring from hockey in 2014. A scratch golfer, John went to Orlando to attend a PGA golf school to become a teaching pro and while living in Orlando (coaching youth hockey) was hired as an assistant coach for the Orlando Solar Bears. After three years in Orlando, he was recruited to become an assistant coach in Newfoundland (2018-19) and became head coach mid-season when the head coach had to step down because of health issues. Snowden led Newfoundland to its first and only Kelly Cup in 2019. In 2021 John was promoted to assistant coach of the AHL Toronto Marlies. The entire Marlies' coach staff was let go after a second-round playoff loss last season. It didn't take long for John to find another coaching position as he has been hired as an assistant coach for the AHL Lehigh Valley Phantoms. I had a chance to catch up with Snowden to ask about his new position and the family. Here is what he said:

"I will be working with the forwards, running the power play, 6-on-5 and will handle the 5-on-5 offensive side of the puck."

"Kids are doing great and growing up FAST! Hockey has been good, and they are pretty good little players. Both of the boys are also playing baseball. My golf game is almost nonexistent at this time in our lives with kids' sports taking over." 

One of the most memorable games in Snowden's pro career of over 700 games came when he was playing for the Fort Worth Brahmas on February 13, 2013. John scored five goals including four straight goals in the second period as Fort Worth beat Arizona 7-1. 

 

-  Where are they now? Here are a few of the Allen Americans players from the past that have signed for the 2023-24 season showing where they will be playing.

• Dyson Stevenson - Glasgow, Scotland (congrats on his marriage this past weekend)
• Josh Brittain - Dundee Scotland
• Vincent Arseneau - Providence (AHL)
• Alex Lavoie - Grenoble, France
• Branden Troock - Solna, Sweden
• Olivier Archambault - Spisska Nova Ves, Slovakia
• Dante Salituro - Hannover, Germany
• J.D. Dudek - Coventry, England
• Josh Winquist - Esbjerg, Denmark
• Nick Albano - Innsbruck, Austria
• Braylon Shmyr - Trondheim, Norway
• Tyler Sheehy - Straubing, Germany
• Les Lancaster - Tampere, Finland
• Stepan Falkovsky - St. Petersburg, Russia
• Hank Crone - Chicago (AHL)
• Jakov Novak - Laval (AHL)
• Corey Mackin - Innsbruck, Austria
• Brett Neumann - Sheffield, England
• Aidan Brown - Miercurea Ciuc, Romania
• Xavier Bernard - Bakersfield (AHL) 

 

- The upcoming season will be the 15th for the Allen Americans franchise. The team is hoping to have a 15th anniversary alumni game, likely in March as an under card to an Americans game. It was a big hit when the Americans had an alumni game for the 10th anniversary and a 15th could potentially be even bigger.

 

- Per team President Jonny Mydra, ticket sales are up 30% over the same time last season. The 2023-24 season is shaping up to be a success both on and off the ice. 

 

- I saw where the AHL regular season will run one week longer on 2023-24 than last season and the AHL playoffs will be the same. That means a lot of teams make the playoffs and they last a long time. Here is how it might impact the Americans in getting help from Belleville for the playoffs:

• Belleville's last regular season game is April 20.
• Allen's last regular season game is April 14.
• Five of seven teams in the AHL North Division (Belleville's division) make the playoffs.
• The AHL playoffs are five rounds. 

 

DID YOU KNOW: Since 2006-07 the only ECHL player with more than one 100-point season is Chad Costello who had three straight (2014-17). Here are the seven players with one 100-point season:

• Hank Crone - Allen (2022-23)
• Tyler Donati - Elmira (2009-10)
• Justin Donati - Elmira (2009-10)
• Ryan Kinasewich - Utah 2009-10)
• Kevin Baker - Florida (2008-09)
• David Desharnais - Cincinnati (2007-08)
• Brad Schell - Gwinnett (2006-07)          
  

 

Allen Americans Update, 2023-24 Roster, Liam Finlay Returns, Renewed Affiliation, Preseason Games, BOG Decisions, 3ICE Update, ECHL 2010's Decade Top Scorers

 

I signed up for Threads today so if you have established a Threads account give Allen Americans Blog a follow. Just another way to keep up with posts, especially in the off season when blogs don't get published every day.

 

- It has been over a week since the last update on all things Allen Americans. The biggest news since the last update was the renewal of the affiliation agreement with the Ottawa Senators and the announcement of Liam Finlay's return to Allen for 2023-24. Here are the details on these two news items plus a bunch of other miscellaneous items:

 

- Liam Finlay became the third player announced for 2022-23 joining captain Colton Hargrove and defenseman Matt Brassard on the formally announced roster. Finlay returns after an outstanding rookie season with the Americans. In 54 games Finlay had 70 points (33G, 37A). Here are a few of his accomplishments:

• His seven game winning goals led the Americans and was tied for third in the ECHL,,
• His .611 average goals per game was second on the team, trailing only Hank Crone.
• His 33 goals ranked him #3 among all rookies and #8 in the ECHL despite missing 18 games.
• His 22.4% shooting percentage (33 goals on 147 shots) led the Americans, led all rookies and was #4 in the ECHL.
• He was selected to the ECHL All-Rookie Team.
• He was Allen's representative in the ECHL All-Star Game. 

Staying healthy will be key for Finlay in 2023-24 after missing 18 games to injury last season. Despite being a small player, elite prospects shows him as one of the shortest (5'7") and lightest (154 pounds) players in the ECHL, Finlay has a knack for getting to the tough areas of the ice. He has a combination of speed and quickness that allows him to get in front of the net. He has also been durable, playing in every game (118 straight) his last three seasons in college. Finlay was a member of the University of Denver NCAA championship team in 2017 that was coached by the current NHL Coach of the Year, Jim Montgomery of the Boston Bruins. In 2018-19, Finlay led Denver in scoring. 
 

 

-  Allen has renewed its affiliation with the Ottawa Senators and Belleville Senators. Hopefully year two of the affiliation will be more productive for Allen than year one. From my reporting Allen never looked around for other options and got this agreement done early. If you remember, last year the affiliation wasn't announced until August 24, 2022. Allen didn't get much help from the affiliation last season. The Senators sent two goalies (27 games), two defensemen (75 games) and no forwards. Both Ottawa and Belleville had many injuries during the season that impacted the number of players sent to Allen.

On the flip side Belleville signed many ECHL players to PTO's during the season but not a single Allen forward got a chance in Belleville. Defenseman Nick Albano was loaned to Belleville in November, signed an AHL deal with the Senators in December and promptly left for Europe. 

All indications are year two of the affiliation will be better for the Americans, but Ottawa is in the process of changing ownership so you never know what that will bring. It won't take much to be an improvement over last season when Allen had the fewest NHL/AHL contracted players (games) in the league.

 

- Here is a reminder of the players I think are signed but not announced. These are the players that played a significant role with the Americans last season, are not veterans, were on Allen's season ending roster and were not given a qualifying offer. The only logical reason these players were not qualified is because they had already signed with Allen.

• Colby McAuley (F)
• Grant Herbert (F)
• Kris Myllari (D)
• Eric Williams (D)
• Ryan Gagnon (D)
• Ty Farmer (D)

 

 

- I have had several questions about the goalie situation for 2023-24. I would assume it will be similar to last season. Allen will get several different goalies from Ottawa/Belleville and the Americans will sign one goalie to an ECHL contract. Chase Perry was key to Allen making the playoffs as he played 10 of 15 games in the last month of the season. Perry's save percentage in Allen was .921 over 22 games. I also heard he had a great attitude in the playoffs when Kevin Mandolese played in most games and Perry was primarily in a backup roll. Perry did get the only win in Allen's 4-1 series playoff loss to Idaho. Perry faced 56 shots and saved 54 in game three, Allen's only win against the Steelheads. Have to assume Perry will be back with the Americans in 2023-24. 

 

 

 

- Allen will play two preseason games against Tulsa. On Friday, October 13th the teams will play in DFW at the NYTEX Sports Centre (North Richlands Hills) and on Saturday, October 14th they will play in Tulsa. Why is Allen playing at NYTEX? I contacted team President, Jonny Mydra to get the answer:

 

"The staff at NYTEX has been trying to get us to host a game there for a while. They told us they are confident most of their season ticket members (NYTEX is the home of the NAHL Lone Star Brahmas) will buy tickets and we can keep 90% of the revenue from the game. The game will be an opportunity to grow our fan base since we are on TV in that market."

 

"The City of Allen didn't want us to have the preseason game in the main arena, so it would have had to be played in the community rink again, which is obviously very small and not the best fan experience.  We have seen NHL/NBA teams occasionally have preseason games in cities that are on the fringe of their market so we figured we would give it a try."

 

I have been around long enough to watch many Allen games at NYTEX and it is a fun rink to watch a hockey game. Sitting in the balcony at the end of the rink, right above the goal, is a unique experience. Here is the press release on the preseason games:  https://allenamericans.com/news/press-release/preseason-schedule-announced/    

 

 

 

- At the ECHL Board of Governor's (BOG) meeting in Las Vegas at the end of June the rule changes the BOG adopted got a lot of publicity especially the rules that call for an automatic game misconduct for two fights in a game and for fighting prior to or at the puck drop. Something else the BOG approved that has not gotten as much publicity is an increase in the maximum number of ECHL memberships from 30 to 32. It sounds rather mundane since there has been talk for years the ECHL wants to match the 32 teams in the NHL and AHL. The BOG change makes you wonder how many ownership groups are currently pursuing a franchise. Franchise #29 (Lake Tahoe) was just approved for startup in 2024-25, but you have to assume others are in the works. I have also heard there are quite a few current ECHL franchises up for sale.

 

 

 

- If you have been following 3ICE you know the Allen connected players have played a dominant role thus far. The schedule is different this season as only four of the eight teams play each week, and the regular season is only six weeks. Each team plays three weeks (2 games per week) and the top four (by points) go to the championship on August 12. Each week is a four-game tournament. After the first round the two losing teams play for the consolation and the two winning teams play for the championship. Points awarded are one point for a first-round win, a half point for a consolation win and two points for a championship win. Last week (Wednesday) the tournament was in Grand Rapids and all four teams had current/former Allen players on the roster. Here were the results:

 

• In game one Team Johnston (Costello) beat Team Fuhr (Combs, Newton) 2-1 (shootout)
• In game two Team Murphy (Crone, Hargrove, Register) beat Team LeClair (Saucerman) 5-1
• In consolation game Team Fuhr beat Team LeClair 9-5
• In the championship game Team Murphy beat Team Johnston 4-2.

Team Murphy has played two tournaments and won them both so are a lock as one of the four teams that will play in championship week. The other three teams with Allen connections also have played two tournaments and have just one regular week remaining. It will be an uphill battle to make the final four on August 12. Here are the points earned by the four Allen related teams:

 

• 6.0 points - Team Murphy
• 1.5 points - Team Fuhr
• 1.0 points - Team Johnston
• 1.0 points - Team LeClair

FYI, the other four teams in 3ICE have played only once so 3.0 points is the maximum with 6.0 points still available. Here are the points for these teams:

• 3.0 points - Team Patrick
• 0.5 points - Team Carbonneau
• 0.5 points - Team Bourque
• 0.0 points - Team Mullen       

 

- The Allen connected players are all over the 3ICE leader board. Here are some individual stats and accomplishments:

• #1 in points (9) - Hank Crone
• #3 in points (6) - Chad Costello
• #3 in points (6) - Colton Hargrove
• #1 in goals (6) - Hank Crone
• #1 in assists (5) - Jack Combs
• #2 in assists (4) - Colton Hargrove
• #2 in plus/minus (+7) - Matt Register 
• Hank Crone won Goal of the Week in week 2.
• Hank Crone and Colton Hargrove were nominated for Goal of the Week in week 3.

 

- This week 3ICE is in Newark, NJ and the four teams are Team Bourque vs Team Leclair (Saucerman) and Team Carbonneau vs Team Johnston (Costello). It will be the last opportunity for Saucerman and Costello to earn points to make it the championship weekend. They will likely have to win the weekend (3 points) to make it to the final four. Games will start at 6:00 pm CDT and can be viewed on the CBS Sports Network.

 

 

DID YOU KNOW: I came across this stat while researching the top ECHL point scorers by decade for my ECHL Stats page. The decade of the 2010's has a distinct Allen flavor.  Three of the top five in points in the 2010's decade spent time in Allen. I have included ECHL games played in the decade in parenthesis:

• #1 - Casey Pierro-Zabotel, 504 points (558)
• #2 - Chad Costello, 589 points (307)
• #5 - Mathieu Aubin, 393 points (507)  

 

 

A Trip to Scotland Remembered, Allen Qualifies Six Players, Details on What it All Means for the 2023-24 Roster and More

 

It has been far too long since I did an update on the Allen Americans. My wife and I have just returned from a tour of Scotland with a few days in London before our tour started. Dyson Stevenson, who has played for the Glasgow Clan the last two seasons and his fiance, Taylor, were kind enough to give us some tips on where to go and what to see on our free time in Scotland. FYI, Dyson and Taylor will be getting married on July 22 and be heading back to Scotland for the 2023-24 season. Dyson has just re-signed with Glasgow. Jack Comb's younger brother, Charlie, has also just signed with Glasgow.

 

- The trip to Scotland was amazing with its rich history that included everything from castles to cathedrals to museums to boat rides on Loch Ness (we didn't see "Nessie the Monster) and Loch Lomond. We visit the old course at St. Andrews (did not play), the home of golf established in the early 15th century. Ate a lot of fish (mostly fish and chips), tried haggis (it was surprisingly tasty) and did some whiskey tastings. With all of the history here are two photos that will always remind me of Scotland. It has to be the greenest place on earth, likely helped by the fact it rained (mostly light rain/mist) every day of our trip. This photo is up in the highlands. The second photo is from a day we spent on a cattle farm (called a fold) that raised Highland Cows or as the Scots would pronounce, "Heeland Coos" which are a hearty breed that originated in the Scottish Highlands and have long horns and long shaggy hair. We traveled around the "fold" by tractor learning all about this breed.

 

The gorgeous Scottish Highlands

 

 

  

A view from the home of the farm we visited

 
- Before I talk about the roster, players signed and qualifying offers there is some old news worth mentioning. Here is the list I kept while in Scotland.

 

- The PHPA (Professional Hockey Players Association) has awards in several categories that are voted on by the players at the end of the season. Players recognizing players is much different than the league awards that are voted on by the media, the PR department and other front office personnel and coaches. There is one player selected from each conference for each award. Allen had two players selected for these awards: 

Kris Myllari was selected by his peers as the best defensive defenseman in the Western Conference. Kris contributed to the team offensively (31 points, 8G, 23A), but his defensive contribution was a big part of the team's success. He led the Americans in plus/minus (+10). Here is the PHPA press release on Myllari's Best Defensive Defenseman Award: https://phpa.com/news/2704   

Captain Colton Hargrove was selected by his peers for the Veteran Presence Award given to the player who qualifies as a league veteran and continuously demonstrates the ability to motivate and lead their fellow teammates. Providing leadership both on and off the ice. Here is the press release:  https://phpa.com/news/2703     

 

- The ECHL Board of Governors made several rule changes at the summer meeting in Las Vegas. The most significant was adding automatic game misconduct penalties for a player that fights twice in a game or has a fight prior to, at the drop of the puck or immediately following any face-off during the game. As I wrote while in Scotland, if Derek Mathers played under the current rules when he set the all time Allen record for fights in a single season (29) in 2016-17, he would have been suspended 35-40 games.Here is the ECHL press release with all of the rule changes in case you haven't seen it. https://www.echl.com/en/news/2023/7/annual-echl-board-of-governors-meeting-concludes

 

- I had a chance to look at some stats comparing the Allen Americans with the Kelly Cup finalists (Florida & Idaho). Here is what I found:

• Allen had four players in the top 20 in points. The finalists had none.
• Allen had five 10+ goal scorers, Florida had 10 and Idaho had 15.
• Allen's top four scorers were 1st, 2nd, 5th and 18th in points.
• Idaho's top four scorers were 20th, 43rd, 50th and 50th in points.
• Florida's top four scorers were 28th, 116th, 123rd and 155th in points. 
• Allen was ranked #23 in goals allowed per game (3.65).
• Florida was ranked #8 in goals allowed per game (2.96).
• Idaho was ranked #1 in goals allowed per game (2.13).
• Based on these stats, Allen will need more balanced scoring and allow fewer goals to be successful in 2023-24.
  

 

 

ALLEN AMERICANS 2023-24 ROSTER

- The Americans have announced the signing of two players for 2023-24. Captain Colton Hargrove will return for his second season with Allen. Defenseman Matt Brassard, who was acquired as the future consideration in the trade that sent Darian Skeoch's ECHL rights to Savannah at the beginning of the 2022-23 season. 

 

- Allen's has issued qualifying offers to six players; Nick Albano, Aidan Brown, Chad Butcher, Hank Crone, Mikael Robidoux and Stephen Baylis. What this means is a lot of players have already signed because it is not necessary to qualify players that have already signed. 

 

- Let's start with the players that have been qualified as that is the way Allen can retain their rights for all of next season. Here is my take on each of the six qualified players:

• Nick Albano - Nick played in Europe last season after signing an AHL deal with Bellevile. He hasn't signed yet for 2023-24 so assume he is looking at the AHL or Europe. Unlikely he will sign in Allen.
• Aidan Brown - Aidan has already signed in Europe (Romania) so will not be signing with Allen (at least initially).
• Chad Butcher - Chad is likely looking for a job in Europe so his future is yet to be decided.
• Hank Crone - Hank has signed an AHL deal (Chicago Wolves) so hopefully he will be playing in the AHL in 2023-24. Allen has Hank's ECHL rights so if he is sent to the ECHL it will be to Allen.
• Mikael Robidoux - Mikael is likely looking at Europe so his future is still undecided.
• Stephen Baylis - Stephen missed the entire 2022-23 season with an injury and it is unsure what his plans are for 2023-24. 
  

 

- Veterans are the hardest group to figure out because they are usually not qualified as they can become free agents even if they are qualified. Whether the veterans (Asuchak, Combs, Saucerman, Fournier) will re-sign, retire or move on will likely not be known until later in the summer.

 

- That leaves the group of younger players that were not qualified so have likely already signed with Allen and will be announced over the course of the summer. It would make no sense to not qualify these players unless they have already signed because if they haven't signed they are now unrestricted free agents. Here is the list of skaters that are non-vets, weren't qualified and were on Allen's season ending roster. You have to assume most (but not all) of these players have signed for 2023-24:

• Liam Finlay
• Colby McAuley
• Kris Myllari
  
• Grant Hebert
• Eric Williams
  
• Ryan Gagnon
• Ty Farmer
• Dalton Skelly

Here is the ECHL press release with the qualifying offers for all 28 teams: https://www.echl.com/en/news/2023/7/echl-announces-players-with-qualifying-offers

  

 

ECHL Protected Lists Due Today and Other Allen Americans and ECHL Happenings

 

There is not much happening with the Allen Americans but there is one action item due today. However, things will start to ramp up over the rest of June. I had a few unrelated items on my list so thought today would be a good day to share. Here it goes:

 

- It looks like the Brabham Cup curse will strike again and the best regular season team in the history of the ECHL will not end up with a Kelly Cup for the Idaho Steelheads. Idaho was shutout 1-0 by Florida last night as Everblades goalie Cam Johnson had his fourth shutout of the playoffs. Idaho is down 0-3 in the series with the next two games in Florida on Friday and Saturday. If Florida wins the Kelly Cup look for goalie Cam Johnson to become the first back-to-back playoff MVP in ECHL history.

   

- The first action of the 2023-24 season is due today (3:00 pm EDT) as ECHL teams must submit protected lists. This is a list of unlimited length of players that meet one of several criteria that allows teams to retain rights. There are always some unexpected names on the protected lists. Keep in mind the list is players that meet one of the criteria and doesn't say anything else.

1. All the players that signed contracts with Allen last season and weren't traded or released. In addition to all of the players with the team at the end of the season you can add Jared Bethune (left on his own), Nick Albano (loaned/signed to Belleville, then left for Europe) and Stephen Baylis (out all year injured) to the list.

2. Players that were given qualifying offers last summer and did not sign with Allen and weren't traded or released. Ben Carroll, Jake Kearley and J.D. Dudek are in this category. 

 A year ago, Allen had 30 players on the protected list. By my calculation the number of players meeting one of the criteria this year will be less.  

 

- The protected list does not tell you much about the 2023-24 roster. That will be clearer later in the month (June 22) when season ending rosters are due to the league office. This list is a maximum of 20 players and will be limited to players that signed a contract with Allen in 2022-23. 

 

- Typically, after the season is over and prior to the time players can sign for 2023-24 (June 23) there is not much going on between the players and the Americans. It is the time when players and their agents are looking at options for next season. The two main options are opportunities in the AHL and/or in Europe.

 

- Future consideration trades must be completed by June 20. I would expect it will go up to the deadline before those trades are completed. These future consideration trades typically are structured where one team can protect a number of players (agreed to at the time of the trade) and the team that traded a player can choose from the unprotected list. Allen will gain and lose one player from future considerations.

• Savannah owes Allen a defenseman. The Ghost Pirates will protect a predetermined number of defensemen and Allen will pick from the rest.
• Allen owes Norfolk a player for the trade that brought defenseman Eric Williams to Allen in early March. Williams was the captain in Norfolk and led the team in points by defensemen (by 9 points) even though he played in only 45 games before being traded. The point is you don't trade for a player like Williams without giving up a good player back. It should be noted the futures is for a "player" not a specific position. Coach Costello will be a able to protect predetermined number of players but there is little doubt Norfolk will get a good player from the list they will have to choose from.
  

 

- I am sure many of you have seen the ECHL press release on what they call the Team Awards which include both individual and group awards given to what I call front office employees. It covers everything from Broadcaster of the Year to Community Service Team of the Year to several Sales awards. Here is the press release with the 17 award categories and the five finalists for each award: https://www.echl.com/en/news/2023/6/echl-announces-finalists-for-2022-23-team-awards-presented-by-sponsorcx    

 

- It is always interesting to me to see which teams get the most nominations. I have never done the stats over a period of years, but it seems the Mountain Division is always at the low end. There are 17 awards with five nominations for a total of 85 nominations. If you divide by the 28 teams in the ECHL it comes out to an average of three nominations per team. If you multiply the average of three nomination by the seven teams in each division, it would be 21 nominations per division if distributed equally. The Mountain Division has a total of 14 nominations this year. 

 

- Allen has two nominations. One is for the Most Creative Revenue Generation of the Year, which was a Tickets for Teachers Program that offered discounted tickets for teachers to get visibility at schools. The second nomination is for Specialty Jersey of the Year for the Star Wars Night. 

 Allen Americans ECHL Specialty Jersey of the Year Nomination

 

- Two of the most visible of the 17 awards are Broadcaster of the Year and Media/PR Director of the Year awards because this group is well known in the local markets and around the league. The Mountain Division got no nominations for Broadcaster of the Year. However, congrats to Cam McGuire (Idaho) and Jason Mals (Wichita) who are finalists for the Media/PR Director of the Year.

 

- Here are the nominations for each ECHL team ranging from seven to zero. Remember there are 17 different categories:

• 7 - Indy, Cincinnati, Savannah
• 6 - Florida, Maine
• 5 - Toledo, Kalamazoo
• 4 - Jacksonville, Wichita, Norfolk, Orlando, Greenville  
• 3 - Rapid City, Fort Wayne, 
• 2 - Worcester, Allen, Trois Riviéres, Tulsa, Idaho
• 1 - Kansas City, Reading, South Carolina, Atlanta, Adirondack, Iowa
• 0 - Newfoundland, Utah, Wheeling  

 

- These awards will be presented as part of the ECHL summer meetings which takes place in Las Vegas at the end of June. The ECHL Board Governors always have a meeting during the week and in the past rule changes and ownership/franchise changes have come out the BOG meeting. I haven't heard what is on the BOG agenda, but it will be worthwhile to track what they discuss, decide and announce.

 

- Atlanta announced several changes this week. Coach Jeff Pyle is stepping down but will remain with the Gladiators as director of hockey operations. Long time Atlanta player and captain, Derek Nesbitt, who retired last season and was an assistant coach this season, has been named head coach. Atlanta also announced they will be affiliating with Nashville in 2023-24. Here are the details on all of these moves: https://www.gwinnettdailypost.com/sports/atlanta-gladiators-name-derek-nesbitt-head-coach-among-other-changes/article_34dcee18-0499-11ee-a060-9f34a0203f56.html     

 

- A couple of former Allen players are on the move. Vincent Arseneau was part of two championship teams in Allen and has been playing in the AHL full time since 2018-19. Arseneau was just traded from the Abbotsford Canucks to the Providence Bruins. Here is the press release:  https://www.providencebruins.com/news/detail/providence-bruins-acquire-vincent-arsenau-from-abbotsford-canucks

 

- Brett Skinner was an offensive defenseman who started the 2012-13 season with Allen. Coach Martinson knew when he signed Skinner he would not be in Allen very long because he was too good for the CHL. The hope was Skinner could help Allen get off to a good start. The strategy worked as Skinner lasted 28 games and had 37 points (7G, 30A). He was loaned to the AHL (Grand Rapids) and never returned. Allen won 22 of the 28 games Skinner was with the Americans on the way to its first championship. Skinner became a coach after retiring in 2017 and was just named as the head coach of the USHL's Fargo Force. FYI, Hank Crone, Grant Hebert and Ty Farmer all played for the Fargo Force. Here is the press release on Skinner's selection: https://fargoforce.com/news/2023/5/31/general-force-announce-brett-skinner-as-head-coach.aspx  

 

- If you have been tracking ECHL players heading to Europe there are some big names already on the list. 

• Newfoundland has lost three players including its all-time leading scorer, Zach O'Brien who has signed in Slovakia. He is an elite player at the ECHL level who has averaged 1.35 point per game in his 205 games with the Growlers. 
• Wichita's leading scorer this season, Michal Stinil has signed in Austria. He was Wichita's leader by 16 points. He had 79 points (31G, 48A) and a points per game average of 1.22. 
• Toledo's Gordie Green has signed in Austria. Green was Toledo's second leading scorer during the regular season. He is #1 in points per game in the playoffs (1.38). He had 18 points (9G, 9A) in 13 games before the Walleye were eliminated in the Western Conference finals. 
• Reading's Max Newton has signed in Slovakia. The rookie was Reading's second leading scorer and the ECHL's third leading rookie scorer with 72 points (34G, 38A). 
  

While no Allen Americans have signed in Europe it is likely just a matter of time. There has never been an off season when zero Allen players have signed in Europe. 

 

DID YOU KNOW: Florida goalie Cam Johnson had his fourth shutout of the playoffs last night. He also had four shutouts last season when Florida won the Kelly Cup. With eight career shutouts, Johnson is now tied with one other goalie for career playoff shutouts (8) and that is Riley Gill. Johnson still has a long way to go to catch Gill's ECHL all-time records of 90 playoff games, 53 playoff wins, and 11 finals series wins.