Allen Americans Update - Ownership, Roster, Training Camp and More

 

I want to give one last update before I head off on the first of my two annual treks to North Dakota to pheasant hunt. You have heard me say it in the past and it is even more true now, two old guys (76) and a 12-year-old black lab named Jett (equals 84 in human years) stomping around fields and cattails is quite the sight. Luckily, Jett still has the nose of a teenager. I am unsure how much I will be able to post while on my hunting trip, but my plan is to try a few times.

Here is the latest info I have on a variety of topics with a lot of conjecture mixed in:

OWNERSHIP 

- Nothing new from the team officially. As I reported in my last post on the sale of the team the expectation is the formal announcement of the sale will happen before the start of training camp. Since training camp begins a week from today, look for something to happen next week. The ECHL Board of Governors has approved the sale.

 

- Several representatives of the new ownership group (Zawyer Sports and Entertainment) were in Allen this week.

 

- I have had several questions about my opinion on the new ownership group and if I am looking forward to the change. My opinion is Zawyer puts the Allen Americans in the best position in franchise history to be very successful. The company has proven success with the other teams it owns (Jacksonville and Savannah), knows the hockey business, brings financial resources to Allen, has experience not only in owning but operating ECHL franchises, will include local business leaders as minority owners and purchased the Allen Americans because of their desire to be in a top 10 market like DFW. Maybe most important for Allen fans is they believe a key to success is having a great on ice product. Everything won't be perfect, but fans will be appreciated, and coach Costello will have the resources and freedom to be successful on the ice.  

ROSTER 

- Allen still has a couple of players to announce before the start of training camp. One is a high-end scorer who played for another ECHL team last season. Coach Costello is still recruiting a defenseman that is trying to get an AHL deal but so far is unsigned. I get asked about Spencer Asuchak returning and I would expect he will be back. He returned for a few games at the end of last season after a season long injury and has had the summer to get stronger. I know he has been skating regularly with other local pros.

 

- If you paid attention to the recent Ottawa Senators Prospects Challenge you might have noticed a surprising standout player who got a last-minute tryout invitation and became the star of the tournament. Forward Tarun Fizer was under contract with Colorado (AHL) last season but played 62 games in Utah where he had 50 points (27G, 23A) in 62 games. In three games at the recent Prospects Challenge, Fizer scored a goal in each game, had a total of four goals including a shorthanded goal and led his team in points with five. His effort earned him a one year, one way contract with Belleville for 2023-24. This could be good news for the Americans in case Belleville decides to send him to the ECHL anytime during the season because will be assigned to Allen. Here is the press release announcing Fizer's signing: https://bellevillesens.com/belleville-sens-agree-to-terms-with-forward-tarun-fizer-on-a-one-year-one-way-ahl-contract/

 

- Here is a video of Fizer after the last game of the Prospects Challenge before he found out he was going to be signed:

 

 

- The names haven't been formally announced yet but four Allen players will be attending the Belleville Senators AHL training camp. It is great exposure for these players and an opportunity to get on the radar if they do well in camp. I have been told the plan is they will all get a chance to play in a preseason game with Belleville.

 

 

TRAINING CAMP

- Allen's training camp will get underway next week. I don't know for sure if the practices will be open to the public, but I think it is highly likely. With the change in ownership, you can't say with 100% certainty, but you can tentatively plan to attend practices if you are interested. The team should issue more details next week. Here is the schedule:

• October 5 (Thursday) - Players report to training camp for team meetings, registration, physicals, etc. Training camp roster due to league office by 3:00 pm EDT.
  
• October 6 (Friday) - First day of on ice sessions. Coach Costello plans to start camp with some captain's practices before he takes over. 
  
• October 13 (Friday) - Preseason game against Tulsa at NYTEX Sports Centre.
• October 14 (Saturday) - Preseason game in Tulsa against the Oilers.
• October 18 (Wednesday) - Opening day rosters due in league office (3:00 pm EDT).
  

- With some players off at AHL training camps, coach Costello will have to add tryout players (PTO) to Allen's training camp. There will be four players on PTO's at the start of camp.

 

 

OTHER PLAYERS

- Former Allen player Joshua Lammon announced his retirement this week after eight years as a professional. Josh played more pro games in Allen than any other stop. His totals in Allen included 121 games with 63 points (20G, 43A). He was voted as the best defensive forward in the league in college and that skill carried over to his pro career.

 

- Veteran Shawn Szydlowski has returned to the Fort Wayne Komets for the 2023-24 season after playing for the Orlando Solar Bears in 2022-23. The 2018 ECHL MVP & 2021 Kelly Cup champion played nine seasons in Fort Wayne before last season. Szydlowski returns to Fort Wayne as the ECHL’s all-time leader in points (519) & goals (194) among all ECHL currently active players. Since Fort Wayne joined the ECHL in 2012-13, Szydlowski is the all-time leader in games played (476), points (487), goals (179) and assists (308). He is #2 in penalty minutes (597).

 

Allen Americans Change Ownership

 

I have had a lot of questions over the summer and especially the last week about the Allen Americans changing ownership. This morning I can confirm Allen owner Jack Gulati has entered into an agreement  with Zawyer Sports and Entertainment (ZSE), the group that owns and/or manages the Jacksonville Icemen, Savannah Ghost Pirates, Atlanta Gladiators and the new ECHL franchise in Lake Tahoe.

 

- The process of changing ECHL ownership has many hurdles and is not official until the Board of Governors (BOG) vote to approve the transaction which has not happened. While Zawyer is very familiar to the ECHL, nothing is official until the BOG approves. What that means is you will likely not hear a formal announcement from the Americans, the league or new owners for a while, but I assume it will happen before the start of training camp in early October.

 

- It will likely be a very different ownership structure under this new group. While Jack Gulati is a one person owner that was not interested in minority owners, the Zawyer group is just the opposite. They typically have numerous owners with primary owners and minority owners. The Jacksonville franchise is a great example. In 2020 Jacksonville added three NFL players to its ownership family (minority owners) which numbered over 15 people. The three players were Tim Tebow (who recently became one of two primary owners of the new Lake Tahoe franchise), Myles Jack (linebacker with the Jacksonville Jaguars who retired this season) and Reggie Hayward (played nine NFL seasons with Denver and Jacksonville).

 

- When the sale is formally announced Allen fans will find out who are the primary owners and if the business model will be like Jacksonville, with local business leaders added as minority owners. If the sale goes through, which is a foregone conclusion, it should pump energy and financial resources into the Allen Americans franchise. If you look at last season, Jacksonville led the ECHL in average attendance (7749) and Savannah averaged 6802 despite a record of 28-34-9-1 (last in the South Division). Two good examples of what Zawyer brings to the table in managing ECHL franchises. 

 

- The ECHL has a long history of owners/ownership groups having multiple teams. When the ECHL started in 1988-89 with just five teams, two of them (40%) were owned by Henry Brabham of Brabham Cup fame. More recently the Steven brothers owned three teams in the same division (Allen, Tulsa, Wichita). Soon the Zawyer Sports and Entertainment group will own and/or manage five ECHL franchises.  

 

Allen Americans Update - Roster, Training Camp, Former Players on Other ECHL Teams and More

 

It has been too long since I provided an Allen Americans update, but to be honest there is not much happening with the team and around the league right now with under a month to go before the start of training camp. I have cobbled together a few items of interest after talking to coach Costello. I dedicate this blog to Michael Smith, who motivated me to sit down at the computer on this rainy day in Texas to pound out a blog. Blog posts will pick up shortly but be forewarned I have a pheasant hunting trip North Dakota planned the first two weeks in October.  

 

- Let's start with the current announced roster with the caveat more players are signed but not yet announced. Allen has now announced 16 players. I have included in parenthesis the number of games each player played with Allen last season:

 

GOALIES

• Chase Perry (22)
  

DEFENSEMEN

• Matt Brassard (0)
  
• Ty Farmer (10)
  
• Ryan Gagnon (72)
  
• Dalton Gally (37)
  
• Kris Myllari (72)
  
• Dalton Skelly (54)
  
• Eric Williams (16)
  

FORWARDS

• Chad Butcher (39)
  
• Liam Finlay (54)
  
• Jordan Ty-Fournier (0)
  
• Colton Hargrove (64)
  
• Grant Hebert (37)
  
• Colby McAuley (38)
  
• Brandon Puricelli (0)
  
• Mikael Robidoux (42)

 

 - Here are some roster related actions you can expect between now and the start of training camp.

• Several more players signed to Allen Americans contracts will be announced.
• Coach Costello will also sign several players to PTO's (professional tryout) and ATO's (Amateur Tryout) to supplement the training camp roster.
• A handful of Allen players will be attending AHL training camps.
• Discussions between coach Costello and Ottawa/Belleville will continue regarding players that will be assigned to Allen. If all goes as planned you could see a goalie, a defenseman and a forward assigned to Allen.

 

- Training camp schedule:

• October 5 (Thursday) - Players report to training camp for team meetings, registration, physicals, etc. Training camp roster due to league office by 3:00 pm EDT.
  
• October 6 (Friday) - First day of on ice sessions. Coach Costello plans to start camp with some captain's practices before he takes over. 
  
• October 13 (Friday) - Preseason game against Tulsa at NYTEX Sports Centre.
• October 14 (Saturday) - Preseason game in Tulsa against the Oilers.
• October 18 (Wednesday) - Opening day rosters due in league office (3:00 pm EDT).

  

 - Chad Costello and Aaron Gens recently attended the annual ECHL coaches meeting which took place in Greenville. The agenda includes everything from the paper processes between the teams and the league, rule changes and many other coaching related presentations by guest speakers. Here are the rule changes for the 2023-24 season:

• Rule #9 – Uniforms

Altered uniforms of any kind (i.e. Velcro inserts, over-sized jerseys, altered collars, etc.) will not be permitted. Any player or goalkeeper not complying with this rule shall not be permitted to participate in the game.
 

• Rule #9.6 – Helmets

A player on the ice whose helmet comes off during play will be assessed a minor penalty unless he immediately (a) exits the playing surface or (b) puts the helmet back (the chin strap may be unfastened if helmet is on player’s head).
 

• Rule #20.4 – Fighting Game Misconducts

An automatic game misconduct shall be applied to any player who has been assessed a second fighting major in the same game. The misconduct will be waived for a player if an opposing player is assessed a penalty for instigating.
 

• Rule #46.10 – Fighting prior to or at the drop of the puck

A player or players who enter into a fight prior to, at the drop of the puck, or immediately following any face-off during the game, shall be assessed an automatic game misconduct in addition to any penalties assessed.
 

• Rule #67.2 – Handling the Puck

A minor penalty shall be assessed for “Delay of Game – Face-Off Violation” to a player taking the face-off who attempts to win the face-off by batting the puck with their hand. The two players involved in the actual face-off (the centers) are not permitted to play the puck with their hand without incurring a penalty under this rule until such time as a third player (from either team) has at least touched the puck. Once the face-off is deemed complete (and a winner of the face-off is clear) hand passes shall be enforced as per Rule 80 – Hand Pass.
 

• Rule #74.4 – Faceoff procedure

At the eight face-off spots (excluding the center ice face-off spot), the defending player shall place his stick within the designated white area first followed immediately by the attacking player. When the face-off is conducted at the center ice face-off spot, the visiting player shall place his stick on the ice first.
 

• Rule #83 – Off-side

A player is on-side when either of his skates are in contact with the blue line, or on his own side of the line, at the instant the puck completely crosses the leading edge of the blue line. “On his own side of the line” shall be defined by a “plane” of the blue line which shall extend from the leading edge of the blue line upwards. If a player’s skate has yet to break the “plane” prior to the puck completely crossing the leading edge, he is deemed to be on-side for the purpose of the off-side rule.

- A lot of former Allen Americans will be playing for other ECHL teams in 2023-24. Here is a partial list that will get longer before the season starts. 

• Nico Blachman - Norfolk
• Jordie Stallard - Norfolk
• Ben Carroll - Orlando
• D-Jay Jerome - Orlando
• Justin Young - Norfolk
• Josh Thrower - Norfolk
• Chaz Reddekopp - Kalamazoo
• Darian Skeoch - Savannah
• Duggie Lagrone - Tulsa
• Gavin Gould - Wichita
• Jackson Leppard -South Carolina
• Tyler Poulsen - Tulsa
• Kelly Bent - Wichita
• Matt Register - Idaho 
• Zane Franklin - Idaho
• Lord-Anthony Grissom - Greenville
• Tanner Eberle - Greenville
• Chase Lang - Indy
• Theo Calvas - Kansas City 
  

 

- Allen has announced 16 players for 2023-24 which is mid pack compared to the other ECHL teams. 11 teams have announced more and 12 have announced fewer. The range goes from 24 (Fort Wayne) to one (Newfoundland). Newfoundland is particularly perplexing because they have signed just one player and have not named a coach. I have heard (not confirmed) the team is for sale and if it doesn't get sold the team may not play. 

 

 

 

- I posted on social media the other day the challenge coach Costello has in replacing the 200 points (85G, 115A) contributed by Hank Crone and Jack Combs. While there is a possibility Hank Crone could see time in Allen since the Americans hold his ECHL rights, you can't count on that. I can share that one of the signed Allen players that has not been announced is a point per game player. 

 

 

 

- The key to Allen's offense in 2022-23 will be to get more balanced scoring throughout the lineup. Last season Allen had four players with 30+ goals but nobody else had more than 14. With Crone (49 goals) and Combs (36 goals) gone, Allen will have to be more like Idaho last season. The Steelheads had just one 30 goal scorer but had 12 players with 14 or more goals. 

 

 

 

 

DID YOU KNOW: ECHL teams with the most division championships over the last 10 seasons with Kelly Cups won since 2013-14 in parenthesis:

 

6 - Florida (2)

4 - Allen (2)

4 - South Carolina

4 - Toledo

3 - Cincinnati

3 - Newfoundland (1)

 

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)