Americans Loss, Former Players Sign, & Stats

Anthony Maiani Scored the Lone Goal in 3-1 Loss - photo by chphotos.com

Another slow start by the Americans last night as they managed only five shots on goal in the first period of a 3-1 loss to the Rapid City Rush before a wild, enthusiastic crowd at the Rushmore Plaza Civic Center. Even though Anthony Maiani scored the only goal of the game for the Americans in the first period, an unassisted goal, the team continues to struggle getting going at the beginning of games. The power play also continues to struggle as it was 0-6 in the game (see stats below). Luckily, a quick turn around as they get the chance for a win tonight in the rematch against the Rush.

- Mike Montgomery and Maiani were the only players on the plus side last night in +/-. Maiani leads the team with a +17 which places him 5th in the CHL amongst all forwards. Mike Montgomery who has been playing very steady defense since recovering from the concussion he suffered earlier in the year has had only two minus games in the last month (16 games) and is now at +11 which places him 7th in the CHL among defensemen.

- I know I mention this waaaay too often but I heard again on the Rapid City radio broadcast (had trouble with the KLAK broadcast) how Allen had this great power play ranked second in the league. It was also shown on the vidoe board at the last home game under the "who's hot" category.  I am inventing a new stat that I call PPSSL which stands for "Power Play Since Skinner Left" and that now represents 18 games. Keep in mind the worst power plays in the league are Arizona, Quad City and Rapid City who are all between 14.23%-14.76% while Bloomington leads the league at 22.22%. Our PPSSL is 11.25% which clearly ranks us as the worst power play unit in the league at this point. I know the coaches and team have been working hard on this phase of the game during practices. I just hope we can get it going before playoffs. I'll continue to track our PPSSL.

- On the flip side the penalty kill ranks first in the league at 86.41%. The Americans are on pace to not only have the best penalty kill percentage in their history but they are also on pace to have the highest penalty kill percentage of any team in the CHL since the inception of the Allen Americans franchise.

- While reviewing the transaction list I noticed the Brahmas have moved Cory Schneider, the player hurt by Penner in the line brawl, from the 7 day IR to the 14 day IR.

- In addition to Josh Hepditch signing with the Missouri Mavericks, for you long time Americans fans, the Brahmas have signed former Allen Americans defenseman Mike Salekin. Not sure of the circumstances of the signing as Mike last played in the CHL in the 2009-2010 season. I think Mike is working for Americans owner Doug Miller at Exco Resources  as a Market Analyst. Mike has a Masters Degree so he is definitely playing hockey for fun. I know he was also the head coach of a major AA Pee Wee team, the Dallas Penguins. Mike still holds the Americans playoff record for penalty minutes with 82 in the 2010 playoffs. I will always remember Mike as a fearless if not great fighter. More the agitator type.

Mike Salekin #77, St Patrick's Day 2010 - photo by chlphotos.com

- Kevin Curtis, the referee who suffered a concussion in the game against Wichita at the AEC on March 1st has still not returned to the ice. If you recall, he finished the game after getting hurt but went to the hospital after the game. Hope Kevin is doing well and returns soon.

- Has anyone else noticed that when you go to the Americans web site and click on any of the tabs there are players pictures in the header of every tab and sub tab. The only current player in any of these headers is Jarret Lukin. The other pictures are Colton Yellow Horn, Dave Bonk, Keith Johnson, Kip Brennan, and Bruce Graham. Seems funny to click on "team roster" and the picture in the header is Dave Bonk. Time for an update.

- Check this out for pictures in places that don't make sense. I'm sure everyone has seen the CHL news release about Bampton being a go for 2013-2014. In the news release they refer you to a web site for the new team: The team is currently conducting a ‘Name the Team Contest’ that has generated ideas from close to 2,000 entries.    Fans can learn more at www.hockeybrampton.com. If  you go to the web site notice the picture they have up is same one I have at the top of this post of Anthony Maiani taken by Chip Crail of chlphotos.com. What's that all about?

- I know there were some problems getting Tommy's broadcast last night. Tommy posted the following part way through the game. Good info to have:

You can listen to the game using your smart phone. Download the "Tune In" app for FREE and search for "Allen Americans", click on it and you will get the live feed of Tommy Daniels broadcast. Be sure to save it as a favorite for the future!