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| Daniel Tetrault has been captain or assistant on every team he has played for since 2003 |
- Most of you have probably heard by now that the Americans have signed defenseman Daniel Tetrault (TAY-troh) who is 33 years old, six feet tall and weighs 205, shoots right and has an impressive resume. He hails from La Broquerie, Manitoba which is a small community (1000) in the southeast corner of Manitoba. Here is just a little information I have found out about him that you may not have seen in other stories:
- He was drafted by Montreal in the 4th round of the 1997 NHL draft.
- In 1996 he was a member of the Team Canada under 18 team that won the world championship defeating the US in the finals.
- He played junior hockey in the Western Hockey League for the Brandon Wheat Kings from 1995-2000 and was captain of the team in 1998-1999.
- In 2001-2002, playing for the Austin Ice Bats he was selected as the most outstanding defenseman in the CHL
- He is the all time points leader for defensemen for the Wichita Thunder
- He was the captain of the Thunder for two years including 2011-2012 when they were conference champions and finals runner up.
- His coach in Wichita (Kevin McClelland) describes him as follows: "He was a stud for us in the playoffs," McClelland said. "He gives his heart and soul. Some guys are leaders in the dressing room, some guys are leaders on the ice. Tetrault's both."
- Tetrault played for Bill McDonald as a member of the New Mexico Scorpions in 2003-2005. Erik Adams was a teammate.
- Tetrault's favorite player growing up was Chris Chelios and the numbers he has chosen recently are #7 which Chelios wore in Chicago and #24 which he wore in Detroit & Montreal.
- His favorite NHL team growing up was the Winnipeg Jets.
- His favorite meal is "old Chicago style" pizza.
- He was described by one of his coaches as a top veteran who has always played with a lot of character and grit. He plays a physical game with a lot of offensive upside. Sounds like he will be a great addition to our championship team.
CHL MEETING:
- I have mentioned a couple of times that the CHL meetings will take place this month. Just what takes place at these meetings? I had the chance to talk to a couple of those that will be in attendance and here are some answers.
- The meetings will be held in Phoenix from July 17-19 and will include owners meetings, governors meetings, hockey operations meetings (coaches), and sales meetings to go along with a keynote address and on Friday night (19th) an awards banquet where categories such as franchise of the year and executive of the year will be honored. I would hope and expect for the Americans to be well represented when the awards are given out.
- All operational items for next season will be discussed and where appropriate voted on by the Board of Governors. Ownership will discuss bargaining positions as the CHL moves forward with the Professional Hockey Players Association (PHPA) to bargain a new Collective Bargaining Agreement for the 2013-2014 season
- While any items related to bargaining with the PHPA will not be made public items such as alignment, playoff format, schedule release, etc. will be announced once finalized through a vote.
- Any rules changes related to on ice rules will be primarily discussed by the Hockey Operations group (coaches) and then will be brought into the Board of Governors session as warranted.
PLAYER SIGNINGS AROUND THE LEAGUE:
- Quad City lost their top scorer from last year as Mickey Lang who had 41 goals (2nd in the CHL) and 42 assists for 83 points (fourth in the CHL) signed with Fort Wayne of the ECHL.
- Rapid City has signed Konrad Reeder who was their leading scorer in 2011-2012 before spending last season playing in France.
- The Wichita Thunder announced today the signing of high scoring forward Jon Booras (bore-US) and defenseman Jesse Dudas (DOO-dus) for the 2013-14 season. Booras and Dudas were teammates in Bloomington a year ago and are the first two players signed for the upcoming season.
- The Colorado Eagles have announced that they have re-signed rookie Greg Gardner for the 2013-14 season. The 6-foot, 195-pound forward was added to the Eagles roster as an amateur, prior to the playoffs last March.
VETERANS:
With the signing of Daniel Tetrault the Americans have used up three (Tetrault, Snowden & Bootland) of the six veteran slots allowed under the CBA. With the list of veterans from last year (see below) still unsigned, some decisions either have or will have to be made for the remaining veteran slots. I would assume Coach Martinson might want to save one slot as the AHL teams make decisions during their training camp. It may be no more than two of those on this list get signed.
537 - Deitsch
483 - Skinner
391 - Lukin
339 - Pineault
324 - Hendrikx
305 - McKenzie
HOCKEY/SKATING LESSONS:
I have mentioned this before but if anyone is interested in private lessons to enhance the skating skills or hockey skills of your children or grandchildren there are Allen Americans players here during the summer that will help you out. Whether your children are beginners or highly skilled what a great way to meet an Allen player up close and get some outstanding instruction. And if there are any adults that would like to learn from a professional hockey player that would be great as well. If you have any interest contact me and I will give you additional information.
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