Ch-Ch-Changes,The Comers and Goers, and Another Big Change Today?

- It is hard to believe it was just a week ago after the Allen Americans one and only preseason game which was a 4-2 loss to the Tulsa Oilers coach Steve Martinson sat in his office and expressed doubt as to whether he had a strong enough roster to compete in the ECHL. It didn't take long to make a decision and take action. In the last week he has released six tryout players which was not a surprise, released the two young goalies (Girard & Yanakeff), and also said goodbye to four contracted players he recruited during the summer (Jeremy Beaudry, Andrew Hamburg, Sy Nutkevitch, Travis Ouellette).

- Three new players have arrived in the past week and will be in the line up on Friday as Allen opens the season against Tulsa. Forward Ian Schultz (#25) and defenseman Justin Baker (#6) have had a few practices with the team while forward Jack Combs (#21) was just announced yesterday with a lot of fanfare.

- As of this morning the Allen Americans have nineteen players under contract and that number includes Trevor Ludwig, who was put on the 21 day injured reserve (effective October 17). Trevor doesn't count against the active roster which can be 21 players for the first month of the season. Allen could still sign three additional players and be within the roster limit. Allen will sign at least one additional player before Friday.

- The icing on the cake for roster moves would be to get Spencer Asuchak back in Allen. As everyone knows Spencer went to camp with the Boston Bruins (NHL) and then was sent to camp with the Providence Bruins (AHL). According to Elite Prospects, Hockeydb, and the AHL web sites he has not signed a contract with Providence. Spencer has said to this blog as well as many others if he did not get an AHL deal he would be interested in coming back to Allen. Last night after the Jack Combs signing was announced, Tommy Daniels, Director of Communications and Broadcasting, put out on social media the following, "If you think today was good hockey fans, just wait until tomorrow. #notdoneyet." So it sounds like another big signing will be announced today and Allen fans will be over the moon if it is Spencer Asuchak. We can only hope!

- The signing of Jack Combs which was announced yesterday is huge for Allen. It is well documented what Chad Costello and  Jack Combs have accomplished as line mates with different teams and different leagues. They are both outstanding players individually but together have something special. The problem in the past, when they have played together, is one or both gets called up to the AHL. If they play as expected hopefully Allen can get off to a fast start in league play if one or both gets promoted to the AHL. Combs has played in 118 ECHL games and has scored an average of 1.14 points per game. Costello has played in 93 ECHL games and has averaged 1.49 points per game. They should be fun to watch.

- Have had several questions about what time to arrive at the game on Friday to see all of the pregame activities (video, banner raising & championship ring presentation). The plan is to have the pregame activities start at game time (7:05) and delay the puck drop about fifteen minutes. The best advice however, is get to the game early to take it all in and make sure not to miss anything. By the way, I have some small pieces of the championship net from last season I will bring to the game on Friday. If anyone didn't get a piece after the championship game last year and would like one see me at the game.

- Friday will be a big night for Allen with the championship banner being raised, the first game in the ECHL and both the ECHL Commissioner, Brian McKenna and team owner Rodney Steven will be in attendance.

- No official announcement on an assistant coach has been made but Erik Adams has been on the ice each day at practice. Sure hope a deal gets done and announced before the season opener. Everyone who has dealt with Erik as a player or in the many front office duties he has had over the years is pulling for him. As Larry the Cable Guy would say, "Git-R-Done!"


DID YOU NOW: In the year Chad Costello won the ECHL MVP award (2011-2012) he had 76 points (29 goal 47 assists) in just 47 games with the Colorado Eagles.