KOMETS GET THEIR ULTIMATE REVENGE!

This may be one instance where " if you don't have anything good to say, don't say anything". This would be true, but there were a couple of good things last night.  First, the Komet fans were awesome. This has been the best reception from the host fans that we have received thus far. They were gracious hosts. Not only did they welcome us to their arena, many of them actually stopped and spoke with us for awhile.  Kudos to the fans.

Thanks to the Komet staff who were very accommodating of our requests such as changing our seats and access to the players.  Very much appreciated.

Then we met a couple of Marty's former teammates and still good friends from his playing days (1975-79)  at St. Cloud University.  They traveled from the South Bend area to support Coach!  Boy did they have some interesting stories to tell us!

from left to right:  Dennis Chrzan (Shauney),  Steve Martinson, (Coach), Dan Klaybor (Klabes)
(photo courtesy of Mary Betz)

Game recap:

• Komet's Captain and former Allen American, Jamie Schaafsma,  led the way for the Komets with 1 goal and 1 assist and was named #3 Star of the Game
• Riley Gill and Dyson Stevenson were sidelined by upper body injuries.  Gill at 6:17 of the first period, and Stevenson less than a minute later (7:14), neither are expected to be available for the rest of this road trip
• Fort Wayne goalie, Pat Nagle also left the game at 3:24 of the first with an apparent injury
• Fort Wayne's PP goal at 4:04 of the first stopped the Americans PK streak at 29.
• Allen's PP remains woeful, as they went 0-6 last night.  They have yet to score a PP goal in the first 2 games of this roadtrip
• Americans are also winless in this road trip and have lost 3 of their last 5 games

Coach Martinson's post game comments were brief and to the point - "We didn't play hard enough to score a goal".

Indy Fuel game preview:

• Indy meets Allen with 2-3-0-0 (4 pts).  The Americans are 3-3-0-0 (6 pts)
• Indy is ranked 7th in Central Division, Allen is 3rd in Mountain, Indy is 12th in Western Conference and Allen is 8th in Western
• Indy's Alex Wideman leads their team with 3 goals and 4 pts.
• Indy's tough guys to watch - Kevin Lynch (13 PIMs) and Raphael Cordiveau (12 PIMs)
• Allen leads the league with PIMs per game with 21.33, Indy's is 13.40

Meet Jamie Murray:

Jamie Murray #1

Don't worry guys, I got it!
(photos courtesy of Dianne Webster Photography)

Tell me a little about your family including names and what they do for a living ( children, mom, dad, siblings).

     I grew up in a town just south of Boston.  My parents have been a huge part of my life.  I have a younger sister who just graduated from Boston College and is now teaching math.

     Life is a little different with both of us out of college and on our  own.  We have always been a close knit family - we get along well and support one another

Did you have a pet growing up? How about now? 

      We always had a dog growing up and also a few cats.  Right now I have a Husky, he's 11 years old but acts like a puppy.

Describe your training regimen, formal/informal, type of training, with who?

     Summer was a big change in my training regimen.  Previously I mainly worked out on my own but after signing with the Sharks they recommended a trainer for me.  I worked out with a number of other players and participants.  For goalies it is more about becoming quicker than becoming bigger.  This is my first experience where hockey is my full time job.

Favorite number, (how did it become your favorite number)?

      19 - there seems to have been a lot of 19's in my life.  I was born in 1991, my sister was born on January 19.  Knowing that 19 is not really a goalie's number I am becoming fond of number 1 also.

Your nickname?

      Muzz - a lot of people haven't picked up on it yet.  It's on my helmet.

Hockey hero?

      First it was Byron Dafoe (goalie for the Bruins from 1997-2002).  Later it was Carey Price of the Canadiens.  I try to model my style to that of Price.

Age you started skating?

      About the same time I started walking, actually probably around 2 years old.  It just came naturally to me.

      I always wanted to be a goalie.  I kept telling my Dad that but he thought it was just a faze  I  was going through.  When I was 10 the goalie on our team quit and I took over.  The rest is history.

Favorite type of music?

      I like all types.  I love country but also some hip hop and R&B.

What is a song or artist you hope your teammates don't catch you listening to?

      Timeflies is my guilty pleasure

If you could have lunch with anyone living who would you pick (not family)?

      Carey Price - I would love to get inside his head to learn about his take on being an NHL goalie.

One thing people would be surprised to learn about you?

      I am a wiffle ball lunatic.  I organize a wiffle ball tournament every summer back in Boston

What chore do you hate to do?

      Most all of them - particularly making my bed every morning

What do you have that is of great value to you but little value to anyone else?

      License plates - my family collects them

Where is the most interesting place you have ever visited?

      I was fortunate to travel quite a bit when I was young.  The most interesting place was Ireland.  My entire family is Irish.

If you could be anything besides a pro hockey player what would it be?

      A professional baseball player.  I love playing the outfield, I played it in high school.

Any pre-game routines, rituals or superstitions?

      I try to do the same routine before every game - I juggle a soccer ball until I feel comfortable with my timing.  Also a tennis ball.  Also lots of stretching and mental preparation.

Who is your number one fan?

      My father - he has always been supportive, pushing and encouraging me when I needed it.

What do you like to do to kill time on the bus?

      Playing cards with my teammates

Favorite childhood toy?

      Mini hockey - I played it 24/7 growing up

Favorite motto or saying?

      Being rather slender I liked "trying to get better not bigger". 

      A good friend of mine started a company called  Prove People Wrong - our college team used this motto frequently.

What do you like to do away from the rink?

      Golf - I am not very good but I enjoy playing.  Also fantasy football.

What have you been told or know about the Allen fans?

      Last year before I arrived I was told there was a great following.  It met my every expectation.  Fans here are unbelievable.  It is pretty special to play in front of fans that are so passionate.  The support is amazing.


Did you know:  Ft. Wayne is the only ECHL team without a NHL or AHL affiliate.

TULSA GAME RECAP-FT. WAYNE GAME PREVIEW 

While Barry is on vacation, the views contained in this blog do not represent Barry, or those of the Allen Americans Organization.

Whether you took the trip to Tulsa, watched ECHL TV, or listened to the game Tuesday night, you ended the night scratching your head, wondering where Allen was in the first two periods when they played so well in the third.  Coach Martinson, after a long drive from Illinois had to be truly disappointed in our performance through the first 40 minutes.  It should be realized that although we have a talented team, we are playing other talented players who are going to come out and play tough against the league champions.  Allen needs to buckle down and come out strong to avoid coming from behind and play all 60 minutes.  With the Colorado win last night, Allen moves to 2nd place in the Mountain Division with 6 pts..

Tulsa Game Recap:

• Tulsa earned all 3 stars of the game, however, consideration should have been given to Chris Crane who scored both goals for Allen.
• Congratulations are in order for Aaron Gens for attaining his 100th professional career assist.
• Allen continues to be solid on the penalty kill stopping all 3 power plays against Tulsa, and now are 29 for 29 
• Tulsa's goaltender, Jamie Phillips, has now recorded 5 straight wins 
• Phillips stopped 42 of 44 goals, 24 being in the 3rd period
• Tulsa's 5 consecutive wins is their best start since 2002-03 
• Former Allen player Reid Halabi was 1 assist away from a Gordie Howe hat trick scoring 1 goal and losing his fight against Derek Mathers.

Coach Martinson's Post Game Comments:

• bad start, 2 goals in just over 2 minutes
• didn't skate until the 3rd period
• our power play isn't doing anything, which really hurts in these close games

Fort Wayne Game Preview:

• Both teams are tied with 6 points, (Allen 3-2-0-0), Komets (3-1-0-0)
• Both teams are undefeated when leading after the 1st and 2nd periods. 
• Players to watch in Ft. Wayne - Mike Cazzola leads Ft. Wayne with 5 pts. Jamie Schaafsma, Brady Vail, and David Friedmann lead the team in goals with 2 each
• Komet goalies are averaging a 2.00 GAA (same as Allen), and their SV% of .932 (Allen is .944)
• Tough guys for the Komets are Brent Tate with 16 PIMs, and Taylor Crunk with 12 PIMs.  Both are rookies.
• Ft. Wayne averages 19.2 PIMs vs. Allen 21.6 PIMs
• Allen continues their PK efficiency (29-29) and are at 100%
• Ft. Wayne's PK is at 88.9% (2-18)
• On the power play, Allen is a paltry 2-23 (8.7%) while Ft. Wayne is second in the league with 3-11 (27.3%)
• Ft. Wayne should be well rested (or rusty, we hope).  Their last game was a 4-1 losing effort in Kalamazoo on 10/22.

These writers will be on the road supporting our Americans in Ft. Wayne, Indy, and Kalamazoo and will attempt to continue the blogs although they may be abbreviated versions.

Did you know: The only other regular season meeting between Allen and Ft. Wayne was Feb. 18, 2011 when Allen won a 3-2 shootout in Ft. Wayne in a CHL game.   These two teams last met on May 22, 2016 when the Americans eliminated the Komets 4 games to 1 in Allen during the ECHL Western Conference finals. 

TULSA GAME PREVIEW - PLAYER INTERVIEW

While Barry is on vacation, the views contained in this blog do not represent Barry, or those of the Allen Americans Organization.


Game Preview -

Allen better be prepared to play 3 periods on Wednesday night against the Tulsa Oilers.  Tulsa has won all of their games played, 2 in regulation, 1 in OT, and 1 in a shootout.  Tulsa is ranked #1 in the league and Allen #3.  Although these stats do not hold much water at this early mark of the season, it will be our first regular season road game and starting off on a right skate may prove to be of importance at a later date.  Tulsa, in the past, has always played hard against us, and we are sure this game will be no different.

Despite a GAA of 2.66 and SV% of .894, Oiler goalie Jamie Phillips leads the league in wins with 4.  Points leaders for Tulsa are Emerson Clark with 7, and rookie Darcy Murphy with 6. Clark also leads the ECHL with 25 PIMs.  (Former Allen player tough guy Reid Halabi is ranked #3 with 21). You can expect a physical game with Allen ranked #2  averaging  22.5 PIMs, and Tulsa is 6th with 17.25.

Both teams are undefeated when scoring first, so needless to say, Allen must strike first!

On the power play Tulsa ranks 5th (21.1%) and Allen ranks 18th (11.1%).

On the penalty kill, Allen leads the league with 100% (26 straight penalties killed), and Tulsa is 18th (84.6%).

Thus far, this season, Tulsa has outshot Allen 150 vs. 143 and has allowed fewer shots 104 vs. 153.

Points leaders for the Americans are Chad Costello with 6 (1G, 5A), Greger Hanson - 5 (3G, 2A), Greger leads Allen with 3 goals.

In goal, Jamie Murray and Riley Gill are almost equal with .955 SV% vs. .954 SV%.

Jamie Murray leads rookie goalies with 1.53 GAA, where Phillips is ranked 18th in GAA.




Meet Travis Brown:

"And my jersey comes with this awesome smile, and I know it says #3, but don't let that fool you, I am really #47"
(courtesy of Dianne Webster Photography)

Tell us a little about yourself, family:
     Born and raised in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada.  My Dad - Ty Brown, my Mom- Carrie Brown, my mom is a teacher's aid working with autistic children in an elementary school, and my dad is a financial manager at a Ford dealership in Winnipeg. I have an older brother who just bought a house, and I am happy for him and his girlfriend,  I have a girlfriend that I have been dating for about 4 years now, also from Winnipeg, her name is Sarah.

Did you have a pet growing up, now, and is it coming with you?
     (laughing) I was into lizards and snakes growing up, I had a pet lizard.  No pets now, so guys do not have to worry about finding a snake or lizard roaming about.
   
What are you planning to do during the summer?
     I will be going back to Winnipeg, nothing beats home.

Describe you training regimen, type, and with who?
     I train with a group called Richard Burr fitness, a pretty intense fitness schedule, about 5X a week.  We have a great group of guys we train with, a couple that play in the NHL, we push each other and always finish feeling good.

What is your favorite number?
     My favorite number is 4, it was taken and ended up getting 47, it has a 4 in it so I will take it!

Do you have a nickname?
     Yes, I have the typical nickname, Browny, but back home a lot of guys like to call me Tony.  I don't know why, one of my buddies, joking around, called me that and it just stuck.
 
Do you have a hockey hero?
     My dad, he played growing up in Winnipeg, he, for sure, is the one who got me in to playing, he is the one I look up to and still go to for advice.
 
Your earliest hockey memory?
     It is really cold in Winnipeg, so we have ice rinks all over, had one across the street and every day I would go over there, Take my skates, tell my mom I'm going and she would pack me up some hot chocolate.  I would skate until I could not feel my feet anymore, skate some more then head home for dinner.

At what age did you start skating?
     Probably 4 years old.  

Describe your style of play:
     I think I am a 2 way defenseman, I like to move the puck, like to shoot the puck when I can and try to help my teammates.

Favorite actor/actress?
     Denzel Washington, he's been a favorite of mine ever since "Remember the Titans".  For actress I would probably go with Natalie Portman, like the way she rolls.

Favorite type of music?
     I guess that depends on where I am, like all music, I like hip hop and all that but spent some time in Moosejaw playing juniors so I became fond of country music.

Current favorite singer or group?
     Passenger, alternative rock group, they just came out with a new album so I have been really enjoying it.
   
What song or artist you hope your teammates never catch you listening to?
     I don't know, I am a pretty confident guy, think I have good taste in music, but I know I have some Justin Timberlake songs and may have Britney Spears on my IPOD.  Classics are classics so I don't care what the guys say.
 
If you could have lunch with someone, not part of your family, who would you choose?
     I think it would be Mohhamed Ali, but someone who is still living, let's go with Denzel Washington again.  Would like to sit down with him and hear his story.
  
What is one thing people would find surprising about you?
     My mom had me in dance class when I was around 11.

What chore do you hate doing?
     I like cooking, but I don't like cleaning the dishes.

What do you have that is of great value to you, but would be of no value to someone else?
     I have a little angel statue with my birthstone that was given to me by my grandmother.  It means a lot to me and is above my bed.
   
Who do you admire as a leader? (hockey or non hockey)
     Jonathan Toews, Captain of the Chicago Blackhawks.  He is from Winnipeg, I don't know him personally but he does a lot around the community, and when he wins the cup he brings it home.  Just the way he carries himself on and off the ice is very admirable.  

Where is the most interesting place you've ever visited?
     Other than hockey I don't travel too much, but I think it would be Los Angeles, went for vacation, people were very interesting, we had a blast.

If you could live in another country for 2 years where would you pick (other than US or Canada)?
     I think I would like Australia, I would move there for a couple of years for sure,
 
If you could be something other than a hockey player, what would you be?
     In the athletics I would like to be a soccer player, in the business world it would be entrepreneurial stuff, have my own business.

Any pregame rituals or superstitions?
     No! Eat as much as I can, nap as much as I can, like to give someone in my family a call the day of the game, just to get my mind off of it.

Who is your #1 fan?
     My mom, and my dad, and my girlfiend, followed by my grandparents, they would all be tied!
 
How are you going to spend your time on "Big Red"?
     Sharpen up on my music some more, and I like reading quite a bit. Coming from Brampton, I am used to long bus rides.  It is a second home, basically.

Favorite childhood toy?
     Yeah, I like my power rangers when I was a kid.
 
Favorite motto or saying?
     My dad always tells me the 5 "P"s, Proper planning prevents poor performance.  That's what he's tried to instill in me, and I have it in the back of my mind all the time.

Favorite TV show?
     Breaking Bad
 
If you could choose someone as a mentor, who would you choose?
     I have a pretty good mentoring group, my dad, my brother, my girlfriend's family.  I am blessed with a good group around me.  I will stick with the cast I have right now.
 
Did you know anyone from Allen before coming here?
     I played against Dyson and Roy in juniors, for three years in juniors I played with Tanner Eberle and we were really good buddies in Moosejaw, and we live together now and he is still driving me crazy (said kiddingly).

What do you like to do when away from the rink?
     Just hang out, mostly listen to music and read.  Facetime back and forth with the family.  Me and Tanner hang out, we are trying to get a ping pong table, something we both like to do.
 
What do you know or have been told about the Allen fans?
     I hear they're amazing!  Having played in many arenas with great fans, Tanner says they're nothing like Allen.  They are loud and they are proud! It is great playing with a winning team, great fans, great booster support (fan club),  Never had anything like it before and I've never seen anything like it.  It is truly a blessing to come into somewhere and have people other than the management and coaching staff for support. The fans here are real people with real jobs coming to support you, great support for a player so far from home.

How did you wind up in Allen?
     I was actually talking to Ebs (Eberle) on the phone and he asked where I was playing next season, I said I don't know.  The next thing Marty was on the phone.  Then I was signing a 2 way deal with San Jose, and here I am.
   

Next blog will be Thursday with game recap and Ft. Wayne game preview.

Did you know: The Adirondack Thunder are the only ECHL team sharing common ownership with their NHL affiliate (Calgary Sports and Entertainment).

AMERICANS BEAT THE "GLAD" OUT OF GLADIATORS!

While Barry is on vacation, the views contained in this blog do not represent Barry, or those of the Allen Americans Organization.


If you were one of the 4328 in attendance on Saturday, you saw a slow start for the Americans. But Allen came back fighting in the 2nd and 3rd periods earning them a 3-1 victory over the Gladiators.

Game Recap:

• Gregor Hanson started the scoring at 3:31 of the second period on a rebound of a slapshot from the left circle
• Spencer Asuchak scored his first goal of the season at the 12:06 mark of the second
• After a goal by Atlanta in the 3rd period, Asuchak closed the scoring with an empty netter with only 5 seconds left in the game
• Fan favorite Tudor Floru called a total of 20 penalties resulting in a league leading 68 total penalty minutes
• Riley Gill earned the game's first star by stopping 39 of 40 SOGs giving him a SV% .954 thus far, followed by Hanson (1G, 1A) and Chad Costello (0G, 3A)
• Allen stopped all 5 Atlanta power plays extending their PK streak to 26.  So far this year, they have yet to allow a power play goal.
• With his 3 assists, Costello is 2nd in the league with 5
• With a +1, Joel Chouinard leads all ECHL defensemen  with a +6

This was no press conference Friday evening due to jersey auction.

Update:
Linesman Erik Contino, assisted off the ice during Wednesday night's game, has suffered a broken leg and ankle injury.  Surgery will be necessary this week.



Meet Joel Chouinard:

Joel Chouinard #72 

C'mon guys dig a little deeper for my jersey!
(photos courtesy of Diane Webster Photography)

Tell us a little about yourself, family:
     I am from a small town Sherbrooke, it's in Quebec Canada.  I speak French and my whole speaks French. I moved here in 2010, met my wife in Cleveland, Courtney is American from Erie, Pa. We've been married 4 months, moved to Texas this past May, my wife works here.

Did you have a pet growing up, now, and is it coming with you?
     My family has a fierce Siamese cat, she is 16 now, she is beautiful with blue in her coat.  She is stuck in her old ways.  It really is my parents' cat so it will not be coming.

What are you planning to do during the summer?
     I plan on working next summer, could not work this past one since I did not have my visa, but am all set now.

Describe you training regimen, type, and with who?
     Started working out with Cosmo Clark athletics, stay in shape, try to prevent injuries.

What is your favorite number?
     I used to wear 27, a couple of years ago it was not available so I just switched to 72, now I like it.

Do you have a nickname, and how do you properly pronounce your name?
     My last name is hard to pronounce, the proper way to say it is Schwinard.  Since it hard to pronounce someone came up with "Chewy" (as in Chewbacca).

Do you have a sports hero?
     Do not have one hero, always admired Mario Lemieux. I really like Roger Federer, he is always humble, successful, finds a way to win.

Your earliest hockey memory?
     My earliest is actually a funny one.  My parents never played hockey, really did not know how it worked.  My first time on the ice I had the right skate on my left foot, I started skating like a penguin, it did not take the coach long to figure out what was wrong.

At what age did you start skating?
     Probably 4-5 years old.

Describe your style of play:
     I would have to say puck moving defenseman.  Pass in all zones, bring a little bit of everything, offensively, defensively.

Favorite actor/actress?
     Denzel Washington, he is just a stud, like every movie he makes

Favorite singer or group?
     I've always been a huge Eminem fan.

What song or artist you hope your teammates never catch you listening to?
     Listen to a little bit of everything, almost all goes today,

If you could have lunch with someone, not part of your family, who would you choose?
     Elon Musk, CEO of Tesla motors, read his biography and he is a genius.  Very interesting man.

What is one thing people would find surprising about you?
     I am pretty stubborn, try not to be, sometimes I argue over nothing.

What chore do you hate doing?
     Pretty much any chore, do not mind cooking, but don't like cleaning up after myself.

Who do you admire as a leader? (hockey or non hockey)
     Jonathan Toews, what he has done with the Chicago Blackhawks, obviously, he is a silent leader. Not the loudest or screamer in the locker room, he leads by example.  He is a huge winner, 3 Stanley Cups in 6 years.

Where is the most interesting place you've ever visited?
     Hockey has taken me to many places, have to be biased here, my home province, Quebec, is just beautiful, there is a huge river, St. Lawrence, I am not a fisherman, just love the nature stuff.

If you could live in another country for 2 years where would you pick (other than US or Canada)?
     I have only been to France and Mexico, but I would like to go to Germany.  Have heard many people say they love it there.

If you could be something other than a hockey player, what would you be?
     Entrepreneur - have my own business, or Coach hockey!

Any pregame rituals or superstitions?
     Not superstitious, don"t like to do the same things so I don't forget something, grab a coffee, get here early, stretch out,

How are you going to spend your time on "Big Red"?
     First I will have to increase my data on my phone, I take classes, half way done an on-line degree, Netflix, hang out with the guys

Favorite childhood toy?
     Not really.  We had a rink in our back yard, so I was always out there.

Favorite motto or saying?
     "Never forget where you're from"

Favorite TV show?
     Breaking Bad

If you could choose someone as a mentor, who would you choose?
     I already have him, my dad, he has always been

Did you know anyone from Allen before coming here?
     Played with Gensy in Cleveland 4 years ago, did a short stint with Costy the year before, and went to camp with Eberle.

What do you like to do when away from the rink?
     Spend most of my time in the books so I can finish my degree as soon as possible.

What do you know or have been told about the Allen fans?
     They're loud, and very, very passionate. They're great!

How did you wind up in Allen?
     My wife got a job here totally unrelated to me, after college she picked Dallas and has been living here for a year.  I called Marty and told him I would really like to play here, it is a great organization.


   
Did you know: No matter how many renditions of the Star-Spangled Banner you've seen, there's a good chance you've never witnessed a national anthem like the one performed by Joe Everson before the Toledo Walleye game on Saturday.  Take a minute to check out the video below.

UPDATE: This video has been removed but can also be found at Walleye National Anthem


   
Next blog will be Tuesday with pregame preview and another player interview.

AMERICANS LOSE TO GLADIATORS!

While Barry is on vacation, the views contained in this blog do not represent Barry, or those of the Allen Americans Organization.

Before we cover last night's disaster we would like to Congratulate Aaron Dell on his first NHL game and win.  He made 21 saves in route to a 3-2 victory over the NY Islanders.  Way to go, Aaron!

Also Congrats go out to our former goalie, Jake Hildebrand who had 2 impressive wins last weekend for the Indy Fuel and earned CCM ECHL Goaltender of the Week.  We are proud of you!


Everyone was excited last night about seeing a new team in town; the Atlanta Gladiators.  Not so much at the end of the game.  Atlanta outplayed and outskated us.  The Americans have to realize that these teams are coming in here to see how they stack up against the Champs, and are going to play us hard.  We were not up to the task last night.

Game Recap:

• Atlanta scored the first 3 goals of the game beginning at 9:59 of the 1st, ending at 8:54 of the third.
• The Americans decided to get in the game  at the 13:16 mark of the third when Dyson Stevenson scored 
• Allen would put up another goal at the 18:13 mark when Greger Hanson got on the board with a power play goal, but it turned out to be too little too late.  
• Americans PK efficiency continues at 100%, successfully killing 19 consecutive power plays
• Americans need to work on their power play as we are only 2 of 13 (15.4%)  to start off this season

Of the three stars awarded, Dyson Stevenson earned the third.

Our thoughts are with the linesman injured last evening, wishing him a speedy recovery.

Coach Martinson's Post Game Comments:

• That sucked, didn't like that game at all
• 2 turnovers at the blue line cost us a couple of goals
• was not too happy with my decisions on personnel
• looked like we were just going through the motions, got better in the 3rd period
• have to play better Friday, have to be ready to play
• Derek Mathers skated well for his size, just arrived this afternoon, he should be able to help us out
• sent Aaron Dell a message last week congratulating him on making the Sharks roster
• Kale Kerbashian and Kyle Neuber have been placed on injured reserve
• light practice on Thursday, will work on power play
• going to watch video to be better prepared for Friday night

Game Preview:

As stated above, Coach will review tape and correct mistakes made on Wednesday.  At this early stage of the season, it is hard to predict or advise based on few statistics.  We know we have to improve our power play as we have had many good chances that we did not take advantage of. The team has to start the game with a 100% effort so there will not be a repeat of Wednesday, losing control of the game from the start.



We sat down with Kale Kerbashian and Tanner Eberle for a couple of quick questions, and they were more than happy to get their message out to the fans.

Kale Kerbashian #18

How does it feel to be back in Allen?
     Awesome, just starts with the weather, it is starting to snow in my hometown.  Great to play with players that make you want to compete, even in practice, it raises your game "to be the best".  The level of the players here, alone, was enough to make me want to come back.

What, if anything, will you try to do differently this time?
     I am a little bit older, grew up a little bit, more of a leader, I was one of the younger guys back then, but now I am being looked upon as "lead by example", find my place and help out.

Any updates since you were last here that you want to share with the Allen Fans?
     Still have the same girlfriend, Amanda, she is going to try to come down here, it is hard for the Canadian girls, but she'll try to find something to do here.   My family is all good and they will also try to make it here. Not too much has changed other than I am older and more mature.

Tanner Eberle #22

How does it feel to be back in Allen?
     Glad to be back, feels really good, missed the hot weather.  It is nice to interact with the fans again, and see some familiar faces.  Overall, the skill of the players here is much better than most places, it feels really good out there, glad to be back!

What, if anything, will you try to do differently this time?
     (Laughing) Try to stay here longer, last time I only played 5 games, hopefully I will get a few more this time.

Any updates since you were last here that you would like to share with the Allen Fans?
     Do the same things I did before, I am a little older, more mature,  I have the same girlfriend, Savannah, who is in my hometown, Regina.  Not much has changed.
   
(We will have additional interviews with Joel Chouinard, Jamie Murray, and Travis Brown in upcoming blogs)


(Pictures contained above are all courtesy of Diane Webster Photography)


Pictured below are 4 members of the Teal City Crew, (San Jose Barracuda Fan Club), who were in attendance at this home stand.  The Americans appreciate their continued support.

(courtesy of Ted Hosterman)

Pictured left to right:  Jessie Heart, Vinnie Dewberry, Eric Banks, and Curtis Silver.


The next blog posting will be Sunday.

WOW! BANNER RAISING, GREAT START, MIXED EMOTIONS!

banner raising courtesy of Diane Webster

While Barry is on vacation, the views contained in this blog do not represent Barry, or those of the Allen Americans Organization.

Walking around the arena on Saturday night (season opener, banner raising), many of us die hard fans had mixed emotions as to whether or not the Americans should win this game.  In the past four years that we have won the championship, Allen had lost their game opener.  A superstitious bunch we are, and we'll now have to wait until the end of the season to see if this superstition rings true.  For all of us, we hope it does not, as before a raucous crowd of 5062, Allen went on to win Saturday night 6-3 over the Missouri Mavericks, followed by a shutout on Sunday. 

Games Recap: 

     10/15

• First goal of the season, a power play goal, was scored by Greger Hanson at 8:18 of the first period 
• As game continued, Allen continued their scoring with goals by Chris Crane, Kale Kerbashian (2), Chad Costello, and Eric Roy
• Missouri answered with 3 goals of their own and narrowed the gap to 1 goal midway through the 3rd period, that would be as close as the score would get  as Allen closed out the score with 2 additional goals.
• Although American's goalie Riley Gill faced 47 SOGs (including a penalty shot), Allen was still easily able to prevail. 
• With his 2 goals Kerbashian was awarded 1st star of the game, and Gill earned 2nd star.

Coach Martinson's Post game comments:

• Always fun to beat Missouri
• Played good defensively, had good chances to score more goals
• Missouri had a lot of shots
• Kerby showed good speed, he's in good shape, could have his best year ever
• We beat a pretty good goalie tonight (Josh Robinson)
• Eberle demonstrated good energy 
• Pinkston is out (upper body injury)
• Started juggling practice lines in first period, will find chemistry as season progresses
• Travis Brown has a lot of upside - sees the ice well
• Gotta get better defensively
• Dyson Stevenson could be back by next weekend
• Still expecting some players from San Jose both forwards and defensemen
• The infamous "cat" remains in Illinois and is going back to its' original owners  

     10/16

• Sunday afternoon's contest was all Allen as they scored 4 unanswered goals with goalie Jamie Murray recording his first professional shutout. (Congrats! Jamie)
• Shots on goal were markedly different from the prior night with Allen holding the edge 40-35
• Gary Steffes led the scoring with the games first 2 goals. followed by Tristan King and Tanner Eberle, each with 1
• As would be expected Murray was named the games first star, Steffes #2 and King #3

Coach Martinson's Post game comments:

• Always nice to beat Missouri
• Kerby injured, could  be out 4-6 weeks
• Nueber also out with injury, if unable to return I have a replacement lined up
• Dyson should be back Friday, but may play Wednesday
• Did we have fun this weekend?  (followed by cheers from fans)
• Tanner Eberle looked really good, moves feet good on both ends of the ice, overall good attitude
• Good to have 2 quality goalies, 2 completely different goalies, but they both stop pucks

Through the first 2 games:

• ,Allen's PK efficiency is 100% having stopped all 14 power plays against them.  
• Allen's power play has recorded 1 goal for 9 attempts (11.1%)
• Americans have scored 10 goals, 15 assists for a total of 25 points resulting in a +29
• Allens' netminders recorded 79 saves of 82 attempts for a .963 SV%

how to tame a Maverick (courtesy of Diane Webster)

See many more great photos of both nights at:  https://www.facebook.com/Dianne-Webster-Photography-477738345715818/?fref=ts

Did you know:  Allen's former goalie Jake Hildebrand has started the season with 2 victories, saving 56 of 58 shots for the Indy Fuel.

Please note: due to prior commitments the next posting will be Thursday, 10/20

WE HAVE BEEN WAITING FOUR LOOOOONG MONTHS FOR:



While Barry is on vacation, the views contained in this blog do not represent Barry, or those of the Allen Americans Organization.


Fooled you guys!  Thought we were going to say HOCKEY, but what we are really saying "time for Barry's Vacations".  Barry is taking a vaca to New Zealand.  Hoping he and Nancy have a wonderful time.  We will be periodically posting and expect to provide game recaps and a Wednesday night game preview on Monday.

Make certain you come early as tonight is banner raising.  Old hat for us Allen fans, but nonetheless exciting.

Tonight we begin the "Drive For Five" and we all know if anyone can accomplish this feat, it is Coach Martinson and the Allen Americans.  We believe we are in for another exciting season. Whatever the outcome, it will be one hell of a ride!

Please take a few minutes tonight to stop by the Fan Club table to see all the new items, and the lawn sign available for purchase.  Also speak to one of the members about joining the club if you have not yet done so. We are growing, therefore, you will not be asked to volunteer as much as may have been expected in the past. Every little bit helps and we need you! The Fan Club atmosphere is that it should be fun, and not work!  Give it a try!

lawn sign front

lawn sign back

See you all tonght at the game!

Allen Americans 2016-17 Season Preview - A Drive For Five

The Allen Americans are about to embark on a quest for a fifth straight championship and third straight Kelly Cup. Winning one Kelly Cup is an amazing feat but winning three in a row is unprecedented, having never been accomplished since the inception of the ECHL in 1988. It is definitely a tall order but coach Martinson has put together a team that is capable of giving it a shot. Here is a preview:

Head Coach: Steve Martinson - There are many statistics you can cite when talking about Martinson. He is an outstanding coach and an even better general manager. He will be starting his 21st year as a head coach and has missed the playoffs just one time. One statistic says it all about Martinson, he has won 10 championships in 20 years as a head coach. He has played in 14 playoff series since becoming the coach in Allen and has yet to lose. When it comes to seven games series there is nobody better.

Captain/Leadership: There has been no announcement about team leadership but when you win the championship it doesn't make sense to make a change. Everyone is back from last season so would expect Chad Costello and Gary Steffes to be co-captains again with Aaron Gens and Dyson Stevenson as the alternates. Locker room leadership comes from more than those wearing the letters and this team is loaded with leaders on and off the ice.


LAST SEASON

Anytime you win the Kelly Cup it is an outstanding season but Allen struggled at times during the regular season last year. They finished with 89 points compared to 106 points in 2014-15 when they won their first Kelly Cup. The Americans didn't even win their division and were the fourth seed in the Western Conference. The saving grace for the team during the regular season and playoffs was special teams where they were the best in the league. Sometimes you forget that Allen almost was eliminated in the first round of the playoffs by a very good Idaho team. The Americans lost game five in Idaho by a score of 7-1 to go down in the series 3-2. They then won game six and seven at home to advance.


WHO'S BACK?

 If the saying, "go with what got you there" is true the Americans have it in spades this season. The opening day roster will have 20 players on it and 18 of them have played in Allen during at least one of the championship seasons. The team is anchored by Chad Costello who has been amazing in his two seasons in Allen, along with the winningest playoff goalie in ECHL history, Riley Gill.

- Costello has been the league scoring champion the last two seasons, has been a MVP the last two seasons  (by the PHPA in 2015 & the ECHL in 2016) and was the Kelly Cup MVP this past season. He has not missed a game in two years and has a staggering 292 total points (81 goals 211 assists) between regular season and playoffs.

- Riley Gill is made for the playoffs and has put the Allen Americans on his back the last two seasons and led them to consecutive Kelly Cups. He has more playoff wins (48) and playoff finals wins (11) than any goalie in ECHL history to go along with a Kelly Cup MVP award and three Kelly Cup championships.

- Spencer Asuchak and Greger Hanson (2015 Kelly Cup MVP) both return. They have been key players on the last three Allen championships. Chris Crane is back after missing the end of the season and playoffs last year. Chris is a key piece to this team as he can play in all situations and works hard all over the ice. If he stays healthy he could have a big year. Gary Steffes is back and has looked great in training camp. Gary scored six goals against Wheeling in the Kelly Cup finals after scoring four goals in the finals against South Carolina  in 2015. His 10 goals in the finals ranks him second all-time. You can go down the list of returning players from last year's playoff roster, Dyson Stevenson, Aaron Gens, Tristan King, Eric Roy, J.P. LaFontaine, Rick Pinkston and Kyle Neuber and see players that have been successful in the playoffs.


WHO'S GONE?

- There are several categories of players that did not return this season. You have the players that joined the team at the end of their college careers (Thomas Carr, Jordan Rowley, Jake Hildebrand) and were on the playoff roster. Part of their deal with the Americans was they would not be protected by Allen so they could pursue all options for their first full professional season. Carr and Rowley signed overseas and Hildebrand signed a one year deal with the Rockford IceHogs (AHL). The IceHogs recently assigned Jake to their ECHL affiliate, the Indy Fuel.

- The second group of players that are not returning are those that didn't fit with coach Martinson's plans. There are many factors to consider when putting a team together and some don't relate to on ice performance. Factors such as is a player a veteran, housing & insurance costs, what a player is like in the locker room are considerations as well as how well players fit into the system Martinson wants to play. These are players that don't receive an offer to return.

- Finally, there are those players that Martinson tries hard to sign but the player chooses another option. The two players that he really wanted back that opted not to return were David Makowski who signed in Hungary and Vincent Arseneau who signed in Wichita.


WHO'S NEW?

- Two of the new guys are really old guys as Kale Kerbashian and Tanner Eberle return. Kerbashian  won two championships with the Americans in 2013 & 2014. Kale is strong on the puck, can score and pass and is happy to be back on a winning team. He could have the best year of his career and should be a point a game player. The other returnee is Tanner Eberle.  Tanner returns to Allen where he originally signed in the 2014-15 season. Tanner played just five games (2 goals 2 assists) before he was loaned to the Bridgeport Sound Tigers (AHL) and never returned. Last season he was scheduled to come back to Allen but signed a one way deal with the Iowa Wild (AHL). Let's hope the third time is a charm and Allen fans will be able see more of Eberle this season. Eberle’s speed and ability to hit have made him an effective two-way player. If Tanner can stay healthy (he played in just 45 games last season) he will be a great addition for Allen. 

- The two new players to Allen are defensemen Joel Chouinard and Travis Brown. Chouinard is a 6th round draft choice of the Colorado Avalanche in the 2008 NHL draft and has 204 AHL games to his credit. He is an offensive defensemen who is good at both ends of the ice. Brown was a fifth round draft choice of the Chicago Blackhawks in the 2012 NHL draft.  He is described in scouting reports as a balanced defenseman who combines puck moving ability with a 6'2" frame and commitment to the physical game. He skates very well and has good mobility in all directions. When the puck is on his stick, he can make safe plays on the breakout as well as get his shot through on the offensive end.

- There are still 2-4 players to be assigned by San Jose which will make a strong Allen team even stronger. If the Americans get two or three forwards from San Jose, they will have three lines of players that could all be top line players in the ECHL.


MOVIN' ON UP

 The Allen Americans roster is full of players that could see time in the AHL this season. Obviously, all of the San Jose contracted players assigned to Allen could be recalled. Currently there are just three (Jamie Murray, Eric Roy, Travis Brown) but that number will increase by three or four in the near future. The players that do not have an AHL contract are free agents and can be loaned to any AHL team. With the talent on the roster many of the free agent players could get loaned to AHL teams. Steve Martinson is a coach known for loaning players and feels it helps his team in the long term to loan players even if it can cause short term issues. Joel Chouinard, Tanner Eberle, Spencer Asuchak, Gary Steffes, Chris Crane, Greger Hanson and Rick Pinkston all played AHL games last season and would be candidates to be loaned again this year. Who gets loaned will depend on performance but the younger guys might have an advantage. The youngest of the group are Eberle (22), Asuchak (24) and Crane (24).


THE INTANGIBLES

- It is difficult to know what impact the new division alignment will have on the season. Since the schedule didn't change after the teams were realigned the regular season will have the Americans play less than half of their games against teams in their division (Mountain Division). The Americans will play their division rival Missouri 13 times but the other five Mountain Division teams (Alaska, Colorado, Idaho, Rapid City, Utah) a total of  just 18 games. Meanwhile they play their non-division rivals Wichita and Tulsa 14 time each.

- The big impact with being in the Mountain Division will be in the playoffs. The first two rounds of the playoffs are within the division. Historically, the Americans have been required to travel by bus and the miles to the other Mountain Division cities is substantial. They would fly to Alaska but could have to bus to all the other locations. Here is the mileage from Allen to the other cities in the division:

Alaska - 4000
Idaho - 1605
Utah - 1238
Rapid City - 1058
Colorado - 842
Missouri - 473

- Another intangible to consider is what I would put under the umbrella of "treatment of players" and it covers a myriad of issues. While many ECHL teams in the Division will be traveling by air, the Americans will be climbing on "Big Red" which is a 1998 Prevost bus which has seen its better days. No satellite TV, no wifi and little doubt some breakdowns along the way. All teams deal with budget issues but some of the problems the players have had to deal with would surprise even the most frugal teams. With the opportunity to do something very special in the pursuit of a third Kelly Cup, ownership/budget support will be crucial. The team has persevered through issues in the past but it would be great if things were a little different this year.

 


THE OUTLOOK

With the best team Steve Martinson has assembled since arriving in Allen, this team has a chance to do something very special. This quote from Martinson captures his sentiment, "With the players we have signed and those I expect to get from San Jose, I wish we could go right to the playoffs. You never know what the team will look like when the playoffs arrive but I really like the team we have assembled."

So Martinson has built a team of experienced players most of which have playoff success. They are players that want to be in Allen because of the winning tradition. They know what it takes to win and have great leadership on the ice and in the locker room. You never know what the season will hold in terms of injuries and call ups and winning three straight Kelly Cups is certainly unprecedented. With that said, coach Martinson has put together a team that any coach would love to take into the playoffs. Throw in the fact that Allen is 14-0 in playoff series under coach Martinson and you have the possibility of a third Kelly Cup this season. Allen fans have great trust in Steve Martinson. If he says there is a chance to do something special this season they are more than willing to go along for the ride no matter what the outcome.




I had a chance to ask coach Martinson what he would include in a season preview of his team and got some interesting insight. Here are some of his thoughts in his own words:

"We have players that want to win in the playoffs and we have guys that want to be loaned to AHL teams. The trade off of having a team like that is you have to have a lot of depth and players are going to have to rotate through."

"We are not like the NHL where six guys play on the power play and six don't.  We want to have our cake and eat it too so there will be times when we have too many good players available."

"When we have all of our guys available along with the San Jose players we will have some salary cap issues to deal with."

"I am going to carry extra players this year which I didn't do last season as that will help us win."

"Our goaltending should be really good with Jamie Murray, who was the Division III player of the year and had a .963 save percentage in his short time with us last year, along with Riley Gill, the winningest playoff goalie in the history of the league. It is nice to know with Gill you have the best goalie on your team. Riley has settled in North Texas with his family and has recommitted himself to being the best. Having a contract goalie like Murray to take some of the load will help Riley extend his career."

"Our playoffs are important to San Jose. I have been in situations where playoffs aren't important to affiliates. It is so important to have a good relationship with your affiliate and San Jose has been great."


DID YOU KNOW:  The Allen Americans ranked in the bottom fourth of the ECHL in total player salaries during the 2015-16 season.

Training Camp Part 2 - Where Does Everyone Fit?

There was little doubt when observing the Allen Americans practice yesterday that there was a different look and feel. The tryout players were all gone, Greger Hanson, Kyle Neuber, Eric Roy, Travis Brown and Chris Crane were back and the competition for opening night playing time was in full swing. This team is loaded with talent but the old adage of hard work beats talent if talent doesn't work hard will be a difference maker, even in practice. 

- Dyson Stevenson was at the rink but in street clothes after being injured in a preseason game in San Jose. I would not expect Stevenson to be ready for the home opener on Saturday. 

- Tanner Eberle was released by San Jose and returned to Allen last night. He will be at practice today (Tuesday).

- While additional players will be assigned to Allen in the near future, it is unlikely any more players will be assigned this week. With the addition of Eberle there are now 20 players on the roster. 

Goalies:

Riley Gill

Jamie Murray

Defensemen:

Aaron Gens

Joel Chouinard

Eric Roy

Rick Pinkston

Travis Brown

Mike Gunn

Nolan Descoteaux 

Forwards:

Chad Costello

Gary Steffes

Dyson Stevenson

Greger Hanson

Spencer Asuchak

Tristan King

Chris Crane

J.P. LaFontaine

Kale Kerbashian 

Kyle Neuber

Tanner Eberle 

- One of many things coach Martinson will be deciding this week is line combinations for opening night. The lines at practice yesterday were King-Kerbashian-Steffes, Costello-Crane-LaFontaine, Hanson-Asuchak-Neuber. With Eberle returning today, you might see him with Costello and Crane and LaFontaine with Hanson and Asuchak. It is always nice to have a tough guy with Costello and Eberle fits the bill. One thing is clear and that is, however the lines end up all three will be scoring threats. 

- Defenseman Travis Brown may be a new name to Allen fans. He was a fifth round draft choice of the Chicago Blackhawks in the 2012 NHL draft.  Brown is described in scouting reports as a balanced defenseman who combines puck moving ability with a 6'2" frame and commitment to the physical game. He skates very well and has good mobility in all directions. When the puck is on his stick, he can make safe plays on the breakout as well as get his shot through on the offensive end. He played in Brampton last season. Here are his stats courtesy of hockeydb:

 

Travis Brown

Defense -- shoots R
Born Mar 15 1994 -- Winnipeg, MAN
[22 yrs. ago]
Height 6.02 -- Weight 194

Drafted by Chicago Blackhawks

- round 5 #149 overall 2012 NHL Entry Draft

			Regular Season						Playoffs
Season	Team	Lge	GP	G	A	Pts	PIM	+/-	GP	G	A	Pts	PIM
2010-11	Winnipeg Blues	MJHL	1	0	0	0	0
2010-11	Moose Jaw Warriors	WHL	3	0	1	1	0	-1	3	0	0	0	0
2011-12	Moose Jaw Warriors	WHL	66	7	24	31	45	19	10	0	2	2	4
2012-13	Moose Jaw Warriors	WHL	70	9	30	39	54	-22	--	--	--	--	--
2013-14	Moose Jaw Warriors	WHL	43	9	29	38	48	-32	--	--	--	--	--
2013-14	Victoria Royals	WHL	28	5	10	15	24	20	9	2	5	7	4
2014-15	Victoria Royals	WHL	71	18	39	57	77	4	10	2	2	4	12
2015-16	St. John's IceCaps	AHL	3	1	0	1	2	0	--	--	--	--	--
2015-16	Brampton Beast	ECHL	55	8	14	22	32	-12	--	--	--	--	--

This video is from when Travis was called up to the St. John's IceCaps (AHL) last season:

- Here are some photos from yesterday's practice courtesy of Dianne Webster:

Joel Chouinard get new laces from trainer Jaime Garcia

Goalie coach Thomas Speer working with Jamie Murray

Drills were serious yesterday

Travis Brown

Eric Roy cheering on the guys

All eyes on the whiteboard

DID YOU KNOW: One year ago today this was news in the blog. In a move that caught many by surprise the Allen Americans traded Trevor Ludwig yesterday to the Missouri Mavericks for forward Tristan King. With the trade the four players that were in Allen for all three championships (Brian McMillin, Jamie Schaafsma, Trevor & Tyler Ludwig) are now gone.

The Opening Day Roster Starts To Firm Up for the Allen Americans

As the Allen Americans return to practice today after a 2-0 win in their only preseason game on Saturday, it will be a different environment for sure. Coach Martinson said after the game in Wichita that he would not be keeping any of the tryout players so they will most likely not be at practice this morning and have already been released. With most of the regulars back the emphasis this week will be working on line combinations, system drills and special teams. Make no mistake there is still plenty of competition going on in training camp, not to see who makes the team but to see who gets the playing time.

- Five players returned to Allen on Friday from San Jose and Chris Crane is on his way back from Chicago where he was in camp with the Wolves. Look for more players to be sent to Allen from San Jose today or tomorrow. Two Allen players (Tanner Eberle & Harrison Ruopp) are still in San Jose on tryout contracts. In addition, several San Jose contracted players will be assigned.

- It is hard to tell the team without a scorecard so as a reminder, here are the players that are now with the Americans and will definitely be at practice this week.

Goalies:

Riley Gill

Jamie Murray

Defensemen:

Aaron Gens

Joel Chouinard

Eric Roy

Rick Pinkston

Travis Brown

Mike Gunn

Nolan Descoteaux 

Forwards:

Chad Costello

Gary Steffes

Dyson Stevenson

Greger Hanson

Spencer Asuchak

Tristan King

Chris Crane

J.P. LaFontaine

Kale Kerbashian 

Kyle Neuber

- What is still undecided is what players in San Jose will return this week. The most likely would be Eberle and Ruopp who are on tryout agreements but it is not a certainty. The hard nosed Ruopp is the most likely to stick because the need in San Jose is greater on defense especially in the short term, as one of their defensemen will start the season on suspension from last season.

- According to the website Elite Prospects, the Barracuda still have 17 forwards in camp so you can expect a minimum of two and possibly three being sent to Allen. I have no idea what players will be assigned but the list includes Nikita Jevpalovs and Alex Schoenborn who spent time in Allen last season. Another possibility is Matt Willows who was the ECHL rookie of the year last season playing for the Florida Everblades. Willows was signed by San Jose as a free agent this summer. Other names I have seen in stories out of San Jose that mention players that may see time in the ECHL include Jonathan Martin and Rourke Chartier. No matter which players get assigned they will strengthen the Americans lineup. In addition to the forwards a contracted defensman may also be assigned to Allen.

- Exactly who gets sent to Allen is difficult to predict because it depends on injuries, how many extra players will be kept in San Jose and who they want to develop by getting more ice time in the ECHL. The answers to these questions should become more clear throughout this week.


DID YOU KNOW: A lot changes in two years. Here is the Allen Americans opening day roster from just two years ago, 2014-15.

Forwards
Jamie Schaafsma
Chad Costello
Gary Steffes
Travis Ouellette
Jesse Messier
Brian McMillin
Geoff Irwin
Sy Nutkevich
Brett Lyon
Devin Di Diomete
Defense
Kevin Young
Aaron Gens

Garrett Clarke
John Ryder
Trevor Ludwig
Tyler Ludwig
Goaltenders
Aaron Dell
Riley Gill

Allen Beats Wichita 2-0 In Preseason Game - Details & Quotes From Both Coaches

The Allen Americans picked up where they left off last season with a 2-0 victory over the Wichita Thunder last night in their only preseason game before ECHL league play commences on Saturday. The Americans were led by Gary Steffes who had both goals and the goalie tandem of Riley Gill and Jamie Murray, who combined for a 22 save shutout. Gill played the first half of the game and recorded 12 saves, Murray played the second half and had 10 saves.

- The first Steffes goal came at the 10:05 mark of the second period with assists to Joel Chouinard and Aaron Gens. His second goal was scored at the 10:00 mark of the third period assisted by Kale Kerbashian and Tristan King.

- The win by Allen was the 14th straight against Wichita as the Americans won all 13 regular season games last season against the Thunder. The last Wichita victory over Allen came in a preseason game a year ago.

QUOTES FROM THE GAME

Here are some post game quotes. Thanks to Matt Harding from Team Sin Bin for sharing his post game interviews with both coaches.

"The goalies were sharp and I liked what I saw from the defense.".....Allen coach Steve Martinson

"We had some young new guys in the lineup from the NAHL and tier two in Canada and they showed some jitters but I thought they played well.".....Martinson

"We started out a little slow but it is tough when you come into an Olympic size rink in preseason as it is a different game.".....Martinson

"None of the lines tonight have worked together all week and I am sure it was the same for Wichita. We didn't have some our regular guys back from San Jose and sitting Chad Costello out changed the lineup so I switched up the lines in the third period. I liked Kerbashian, Steffes and King together as they have good speed and good skill.".....Martinson

"We got a couple of defensemen (Eric Roy & Travis Brown) back yesterday and will get a few more guys back next week. It will be good to get a few more guys back in town and start working on some stuff.".....Martinson

"I am not keeping any of the tryout guys even though they showed well. Basically, I was looking for guys I could bring up during the season.".....Martinson

"Depending what happens with San Jose, we could get two or three forwards assigned next week and we still have Tanner Eberle and Harrison Ruopp in San Jose.".....Martinson

"We will have three lines capable of scoring and six real mobile defensemen that can jump in the play and shoot the puck from the point.".....Martinson

"Normally I don't talk about winning, I talk about all of the stuff that adds up to winning but obviously we want to try and do it again. The line up I have now I would love to have going into the playoffs but that is a long way off.".....Martinson

"I thought the first period was ours and the majority of the second period was theirs. It was back and forth in the third period and we had a good push at the end.  We had a three on one and couldn't finish, a couple of good opportunities in the slot, a couple of good looks on the power play and some chances at the end when we were six on five.".....Wichita coach Malcolm Cameron

"The majority of that group we played against tonight have been together for two years. We have been together for six days so I am pretty pleased with what I saw.".....Cameron

"We have a new coach, a new style and a bunch of new players that have never played together. I think in six weeks we are going to look pretty polished.".....Cameron

"The big difference tonight was Allen managed the puck a little bit better in the offensive zone than we did. Some of that was nervousness on the part of our guys. They (Allen) have the benefit of the same coach, same system and same teammates.".....Cameron

"My style is very similar to Steve Martinson. If you don't have a play with the puck you have to make the other team take it off of you. You don't just give the puck away. For me, tough hockey and tough teams to play against are ones that make you take the puck off them. I think we gave the puck over unnecessarily on both of the goals tonight. I think guys were trying to do too much offensively looking for the sweet play. But you can't teach everything in five days. Again, overall I am pretty pleased.".....Cameron

"It was fun to get back into game action tonight. Coach Martinson has put together another great team and we are ready to get things going next Saturday.".... Number one star of the game with two goals, Gary Steffes


OTHER COMMENTS

- Chad Costello, Dyson Stevenson and Nolan Descoteaux did not make the trip to Wichita.

- The makeup of the team will change quite a bit in the next few days from the team that played in Wichita last night. All of the tryout guys will be released and several players from San Jose will be sent to Allen after the last Barracuda preseason game tonight.

Look for coach Martinson to spend a lot time this week at practice putting line combinations together for next weekend.

- Former Allen American players have made their presence known this weekend. Jamie Schaafsma had two goals for Fort Wayne in a losing cause. If Jamie, who is a notorious slow starter, gets hot early everyone better watch out. Trevor Ludwig had a goal last night for Orlando and Casey Pierro-Zabotel scored for Colorado. Two former Americans fought each other when Reid Halabi from Rapid City took on Jessey Astles from Colorado. Astles also scored the first goal for Colorado. Daniel Tetrault had his first two games behind the bench as the assistant coach for the Rapid City Rush.




DID YOU KNOW: The first regular season game ever played between Allen and Wichita took place on New Years Eve in 2009. Allen won 3-0 on goals by Nathan O'Nabigon, Christian Gaudet and Tyler Wooddisse. Goalie Charlie Effinger had a big night with an assist in addition to a 33 save shutout.