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)          
  

 

Allen Americans Update, 2023-24 Roster, Liam Finlay Returns, Renewed Affiliation, Preseason Games, BOG Decisions, 3ICE Update, ECHL 2010's Decade Top Scorers

 

I signed up for Threads today so if you have established a Threads account give Allen Americans Blog a follow. Just another way to keep up with posts, especially in the off season when blogs don't get published every day.

 

- It has been over a week since the last update on all things Allen Americans. The biggest news since the last update was the renewal of the affiliation agreement with the Ottawa Senators and the announcement of Liam Finlay's return to Allen for 2023-24. Here are the details on these two news items plus a bunch of other miscellaneous items:

 

- Liam Finlay became the third player announced for 2022-23 joining captain Colton Hargrove and defenseman Matt Brassard on the formally announced roster. Finlay returns after an outstanding rookie season with the Americans. In 54 games Finlay had 70 points (33G, 37A). Here are a few of his accomplishments:

• His seven game winning goals led the Americans and was tied for third in the ECHL,,
• His .611 average goals per game was second on the team, trailing only Hank Crone.
• His 33 goals ranked him #3 among all rookies and #8 in the ECHL despite missing 18 games.
• His 22.4% shooting percentage (33 goals on 147 shots) led the Americans, led all rookies and was #4 in the ECHL.
• He was selected to the ECHL All-Rookie Team.
• He was Allen's representative in the ECHL All-Star Game. 

Staying healthy will be key for Finlay in 2023-24 after missing 18 games to injury last season. Despite being a small player, elite prospects shows him as one of the shortest (5'7") and lightest (154 pounds) players in the ECHL, Finlay has a knack for getting to the tough areas of the ice. He has a combination of speed and quickness that allows him to get in front of the net. He has also been durable, playing in every game (118 straight) his last three seasons in college. Finlay was a member of the University of Denver NCAA championship team in 2017 that was coached by the current NHL Coach of the Year, Jim Montgomery of the Boston Bruins. In 2018-19, Finlay led Denver in scoring. 
 

 

-  Allen has renewed its affiliation with the Ottawa Senators and Belleville Senators. Hopefully year two of the affiliation will be more productive for Allen than year one. From my reporting Allen never looked around for other options and got this agreement done early. If you remember, last year the affiliation wasn't announced until August 24, 2022. Allen didn't get much help from the affiliation last season. The Senators sent two goalies (27 games), two defensemen (75 games) and no forwards. Both Ottawa and Belleville had many injuries during the season that impacted the number of players sent to Allen.

On the flip side Belleville signed many ECHL players to PTO's during the season but not a single Allen forward got a chance in Belleville. Defenseman Nick Albano was loaned to Belleville in November, signed an AHL deal with the Senators in December and promptly left for Europe. 

All indications are year two of the affiliation will be better for the Americans, but Ottawa is in the process of changing ownership so you never know what that will bring. It won't take much to be an improvement over last season when Allen had the fewest NHL/AHL contracted players (games) in the league.

 

- Here is a reminder of the players I think are signed but not announced. These are the players that played a significant role with the Americans last season, are not veterans, were on Allen's season ending roster and were not given a qualifying offer. The only logical reason these players were not qualified is because they had already signed with Allen.

• Colby McAuley (F)
• Grant Herbert (F)
• Kris Myllari (D)
• Eric Williams (D)
• Ryan Gagnon (D)
• Ty Farmer (D)

 

 

- I have had several questions about the goalie situation for 2023-24. I would assume it will be similar to last season. Allen will get several different goalies from Ottawa/Belleville and the Americans will sign one goalie to an ECHL contract. Chase Perry was key to Allen making the playoffs as he played 10 of 15 games in the last month of the season. Perry's save percentage in Allen was .921 over 22 games. I also heard he had a great attitude in the playoffs when Kevin Mandolese played in most games and Perry was primarily in a backup roll. Perry did get the only win in Allen's 4-1 series playoff loss to Idaho. Perry faced 56 shots and saved 54 in game three, Allen's only win against the Steelheads. Have to assume Perry will be back with the Americans in 2023-24. 

 

 

 

- Allen will play two preseason games against Tulsa. On Friday, October 13th the teams will play in DFW at the NYTEX Sports Centre (North Richlands Hills) and on Saturday, October 14th they will play in Tulsa. Why is Allen playing at NYTEX? I contacted team President, Jonny Mydra to get the answer:

 

"The staff at NYTEX has been trying to get us to host a game there for a while. They told us they are confident most of their season ticket members (NYTEX is the home of the NAHL Lone Star Brahmas) will buy tickets and we can keep 90% of the revenue from the game. The game will be an opportunity to grow our fan base since we are on TV in that market."

 

"The City of Allen didn't want us to have the preseason game in the main arena, so it would have had to be played in the community rink again, which is obviously very small and not the best fan experience.  We have seen NHL/NBA teams occasionally have preseason games in cities that are on the fringe of their market so we figured we would give it a try."

 

I have been around long enough to watch many Allen games at NYTEX and it is a fun rink to watch a hockey game. Sitting in the balcony at the end of the rink, right above the goal, is a unique experience. Here is the press release on the preseason games:  https://allenamericans.com/news/press-release/preseason-schedule-announced/    

 

 

 

- At the ECHL Board of Governor's (BOG) meeting in Las Vegas at the end of June the rule changes the BOG adopted got a lot of publicity especially the rules that call for an automatic game misconduct for two fights in a game and for fighting prior to or at the puck drop. Something else the BOG approved that has not gotten as much publicity is an increase in the maximum number of ECHL memberships from 30 to 32. It sounds rather mundane since there has been talk for years the ECHL wants to match the 32 teams in the NHL and AHL. The BOG change makes you wonder how many ownership groups are currently pursuing a franchise. Franchise #29 (Lake Tahoe) was just approved for startup in 2024-25, but you have to assume others are in the works. I have also heard there are quite a few current ECHL franchises up for sale.

 

 

 

- If you have been following 3ICE you know the Allen connected players have played a dominant role thus far. The schedule is different this season as only four of the eight teams play each week, and the regular season is only six weeks. Each team plays three weeks (2 games per week) and the top four (by points) go to the championship on August 12. Each week is a four-game tournament. After the first round the two losing teams play for the consolation and the two winning teams play for the championship. Points awarded are one point for a first-round win, a half point for a consolation win and two points for a championship win. Last week (Wednesday) the tournament was in Grand Rapids and all four teams had current/former Allen players on the roster. Here were the results:

 

• In game one Team Johnston (Costello) beat Team Fuhr (Combs, Newton) 2-1 (shootout)
• In game two Team Murphy (Crone, Hargrove, Register) beat Team LeClair (Saucerman) 5-1
• In consolation game Team Fuhr beat Team LeClair 9-5
• In the championship game Team Murphy beat Team Johnston 4-2.

Team Murphy has played two tournaments and won them both so are a lock as one of the four teams that will play in championship week. The other three teams with Allen connections also have played two tournaments and have just one regular week remaining. It will be an uphill battle to make the final four on August 12. Here are the points earned by the four Allen related teams:

 

• 6.0 points - Team Murphy
• 1.5 points - Team Fuhr
• 1.0 points - Team Johnston
• 1.0 points - Team LeClair

FYI, the other four teams in 3ICE have played only once so 3.0 points is the maximum with 6.0 points still available. Here are the points for these teams:

• 3.0 points - Team Patrick
• 0.5 points - Team Carbonneau
• 0.5 points - Team Bourque
• 0.0 points - Team Mullen       

 

- The Allen connected players are all over the 3ICE leader board. Here are some individual stats and accomplishments:

• #1 in points (9) - Hank Crone
• #3 in points (6) - Chad Costello
• #3 in points (6) - Colton Hargrove
• #1 in goals (6) - Hank Crone
• #1 in assists (5) - Jack Combs
• #2 in assists (4) - Colton Hargrove
• #2 in plus/minus (+7) - Matt Register 
• Hank Crone won Goal of the Week in week 2.
• Hank Crone and Colton Hargrove were nominated for Goal of the Week in week 3.

 

- This week 3ICE is in Newark, NJ and the four teams are Team Bourque vs Team Leclair (Saucerman) and Team Carbonneau vs Team Johnston (Costello). It will be the last opportunity for Saucerman and Costello to earn points to make it the championship weekend. They will likely have to win the weekend (3 points) to make it to the final four. Games will start at 6:00 pm CDT and can be viewed on the CBS Sports Network.

 

 

DID YOU KNOW: I came across this stat while researching the top ECHL point scorers by decade for my ECHL Stats page. The decade of the 2010's has a distinct Allen flavor.  Three of the top five in points in the 2010's decade spent time in Allen. I have included ECHL games played in the decade in parenthesis:

• #1 - Casey Pierro-Zabotel, 504 points (558)
• #2 - Chad Costello, 589 points (307)
• #5 - Mathieu Aubin, 393 points (507)  

 

 

A Trip to Scotland Remembered, Allen Qualifies Six Players, Details on What it All Means for the 2023-24 Roster and More

 

It has been far too long since I did an update on the Allen Americans. My wife and I have just returned from a tour of Scotland with a few days in London before our tour started. Dyson Stevenson, who has played for the Glasgow Clan the last two seasons and his fiance, Taylor, were kind enough to give us some tips on where to go and what to see on our free time in Scotland. FYI, Dyson and Taylor will be getting married on July 22 and be heading back to Scotland for the 2023-24 season. Dyson has just re-signed with Glasgow. Jack Comb's younger brother, Charlie, has also just signed with Glasgow.

 

- The trip to Scotland was amazing with its rich history that included everything from castles to cathedrals to museums to boat rides on Loch Ness (we didn't see "Nessie the Monster) and Loch Lomond. We visit the old course at St. Andrews (did not play), the home of golf established in the early 15th century. Ate a lot of fish (mostly fish and chips), tried haggis (it was surprisingly tasty) and did some whiskey tastings. With all of the history here are two photos that will always remind me of Scotland. It has to be the greenest place on earth, likely helped by the fact it rained (mostly light rain/mist) every day of our trip. This photo is up in the highlands. The second photo is from a day we spent on a cattle farm (called a fold) that raised Highland Cows or as the Scots would pronounce, "Heeland Coos" which are a hearty breed that originated in the Scottish Highlands and have long horns and long shaggy hair. We traveled around the "fold" by tractor learning all about this breed.

 

The gorgeous Scottish Highlands

 

 

  

A view from the home of the farm we visited

 
- Before I talk about the roster, players signed and qualifying offers there is some old news worth mentioning. Here is the list I kept while in Scotland.

 

- The PHPA (Professional Hockey Players Association) has awards in several categories that are voted on by the players at the end of the season. Players recognizing players is much different than the league awards that are voted on by the media, the PR department and other front office personnel and coaches. There is one player selected from each conference for each award. Allen had two players selected for these awards: 

Kris Myllari was selected by his peers as the best defensive defenseman in the Western Conference. Kris contributed to the team offensively (31 points, 8G, 23A), but his defensive contribution was a big part of the team's success. He led the Americans in plus/minus (+10). Here is the PHPA press release on Myllari's Best Defensive Defenseman Award: https://phpa.com/news/2704   

Captain Colton Hargrove was selected by his peers for the Veteran Presence Award given to the player who qualifies as a league veteran and continuously demonstrates the ability to motivate and lead their fellow teammates. Providing leadership both on and off the ice. Here is the press release:  https://phpa.com/news/2703     

 

- The ECHL Board of Governors made several rule changes at the summer meeting in Las Vegas. The most significant was adding automatic game misconduct penalties for a player that fights twice in a game or has a fight prior to, at the drop of the puck or immediately following any face-off during the game. As I wrote while in Scotland, if Derek Mathers played under the current rules when he set the all time Allen record for fights in a single season (29) in 2016-17, he would have been suspended 35-40 games.Here is the ECHL press release with all of the rule changes in case you haven't seen it. https://www.echl.com/en/news/2023/7/annual-echl-board-of-governors-meeting-concludes

 

- I had a chance to look at some stats comparing the Allen Americans with the Kelly Cup finalists (Florida & Idaho). Here is what I found:

• Allen had four players in the top 20 in points. The finalists had none.
• Allen had five 10+ goal scorers, Florida had 10 and Idaho had 15.
• Allen's top four scorers were 1st, 2nd, 5th and 18th in points.
• Idaho's top four scorers were 20th, 43rd, 50th and 50th in points.
• Florida's top four scorers were 28th, 116th, 123rd and 155th in points. 
• Allen was ranked #23 in goals allowed per game (3.65).
• Florida was ranked #8 in goals allowed per game (2.96).
• Idaho was ranked #1 in goals allowed per game (2.13).
• Based on these stats, Allen will need more balanced scoring and allow fewer goals to be successful in 2023-24.
  

 

 

ALLEN AMERICANS 2023-24 ROSTER

- The Americans have announced the signing of two players for 2023-24. Captain Colton Hargrove will return for his second season with Allen. Defenseman Matt Brassard, who was acquired as the future consideration in the trade that sent Darian Skeoch's ECHL rights to Savannah at the beginning of the 2022-23 season. 

 

- Allen's has issued qualifying offers to six players; Nick Albano, Aidan Brown, Chad Butcher, Hank Crone, Mikael Robidoux and Stephen Baylis. What this means is a lot of players have already signed because it is not necessary to qualify players that have already signed. 

 

- Let's start with the players that have been qualified as that is the way Allen can retain their rights for all of next season. Here is my take on each of the six qualified players:

• Nick Albano - Nick played in Europe last season after signing an AHL deal with Bellevile. He hasn't signed yet for 2023-24 so assume he is looking at the AHL or Europe. Unlikely he will sign in Allen.
• Aidan Brown - Aidan has already signed in Europe (Romania) so will not be signing with Allen (at least initially).
• Chad Butcher - Chad is likely looking for a job in Europe so his future is yet to be decided.
• Hank Crone - Hank has signed an AHL deal (Chicago Wolves) so hopefully he will be playing in the AHL in 2023-24. Allen has Hank's ECHL rights so if he is sent to the ECHL it will be to Allen.
• Mikael Robidoux - Mikael is likely looking at Europe so his future is still undecided.
• Stephen Baylis - Stephen missed the entire 2022-23 season with an injury and it is unsure what his plans are for 2023-24. 
  

 

- Veterans are the hardest group to figure out because they are usually not qualified as they can become free agents even if they are qualified. Whether the veterans (Asuchak, Combs, Saucerman, Fournier) will re-sign, retire or move on will likely not be known until later in the summer.

 

- That leaves the group of younger players that were not qualified so have likely already signed with Allen and will be announced over the course of the summer. It would make no sense to not qualify these players unless they have already signed because if they haven't signed they are now unrestricted free agents. Here is the list of skaters that are non-vets, weren't qualified and were on Allen's season ending roster. You have to assume most (but not all) of these players have signed for 2023-24:

• Liam Finlay
• Colby McAuley
• Kris Myllari
  
• Grant Hebert
• Eric Williams
  
• Ryan Gagnon
• Ty Farmer
• Dalton Skelly

Here is the ECHL press release with the qualifying offers for all 28 teams: https://www.echl.com/en/news/2023/7/echl-announces-players-with-qualifying-offers