It is getaway day for the Allen Americans as they fly to Boise this morning where they will take on the Idaho Steelheads on Wednesday, Friday and Saturday. All three games will start at 7:10 pm local time (8:10 pm Allen time). I attended practice yesterday and had the chance to talk to the coaches, players and staff. Here is the information I picked up:
- The team had a bus breakdown shortly after leaving Kansas City on Saturday night. A four hour delay caused the team to arrive back in Allen around 9:00 am Sunday morning.
- Colton Hargrove was at practice cheering on (chirping) his teammates. His surgery went well and he is already lifting some light weights as his rehab continues. You can expect to see him around the team on a consistent basis.
- Spencer Asuchak left yesterday for Europe where he has signed to play in Romania for Csikszereda in the Erste Liga. A pretty impressive list of former Allen players have played for Csikszereda:
- Jack Combs
- Colton Yellow Horn
- Judd Blackwater
- Garrett Clarke
- Aiden Brown (currently on the team)
- Asuchak leaves Allen as the all-time leader in games played (511), goals (155) and penalty minutes (591). The 32 year old has played 11 season in Allen, five more than any other player. I caught up with Spencer last night at the airport as he and his family (wife and dogs) were about to head to Europe and this is what he had to say, "It was an extremely difficult decision but with where I am at in my career I felt this might be my last opportunity to be able to see the world while still playing. I am forever grateful to have gotten to spend 11 seasons with such an amazing organization with the most amazing fans. Allen will always be home and I am forever thankful for everything it has given me."
- Forward Bennett MacArthur has been assigned to Allen by Tampa Bay and was at practice yesterday. In his first stint with Allen MacArthur played in 12 games and had 10 points (3G, 7A) and was +6.
- Goalie Mark Sinclair, who has been out with an injury since January 6 could be available by the weekend. He won't play on Wednesday but could possibly be ready for the weekend.
- Two players who are on injured reserve were practicing yesterday. Defenseman Justin Allen was practicing wearing the "no contact" jersey which is now green. Solag Bakich was a full participant in practice.
- Liam Finlay hasn't played since the end of October and there was some question as to whether he would play again this season. I heard he is feeling better and it is possible he could be back in Allen in the near future. That would be a big lift for the Americans.
- With Spencer Asuchak headed to Europe the Americans will have an "A" to give out. There are several leaders in the locker room and on the ice deserving so I would expect coach Costello will take a little time before handing out the "A" again.
- I would describe the practice yesterday as spirited but you could tell the payers were loose and having fun. The drills put together by the coaches helped. I didn't sense any hangover from the disappointing shootout loss in Kansas City. If anything, I get the sense the Americans are confident if they end up playing Kansas City in the playoffs they can beat the Mavericks.
- You can't help but think how much better Allen could be in the playoffs if they get healthy and get some help from Belleville. Ottawa is definitely not making the playoffs and Belleville is tied for the last playoff spot in its division. It is just speculation at this point but these additions are possible:
- Liam Finlay
- Leevi Meriläinen
- Donovan Sebrango
- Tarun Fizer
- I will have a complete game preview tomorrow but it is worth noting Allen's record over the last 10 games is 5-4-0-1 and Idaho's record over the last 10 games is 4-5-1-0. After a regular season record against Idaho last season of 0-8-0-0 the Americans are 3-5-0-0 this season.
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