Why Was Chad Costello Let Go by the Allen Americans? The Unanswered Question

 When I got wind of the impending news release this morning I had a range of emotions from sadness to anger to bewilderment. Decided to give it some time before trying to put my thoughts in the blog and glad I did. I have had a chance to talk to so many current and former players, coaches and fans today and the overwhelming sentiment from everyone is how much Chad Costello and his family is loved in Allen. It is hard for everyone to understand how a guy that has given so much to the Allen organization as a player and coach can be treated so poorly.

 

- A couple of things I want to make clear before I share my thoughts. First, the only opinion that counts in these situations is that of those playing the bills, the ownership group. I am sure the new majority owners, Myles and LaSonjia Jack, Joe Ernst, recently named Vice President of Hockey Operations for Zawyer Sports and other Zawyer executives (Zawyer manages the Allen Americans) were in concurrence on this change and it is their call. It is the nature of the business and it can be so cruel at times. The ownership group obviously has its reasons for terminating Chad Costello's contract with one year remaining and we will probably never know the details, but it is not based on the culture and success he has built with his team and how he has carried himself with the fans and in the community.

 

- Secondly, I have known Chad and Ashley Costello since 2014 when Chad came to Allen as a player. When you talk to someone on a daily basis as I have since Chad became coach in 2022 and spent hours in his office after every game and practice, this change is painful on a personal basis. While I try to back up whatever I say in the blog with facts and stats, I admit Chad is a lot more than coach, he is also a friend.

 

- It is hard to see how the organization could make this move based on what Chad has accomplished his first two seasons as a coach. Remember, he was recruited right out of the locker room by previous owner, Jack Gultai, and made the head coach. He had no experience with all the rules, regulations and paperwork required by the ECHL as a general manager and had to learn by the seat of his pants. The team was in last place at the end of December, Chad had to rebuild the team and finished in second place in the Mountain Divsion, won the first round of the playoffs before losing to Idaho who set an all-time ECHL record (.826) in the regular season. 

 

- In the just completed season Chad had to rebuild the team twice and finished third in the Mountain Division and the playoffs. He did this despite having more injuries than any team in the league and the least help from the affiliate of any team in the league. 

 

- Here are the numbers related to affiliate help. The two teams in the Kelly Cup finals (Kansas City and Florida) had over 400 games played by players from their affiliate. Allen's total games played from its affiliate was 61 and 42 of those were goalies. Just 19 games played by skaters assigned by Belleville. To Chad's credit he recruited NHL/AHL contracted players that totaled 132 games played. If Chad had not recruited these players (Crone, Murray, MacArthur) outside the affiliation the Americans would not have made the playoffs.

 

-  Coach Costello was given a three year contract when he was signed by Jack Gulati in 2022. His results after two season were a 2nd place and 3rd place finish in the Mountain Division, two playoff appearances and one playoff series win. How many ECHL teams have made the playoffs the last two seasons and won at least one playoff series? The answer is seven out of 28 teams and Chad accomplished this a rookie and second year coach. It sure seems worthy of allowing Costello to finish out the third year of his contract based on his on ice performance.  

- As much as you can talk about the results Chad Costello delivered on the ice, what sets him apart is how he treats his players and the fans. He truly cares about all he comes in contact with. I have seen first hand many times his love for his players, his family and the Allen Americans family. Here is a sample of what I have heard from some of his players that know him best:

Colton Hargrove: "Obviously I am not too happy about Chad being let go this morning. He is a great coach and even better human being. I'm not really sure of the reason for the firing, but it is hard in my opinion to fire a head coach/general manager who has made the playoffs in both of his two seasons with the injuries we had including myself, Crone, Finlay and others. We had 11 players on injured reserve at one point and almost no help from our affiliate and Chad still got us to the playoffs. I love the city of Allen and the fans, but this move has opened my options to play elsewhere and I know I am not the only one."

 

Kris Myllari: "Chad being let go was a huge shock to me. He was a great coach and more importantly an amazing person. He was amazing to myself  both as a coach and a teammate. The city of Allen lost a fantastic person and family. I certainly loved playing for Chad and I know I am not alone in that sentiment. We made the playoffs both seasons under Chad while being injured and short staffed. He was constantly changing our roster just to keep us afloat with key players being injured and we still got the job done. I know Chad will land on his feet and the fans and the organization lost a great coach."

 

Spencer Asuchak: "It is hard to believe he was let go, especially considering how it happened. Costy was the greatest player to ever wear an Allen Americans jersey. As a coach he maintained a winning record and made the playoffs both years, despite having the least affiliation help in the entire league. His contribution to the organization is unparalleled and his points record will never be broken. It is arguable this team might not even exist anymore without those of us who helped win four straight championships, with the two most crucial ones (Kelly Cups) being led by Costello. When someone who has brought that much success and lived and breathed the Allen Americans for so long is let go by someone who hasn't been here long enough for a cup of coffee, it is tough to understand. As someone who has lived and breathed the Allen Americans for over a decade, this decision hurts both players and fans incredibly. Costello is an amazing human being with an incredible family."

 

Hank Crone: "I would like to start by saying Chad Costello is not only an amazing coach but one of the best people I have come across during my hockey career. He has an unwavering passion for the game and most importantly his players. The organization has not only lost someone that has bled for Allen, but also someone who has changed peoples lives and hockey careers. I hope they understand what they have done and the domino effect it has caused. I was planning on playing in Allen as long as Chad was the coach and this decision has changed things for myself and others. I love the fans in Allen and I know just like the players, they are shocked to see Chad go." 

 

Colby McAuley: "Worst decision this organization could have ever done. He is the heart of the Americans and one of the best coaches I have played for. It is why most players want to play in the great place of Allen. His #13 jersey is hung in the rafters for a reason.....this disgusts me. The Costello family is very well known in the Allen community, this new ownership might not know this but they are making a bonehead decision."  

 

I heard from many fans directly and saw many more on social media. Here are a couple that talk about the coach and the man.

"Chad Costello is one of the most beloved guys in Allen's history. A class act, hall of fame player, a winner, a good developing coach and general manager, a great father and husband. Overall, exactly the role model that you want as one of the primary faces of your organization".....Maurice Fitzgerald

"The Costello family is well respected in the local hockey community and a large part of the fan base attends games to support them and the amazing culture Chad and his staff were trying to promote. One season under the new ownership was not enough time given to Chad".....Tim Webb  

I have so much more to say but don't have the words. More to come in the coming days and weeks. In closing I want to thank Chad for his support. He has given me extraordinary access so I can bring you the blog. I have seen up close and personal the effort and passion he has for everyone. There is no question about what he has accomplished one the ice. Hard to believe on ice performance has anything to do with letting him go. I would have hoped if the powers that be had some issues with a second year coach with a three year contract, they would work with him rather than cut the cord unexpectedly. It is a sad day for so many!