Allen suffered its fifth straight defeat last night, losing 5-1 to the Utah Grizzlies before a crowd of 5800 at the Maverik Center. The Americans scored the first goal early in the first period (6:06), but it was the only offense Allen generated all game. Allen was plagued with penalties as Utah had five power plays in the first period alone. The Grizzlies tied the score on a power play (16:46) and took the lead on an even strength goal just 47 second later (17:33) and never looked back.
- Utah's 2-1 lead held up in the second period as there was no scoring. Utah took a 3-1 lead early in the third period (3:59) which held up until Allen pulled goalie Anson Thornton. The Grizzlies scored an empty net goal at 18:02 and a meaningless full strength goals at 18:54 to make the final score 5-1.
- One of the keys to the game was staying out of the penalty box. That turned out to be a big failure. Allen took 10 penalties and gave Utah eight power play opportunities. The penalty killers did a good job allowing just 1-8, but when you spend that much time killing penalties it disrupts the entire game. To make matters worse Allen was 0-4 on the power play. The Allen power play percentage is now down to 6.3% (1-16).
- The Americans were outshot in every period for a game total of 40-26. Allen has been outshot in every game this season by a total of 201-116. The Americans have played 15 periods of hockey thus far and have been out shot in 14 of them. Allen did have the advantage in the overtime period in the loss against Wichita.
- Allen's lone goal was scored by Liam Gorman, his first goal as a professional, assisted by Andrew Nielsen and Will Gavin. Here is a great set of video highlights which show all the goals and some great saves, but also has different angles of some of the goals: https://echl.com/videos/allen-americans-vs-utah-grizzlies-nov-1-2024
- If you want a blow by blow recap of the game with more detail than I provided check these out. Allen's includes quotes from coach Adams and Spencer Asuchak.
- Allen Americans: https://allenamericans.com/news/2024/11/americans-fall-to-utah-5-1
- Utah Grizzlies: https://utahgrizzlies.com/news/2024/11/grizzlies-win-home-opener-5-1-at-maverik-center
- After the game I asked coach Adams how much impact all of the penalty killing had on Allen's even strength game and what will be the keys to get things turned around tonight. This is what he had to say:
"All of the penalty killing didn't affect the 5-on-5 play as the game went on. I thought our 5-on-5 play was pretty good. It did, however, change up who was on the ice. It is taxing for the guys who have to kill penalties and takes away minutes from players that need to be on the ice."
"Two keys for game two are staying out of the penalty box and capitalizing on the power play."
Here is Adam's quote from the press release issued by the team, "We took too many penalties tonight that killed our momentum 5-on-5, which was the strongest part of our game, and the best of the season. Our power play needs to find us a goal."
- The game was definitely closer than the score as it was a one goal game, 2-1, until early in the third period and Utah added two goals late in the game. With that said, Allen has once again fallen to the bottom of the list in almost every statistical category. Here is a recap:
- #29 - points percentage (.100)
- #29 - points (1)
- #29 - average goals allowed (6.20)
- #29 - average shots for (23.20)
- #29 - average shots allowed (40.20)
- #29 - team save percentage (.846)
- #28 - average goals scored (1.40)
- #28 - power play percentage (6.3%)
- #27 - team shooting percentage (6.0%)
- #22 - penalty kill percentage (76.9%)
- After the game tonight the Americans next five games are; at Wichita for one game and then four home games, one against Tulsa and three against Utah. At that point the Americans will be 11 games into the season and if they are still mired in a battle for the worst record in the league, it will be time for some major roster changes. That is what turned around Allen's last two seasons, when the Americans went from last place in the division to second place and third place. The team has the next six games to get on the winning track, but as I show every year 80% of all playoff teams are determined by Thanksgiving. Coach Adams can't wait much past the middle of the month to make roster changes, if the team is in last place, if he has any hope of salvaging the season.
OTHER COMMENTS
- The top six teams in the Mountain Division separated themselves even farther from last place Allen last night. Kansas City lost to Fort Wayne 4-1 to drop from the list of undefeated teams (Kalamazoo and Adirondack remain undefeated). Here are the standings in point percentage order:
- .800 - Kansas City
- .750 - Utah
- .700 - Tulsa
- .667 - Idaho
- .667 - Wichita
- .625 - Tahoe
- .200 - Rapid City
- .100 - Allen
- Here is a stat that says something about the offensive firepower in the Mountain Division. There are 19 players in the ECHL that have seven or more points thus far, 15 of the 19 play in the Mountain Division. Six ECHL teams are averaging four or more goals per game, five of them are from the Mountain Division:
- 4.80 - Kansas city
- 4.80 - Tulsa
- 4.25 - Kalamazoo
- 4.17 - Idaho
- 4.00 - Utah
- 4.00 - Wichita
- It doesn't take long for the cream to rise to the top. The last two ECHL MVPs are already on the ECHL scoring leaderboard. 2024 MVP, Brandon Hakwins (Toledo) is #2 with 11 points (3G, 8A) and 2023 MVP, Hank Crone (Idaho) is #3 with 10 points (4G, 6A). The points leader and early MVP candidate is Michal Stinil (Wichita) with 14 points (8G, 6A).
- Tahoe rookie defenseman Sam Mayer, who is under contract with Henderson (AHL), was stretchered off the ice last night after crashing into the end boards feet first in what appeared to be a leg injury. The injury happened with 7:05 remaining in the first period and the teams left the ice because the only ambulance at the venue in Tahoe took Mayer to the hospital and they had to wait for a replacement. The ice was resurfaced, the teams came out to finish the first period, took a two minute break, and then immediately began the second period. It was scary to watch and you can only hope the best for Mayer. The game was just the third in his professional career. I looked for an update on his injury, but found nothing. Incidentally, Idaho won the game 6-1. The team's play again tonight.
- It is a busy night in the ECHL with 13 games on the schedule. All eight ECHL teams are in action so there will be some changes in the standings. Here is the ECHL Today with all of the previews: https://echl.com/news/2024/11/echl-today-nov-2
Fantastic work Barry. We know how hard it is to spin what is happening this season. Kudos to you.
ReplyDeleteNo kidding. Almost impossible to make dog $hit look good.
Delete0-6 after tonight.
DeleteTime to fire BJ.
Yeah, Utah 3-1 tonight which will put Allen at 0-6.
DeletePitiful and disgraceful an OHL coach is in charge of things here.
A key point to remember is that LJ and Myles may "co-own" the majority of the team - when the losses flow to them each year they are allocated to them individually and they each are looked at as active or passive in their operation of the trade or business for tax purposes - not as a pair of co-owners. I would have to assume the much larger of the allocation, absent some initial debt or gifting, would be allocated to Myles. Since he is pretty much hands off the day-to-day operations and they had a management agreement with zawyer - he would be passive in the operation - which would prevent him from deducting his passive losses unless he has passive income from other sources. Not a good situation - especially when that STH money dries up maybe midseason and cash is needed to finish the season. Must teams go under late in the season for a reason. Try collecting on capital calls from minority owners in March when you are in last place with a .290 winning percentage and drawing real time attendance of 1,000-1,500 a game.
ReplyDeleteThis off season was a train wreck but nothing compared to the disaster awaiting this team in the spring IF things don't drastically change for the better.
Would love to see the formation documents, the old zawyer operating agreement and exactly what LJ's actual involvement is with the team - i.e. does she draw a salary? How often is she actually in Allen, etc.
Reply
Boom!
DeleteAnd how happy are the minority shareholders that calls for additional capital will be made that could be greater than their initial investment?
Damn good questions MD!
this is nonsensical garbage rumbling. should a like a politician ranting hah hah.
DeleteNah, he’s on the money. Margins are slim, most enjoy the claim to own a team, and subsequent self promotion. Eyes need to be on everything.
DeleteFacts are STH are down, crowds are down, fans are fuming, fans have lost confidence in ownership, fans don’t believe BJ was a good hire, they have seen the club decimated.
At the end of the day, this translates into $$$ that are not in the clubs bank account.
Memphis Dave’s comments are spot on and come from a guy who handled the tax affairs of a prior Americans owner.
Please wake up and smell the roses.
"this is nonsensical garbage rumbling. should a like a politician ranting hah hah."
DeleteOK -
btw did you hiring a management company to make the major decisions and run day-to-day operations makes you PASSIVE by default
Time spent as an investor will not count unless you can show direct involvement in the day-to-day management of the activity. Work not customarily done by an owner is not counted towards material participation hours, nor is time spent commuting. Work undertaken for the primary purpose of avoiding the disallowance of losses under the passive loss rule is not material participation.
This is why you need to fire BJ Adams and Ferguson Monday morning.
ReplyDeleteAllen has once again fallen to the bottom of the list in almost every statistical category. Here is a recap:
#29 - points percentage (.100)
#29 - points (1)
#29 - average goals allowed (6.20)
#29 - average shots for (23.20)
#29 - average shots allowed (40.20)
#29 - team save percentage (.846)
#28 - average goals scored (1.40)
#28 - power play percentage (6.3%)
#27 - team shooting percentage (6.0%)
#22 - penalty kill percentage (76.9%)
BJ Adams is an at best half mediocre OHL coach.
DeleteWTF is he doing coaching this franchise?
What a dumpster fire and trainwreck.
F&@$ Zawyer and kick them out. They don’t need to be involved.
LJ - ball is in your court. Losses will hit you come April.
She has zero business acumen.
DeleteSons money.
Unable to make basic decisions without Zawyer holding her hand.
Pathetic.
Needs to fire BJ and Ferguson tmrw morning.
Minor League Teams are tax write offs for people with big bank accounts. Most never show a profit. Why? Duh
ReplyDeleteRead the above comments.
DeleteWhen you hire a “management company”, you waive your right to essentially write off losses.
Understand tax rules folks.
The Jacks are writing off the fees to Zawyer, but that has subsequent tax issues.
Fire BJ, Bring back Costy, empower Mydra and get this baby rolling. You’ll be amazed at what happens.
IRC 469 allows passive losses to be deducted only against a taxpayers passive income
ReplyDeleteYes - and they carryover until the business is disposed of - then free up to use.
DeletePassive losses against passive income isn’t a viable long term net worth grower.
ReplyDeleteThrowing good money at bad is just dumb. There are only so many write offs available. Even a great CPA can only do so much.
Capital calls are painful.
Trash from the owners all the way down to the cleaning crew. Fire everyone and salvage what u can. This franchise is a joke and embarrassing for Allen TX
ReplyDeleteToo many lawyers and accountants on here 🤣
ReplyDeleteI'm just an old fat white guy - as I've been told - LOL!
DeleteOk think this all through. It’s a mess but that’s a fact. BJ doesn’t appear to be a good fit and I’m sure there are more reasons that we don’t even know. So if he’s let go, what next? Why would Costello even want to return at this point? Ok so then who do you get? Chances are there is not some genius coach out there just waiting for a call. So you get BJ part 2? I think we are stuck with this and can only hope that the direction is righted after the season
ReplyDeleteGive him equity, a water tight contract, and a huge mea culpa from Myles and LJ.
DeleteLet him bring the cup to Allen like he was originally planning.
Admit they pucked up.
I’ll get Chad to the table.
He’s prolly already sitting at it waiting
DeleteDave, isn’t that the same thing?🤣
ReplyDeleteJust kidding
Good one!
DeleteFisher should be the last person giving money advice ..
ReplyDeleteIYKYK
^^^ this
DeleteHe was close to owning but missed the first deadline with Jack.
Nailed it 🤣
DeleteWho is Fisher?
DeleteI was not giving advice. Just commenting on the feed today.
DeleteFiaher?!
DeleteHis name is Mark Fisher. He’s not the money guy but acts like it. The actual money guy Andrew Soros or something like that. Mark has been mute on the blog for a bit. Got caught posting anonymous replying on his own comment. 😂
ReplyDeleteOk, but what does he have to do with the Jacks?
DeleteIs he a minority owner?
Nailed it again lol
DeleteI have no idea who this guy is.
DeleteYeah, who is this guy?
DeleteTried buying the team but failed?
Yep. Gotta have money to buy something.
DeleteYep! And cash flow and operating cash to be successful. Couldn’t get to the line on the first payment. America - land of credit and borrowing 🙄
DeleteNo. I am not a minority owner and I only comment with my name showing. I am not an "Anonymous" keyboard warrior afraid to show my name next to a comment.
ReplyDeleteI don’t see your comments anywhere??
DeleteWho cares if it’s anonymous, mark fisher or Bob Sect 116, Row D, Seats 10/11?
DeleteThe arguments presented since May 30 hold validity and are being proven out. Lots of smart people on these boards, some remain delusional.
Fire BJ now!
But you’re watching, and I bet you your net worth that you’ve posted anonymously.
DeleteAbsolutely 💯
DeleteBut you spectacularly failed to buy the team right? You agreed to terms but couldn’t pony up the Benjamin’s right? That’s pretty damn embarrassing.
DeleteWe entered into exclusivity with the previous owner to thoroughly review the then current status of the team vs. the asking price. Deals fail during due diligence all the time. We were not the first or only group to get exclusivity and then exit the deal in 2022 - 2023.
DeleteYou couldn’t even make the first payment …but ok
Delete. You didn’t “exit” the deal Jack said not selling to someone who can’t financially support the team.
Good one though
Mark, we know the truth. No need to distort or add color when not required.Loose lips around the Americans. Some know waaaaaaaay too much.
DeleteNielsen suspended and fined.
ReplyDeleteGuaranteed loss tonight.
0-6 LJ, zero and six!
Good Orzeck in. Wells starting I bet. Should be Constantini. Being basically 0-5 you’d think he would make a change in goal & play Marco. What does he have to lose?
DeleteWells is a good player.
DeleteIf there is no defense in front of goal, no goalie can save everything.
Bj is to blame. I feel bad for Wells.
Thornton is another good guy. BJ’s decisions are hurting him also.
Gotta give Marco a period or two.
That being said, Marco needs game reps. He isn’t going to be our savior.
Both Goalies are really good players. Must have defense to help otherwise generally you won’t win.
DeleteFunny how BJ brings his defense guys in at the expense of experience and we are 0-5, soon to be 0-6.
Fire BJ now LJ!
You own the decisions.
Orzeck was injured Wednesday. He wasn't ready to play last night.
DeleteIn the words of an outstanding coach "This is painful to watch". They are making it easier for me to separate ways, as I refuse to pay 78% more than last year to see a 100% less efficient product on the ice. I am seriously regretting my renewal this season.
ReplyDeleteWill be hundreds non renewing if there isn’t effective change.
DeleteThey will feel it next season for sure.
I know of about 28 seats that are out unless there is a coaching change.
DeleteThey can have mine.
DeletePrepay 6-8 months in advance for this junk?
BJ gotta go.
Ferguson also.
Where's the coach I signed up to watch lead this team to the championship? Costello was his name.
It’s that time for the score predictions.
ReplyDeleteI’ll kick it off at 4-2 Utah.
Allen 0-6 (as many predicted)
Utah 5-2, Allen will be 0-6
DeleteUtah 6-2
DeleteTommy, what is your score prediction tonight?
DeleteWe all know Costy blocked your number 🤣
Delete🤣🤣🤣
Delete😂
Delete😁 good stuff!
DeleteImpersonating Americans staff is too far. Not really funny and harmful to fans that don't know its fake. Some could be duped that its actually the Americans staff commenting this stuff. Barry should delete comments like this.
DeleteYou’re kidding clown right?
Delete🤡 it’s pucken phunny
6-2 Utah
ReplyDelete4-1 Utah
DeleteUtah 7-2
DeleteDoesn't matter. Allen 0-6 by 10pm tonight.
DeleteAgree. 0-6 tonight.
DeleteFire BJ Adams
Yeah 0-6, probably 4-1 tonight Utah
DeleteAllen 0-6 after tonight.
DeleteThe coach needs to go.
So does video guy.
Has a coach ever looked out for the best interest of his players & their careers & said to them selves, “hey maybe I’m not the right guy or I’m in over my head here, maybe I should step away for the betterment of the club”? I think after tonight this should be seriously considered. Thoughts?
ReplyDelete100% Agree. He will not though. I am sure the feedback on her will mirror my sentiment. Lots of negativity appearing and leaking out after only 6 games. I don't think any player signs up anywhere to be berated. I advent even raised other concerns from staff.
DeleteBJ is dog paddling in the middle of an ocean right now.
DeleteNow would be a good time for the coast guard to come and airlift him out of here (permanently).
Tom Brady putting on skates for the very first time pushing a skate helper, while being recorded by Tie Domi, was a better use of my time yesterday. A lot of nice matchups in the NHL tonight so no time for losers....
ReplyDeletehasnt anyone ever heard of "trust the proccess"? Give LJ and Ernst some time. BJ is new to this level and he'll figure it out. go red!
ReplyDeleteYou're a moron.
DeleteGo read all the blogs from May 30.
DeleteYou might learn a thing or two.
Either that or you're a troll trying to engage.
Puck off.
🤦🏻♂️
DeleteAll of this…is so much better than watching the actual games…bravo folks!
ReplyDelete👍
DeleteWith BJ coaching it’s such a pucken $hitshow. This is better.
DeleteThis is freakin CLASSIC!
DeleteGreat thread! To the Anonymoron who still believes in “the process” etc…some people post using false names. For instance, The Real Tommy Daniels may be neither.
Delete3-1 Utah. And Tommy in horsie pajamas with ultra moisturizing, aloe and avocado mask
Are those horsie pajamas with feet?
DeleteOf course. The feet are sewn to look like hooves.
DeleteWhat’s the over under for how many times Tommy complains he didn’t travel? Already has 1 with under a minute in.
ReplyDeleteJust like previous years. One of my pet peeves. Tommy talking over and commercials over national anthem. Many of us have asked him dozens of times please stop disrespecting the anthem. He doesn’t care !! Such a damn shame. He’ll go a few games respecting and then back to is disrespectful habits. Tommy IF
ReplyDeleteYOU CANT SHOW RESPECT GET OFF THE AIR. IF YOU WERE REALLY PATRIOTIC YOU WOULDN’t HAVE TO BE REMINDED REPEATLY. Get off the air you self centered jerk. Wishing owners would make you behave.
Totally agree!
ReplyDelete1-1 …. Piss poor defense again.
ReplyDeleteThis is BJ’s fault.
He is useless.
Time for him to go.
Stop blaming players..
3 - 1 lead after one - I will take even money on Utah to win - any takers?
ReplyDeleteNah. Game should be 3-3. Allen is damn lucky it’s 3-1.
DeleteBJ still sucks.
Remember the days when this team could be down 2, even 3 in the third period and you believed in them? regardless of the owners - even the kansas mafia?
DeleteThose days are over my friends
yes they are!
DeleteWhat should BJ say after this game if they lose? How about if they win?
ReplyDeleteIf they lose- bye
DeleteIf they win- the players did great tonight, I’m glad they stopped listening to me
Lose - I’m over my head. I’m resigning tomorrow morning and giving the club the ability to recruit a real GM and real coach like Costello.
DeleteWin - who cares. He still needs to be fired.
As always. When other team scores Tommy’s voice is more excited than when we score.
ReplyDeleteAlways more excited for other teams! Annoying
DeleteAlways knows more facts on opposing teams stats too
Still whining like a baby that he didn’t get to travel.
Utah should be up 5-4 after 2.
ReplyDeleteWhy does Tommy promote the Gates of Allen apartments?
ReplyDeleteWhy do they give away free tickets?
Pretty easy to put one and one together Tommy.....
probably because he wants to live there too instead of across from the high school
DeleteThat’s where he lives.
DeleteWhy does he use the name Daniels instead of his real name?
Just askin.
I think Tommy does a decent job.
DeleteLet’s not beat up on Tommy and instead beat up BJ, Ferg Baby and LJ. What a diabolical shit show those 3 are responsible for.
Tommy not with the team and we are winning…. coincidence hmmmm
DeleteI grow tired of the Tommy bashing - he calls a good game. Not a homer like other announcers but gives a good clear unbiased account of what’s happening on the ice
DeleteAgree.
DeleteReal name?
DeleteHe made up Tommy Daniels
DeleteAbsolutely - I own my comments
DeleteTommy H******
DeleteHarass? Lol
DeleteDoes he think he’s a celebrity
DeleteI’ll say this for y’all - you’re a tough group - love the banter but you’re just missing it with Tommy as an announcer. I listen to the other announcers and Tommy is still the best at play by play
DeleteAllen being continually outshot on goal is becoming a joke.
ReplyDelete42-19 tonight.
No defense from a defense coach.
Fire BJ Adams.
This isn’t Wells/Thorntons fault.
They shouldn’t win this game tonight.
Boys played hard. All the boys not the coaches
ReplyDeleteAgree.
DeleteThey skated to Wells.
No one went towards BJ.
Speaks volumes.
Agreed. Yea boys boo BJ
Deletewhat a win! who cares that it was in front of a tiny crowd in an empty utah barn. who cares we were out shot. we effin won!
ReplyDeleteHell yeah 🙌🙌
DeleteStill completely concerned. Of course the team isn’t gonna lose them all… but they definitely going to lose most. The abysmal team SOG stat line is telling. You aren’t gonna have many games where you shoot 3/10, 1/4, and 2/8 each period. Happy for the boys though… still want BJ Adams ran out of town asap… Also please keep some muscle in the lineup at all times! The coast is the toughest league in all of pro hockey (Quebec league doesn’t count).
DeleteI should note that I meant you aren’t going to win many games shooting 6/22 when you’re allowing 44 shots against. Changes still have to be made.
DeleteI think Tommy Daniel’s was on the ticket back in the day. It’s not uncommon for radio guys to use a different name. One that sounds better or smoother. Rich Ohillips(also of the old ticket) is really Dick Hicks
ReplyDeleteBarry, pretty lame you deleted a bunch of comments. It was probably one of the most entertaining blogs ever.
ReplyDeleteIt was great entertainment I have to agree!
DeleteMan I wish I screenshotted those last night.
Delete