During the game last night ECHL Commissioner Ryan Crelin and Americans team owner LaSonjia Jack announced that the Allen Americans will be hosting the 2026 ECHL All-Star Classic. Here are the details: https://echl.com/news/2024/11/allen-named-as-host-of-2026-warriorechl-all-star-classic
The Allen Americans futility at home continued last night with a 4-0 shutout at the hands of the Tulsa Oilers before a sellout crowd of 6275 at the CUTX Event Center. The game was essentially over midway through the first period when the Oilers built a 3-0 lead which included two power play goals. When the dust settled on the first period, Allen had been outshot 24-9, the most shots allowed in a single period in the ECHL this season.
- Special teams played a big role in the game. The good news was for the first time all season Allen had more power play opportunities (4) than its opponent (3). The bad news is the Americans were 0-4 on the power play and Tulsa was 2-3. If you look at the last six Allen games the Americans have scored 0,0,0,2,0,0 power play goals compared to the opponents who have scored 2,2,1,1,0,2 power play goals. The Allen power play has fallen to #23 in the league (12.0%) and the penalty kill has fallen to #25 (75.7%). A combined power play and penalty kill percentage below 100% is considered poor and above 105% is considered excellent. Allen's combined percentage is 87.7%. The top ECHL combined percentage belongs to Tulsa at 119.0%.
- The shot totals after the first period were much closer though Tulsa had the edge, 13-9 in the second period and 9-8 in the third. The game total was 46-26 which follows the 47-28 shot total in Wichita on Friday. As long as I have been writing the blog coaches have quibbled about shot totals, some arguing under counts and at other times over counts. I have always felt the shot numbers average out over time and team comparisons are valid even if the totals aren't perfect. The fact is Allen has the worst average shots on goal per game and the worst average shots allowed per game in the ECHL. The top teams are averaging 12 more shots per game than Allen and giving up 18 fewer shots per game. That gap has to narrow for the Americans to be a winning team.
- If you want the blow by blow game recaps here they are from both teams:
- Allen American: https://allenamericans.com/news/2024/11/americans-blanked-by-tulsa
- Tulsa Oilers: https://tulsaoilers.com/news/2024/11/oilers-buteyets-blank-americans-in-road-win
- Here are the video highlight. In addition to the goals there are some of the 42 saves made by goalie Anson Thornton whose save percentage was .933.
- Coach B.J. Adams met with the season ticket holders after the game to answer questions. Here is some of what he had to say:
Q: Was fatigue a factor given your team traveled overnight from Wichita and Tulsa hadn't played since last Sunday?
A: I hate using excuses, but Tulsa definitely had a really good jump in the first period. We talked about it before the game. They were getting to pucks first, they were winning the 50-50 battles and the score was 3-0 before we settled in. Once we settled in I thought it is was a pretty even game, but we can't spot them three goals. Yes, they were the fresher team, but we should have been ready to go, so no excuses. I was really disappointed in our start tonight.
Q: Will Seaman get an automatic suspension for his leaving the bench game misconduct?
A: I am not sure, but usually on a change like that, you can't have that stuff happen. I am sure something will be done from the league.
Q: Can you give us an assessment of where your team is at after a couple of good games on the road?
A: We are still trying to understand what our identity is. We do well at times, but sometimes we get away from it. After the first 10 minutes tonight and especially in the second period we had some good offensive zone time and some good opportunities. The third period in the win in Utah we gave up one odd man rush and just eight shot on goal to a team that came hard at us the previous five periods. We stuck to our systems and structures. We just have to be more consistent. Bottom line is we are getting there, we are not there yet and I want to get there quicker.
Q: Are you worried about all of the shots on goal?
A: Most of them came in the first period and it was pretty close after that. The shots in the last three games have been much different than what he get on our analytics. In Wichita the boxscore had the shots 47-28 but when we got the InStat report in the morning the shots were 32-27. Tulsa is a team that throws everything at the net. I care more about what kind of shots our opponents are getting. Would I like our forwards to block more shots and our defensemen to block out better to avoid rebound shots, sure. I care more about where the shots are coming from than how many shots we face."
Q: Are you looking at guys in Europe to possibly bolster you roster?
A: We always have our tentacles in Europe. We have an European scout that I talk to frequently. We are always looking to improve and get better.
- Next up for the Americans is a day game (10:30 am) on Wednesday against Utah. Allen will also play the Grizzlies on Friday and Saturday.
OTHER COMMENTS
- Allen's home record is now 0-3-1-0 and the Americans are the only team in the division without a home win. It is not just a matter of losing at home, it is how Allen has lost. The Americans have been shutout three times, been outscored 22-4 and outshot 170-93. No way to sugarcoat those results.
- Kansas City lost to Rapid City last night (5-2) and Idaho lost to Savannah (4-3). The top two teams in the division do not appear to be running off and hiding in the standings like they did last season. It is still early so that could still change. Here are the standings after last night:
- .722 - Kansas City
- .688 - Tulsa
- .667 - Wichita
- .667 - Utah
- .583 - Tahoe
- .556 - Idaho
- .313 - Allen
- .250 - Rapid City
- Another proxy for strength of teams is goal differential (goals for minus goals against). Here they are for the Mountain Division:
- +14 Tulsa
- +11 Kansas City
- +9 Idaho
- +6 Wichita
- +3 Utah
- -2 Tahoe
- -17 Rapid City
- -24 Allen
- Prior to last night there were just two hat tricks in the ECHL all season (Tyler Bird - Orlando and Easton Brodzinski - Allen). The number doubled last night. Anthony Repaci (Worcester) and Logan Lambdin (Florida) had hat tricks to lead their teams to victory. Colton Hargrove assisted on two of Lambdin's goals.
- Depth goal scoring has been an issue for Allen. Just three players have more than one goal; Brodzinski (5), Crnkovic (4) and Watts (3). These three players have scored 70% of Allen's goals. Four players have one goal and and the other 17 have none.
- Dylan Wells and Anson Thornton have made 297 saves thus far this season in six games. Compare that to Adirondack's goalies who have 161 saves in six games. It shows you how much defense is a team sport.
- Couldn't end the blog today without noting the Saturday night, big crowd, specialty jersey curse was on full display last night. Here is Allen's record by jersey type for the 36 home games last season. Allen's home points percentage was .486 so you can see the jerseys that over performed and under performed.
- Texas Jersey: 7-3 (.700)
- Red Jersey: 6-3 (.667)
- White Jersey: 2-6 (.250)
- Specialty Jersey: 2-7 (222)
DID YOU KNOW: Talk about some head scratching special teams stats both good and bad, check these out:
Last night was fun due to the Star Wars theme & crowd. My fear is this kind of performance on a lesser/no theme night -all the focus on the game and lack of goals.
ReplyDeleteTo be fair to the coach I did notice a few of Tulsa’s shots were from behind the blue line (low percentage but on net).
Seems like BJ needs to educate the entire ECHL and our Allen stats people if everyone isn’t counting things the way BJ feels.
DeleteThe fact he things there was a 5 SOG differential on Friday night is beyond comical and beyond delusional.
Seems like either video guy isn’t understanding the equipment, or we need to ask for a refund.
Go back to the first game, heck, go back to the pre season game.
DeleteNothing but excuses every game we’ve lost. Lots of the same old same old. Hopefully, someone will wake up.
BJ needs to go.
The feedback on Ferguson has been nothing spectacular. Another person out of their depth.
BJ gotta go.
DeleteThat other guy gotta go also.
I’ll be very interested to hear the feedback from STH who were present to hear BJ speak in person. While I am leaving room for nuance and the lacking of tonality of answers quoted above, I still find them to be out of touch. What was the vibe in the room? Did he show emotion or connection?
ReplyDeleteI audibly “scoffed” reading, “I hate using excuses, but…” followed by a litany of excuses which makes me wonder how that statement was received in person. Honestly, BJ is not handling anything correctly from hockey ops to spinning the results. Someone should stop him from talking. It’s infuriating and every sentence is like gasoline to the fire.
Erie 2.0
DeleteSame excuses that were used in Erie.
Clock is ticking.
Problem is LJ isn’t truly aware of the issues. She is too busy telling people big things are happening. Whomever she is surrounded by, surely isn’t telling her the truth, nor giving true guidance. So change is needed if her inner circle can’t provide this, and we have all seen Zawyer’s shit show of an effort on that front.
DeleteI let my ticket go to waste again, thankfully I didn't have to sit through another x-0 game. I would however liked to have been in the room to see who was squirming and who had a WTF look on their faces. "We are still trying to understand what our identity is" doesn't seem to be the same thing other teams are going through.
DeleteWe have a 4th choice OHL coach.
DeletePretty simple and pretty obvious.
This isn’t a Costello rant, but I remain perplexed as to how ownership or Ernst or anyone, unless there was a motive, could have thought before the season going down this path would lead to success. Right now is a damn mess.
This club has LJ’s fingerprints all over it. It is dysfunctional, with the on ice product failing miserably.
Tissue dog boy—-
DeleteGo to the press conference and you won’t have to wonder. You could post your own opinions
-Bobby 226
BJ or Biggest Joke or Blundering Jackwagon is so in over his head and has no idea how to coach let alone speak. He has lost the lockerroom, the players, definitely the fans. The players know their identity, it’s just obvious he doesn’t know his. Here’s a thought name a f@&king captain…. Since you can’t lead, let the captain do your job.
ReplyDeleteAll I hear is Charlie Browns teacher when he speaks.
I was there and at the STH meeting.
ReplyDeleteI’m not convinced BJ is dialed in at all.
I got the impression lots of excuses.
I’m not sure how the SOG differential is so high.
I’m not at all impressed.
Add me to the not impressed list.
DeleteWhispers are starting to leak out.
That’s what happens when you lose the locker room.
LaSonjia wake up.
Constantini will be released in the next 7 days.
ReplyDeleteCan’t keep him with 2 AHL goalies.
Pretty obvious this is occurring after BJ’s comments.
Another great choice, so when they get called up we will be without a goalie… pure genius
DeleteWonder how many player are about to ask for.trade or should I say beg for a trade.
Barry left that comment off from BJ’s remarks.
DeleteI think the consensus baring injury or a number of poor performances, we should expect to see Wells and Thornton for the majority of the season. They are great goalies - both of them.
DeleteIt’s abnormal to get 2 goalies from an AHL affiliate. So, with rosters due to be cut next week, someone needs to go.
With the focus on defense, Farmer being traded, I can’t see changes there, even though our results have been poor.
I’m sure Constantini will just be heartbroken lol. He will be picked up fast bc he’s a great goalie.
DeleteIt’s a shame what was developing was destroyed in the off season.
DeleteDetonated.
DeleteBreaking News: The Allen Americans are getting a makeover. The team will now go by the “Allen Enhancement Talents”, and will travel around making other teams shine. The Enhancement Talents coach, BJ Adams, will dress as a clown, and throw animated temper tantrums behind the bench, as his team gaffs and goofs their way to lopsided losses. More at 10. Back to you, Barry.
ReplyDeleteIf anyone paid close attention last night, there was yelling towards one player, I couldn’t tell who it was but he was mad.
DeleteThe Rush generally have a hand in the Player and Goaltender of the week being selected. Not necessarily what you want to be known for. Lol
DeleteEven the Harlem Globetrotters have an opposing team to play. Thats what Allen has become, the team that gets embarrassed each game.
DeleteThe Jacks have destroyed the franchise and reduced Allen to a joke.
REV now officially “managing” the Allen Americans:
ReplyDeleteAbout REV Entertainment: REV Entertainment is the official events partner of the 2023 World Series-champion Texas Rangers. REV Sports Management, a division of REV Entertainment, is responsible for overseeing and managing all business operations for partner sports affiliates, including the Cleburne Railroaders and Allen Americans.
Not until January
DeleteNo, they are running it now. As of Monday.
DeleteOne of the members of that group had an amazing twitter history and the Jacks were made aware of this and had nothing to say. Love how their press release leaves out how 2 of their local franchises folded in the last 6 months...
DeletePlease tell more!
DeleteFrom the Rev Entertainment X account
ReplyDeleteKICKOFF TO HOCKEY SEASON 🏒
Good luck to the Allen Americans, who begin their '24-'25 season this Friday night!
The Americans are a partner franchise of REV Entertainment, with REV's Sports Management division overseeing the business operations
REV were involved in game day presentation, but are now fully running the “business” side (can’t bash this side), but it’s a free for all bashfest as it relates to hockey ops.
DeleteSo fire BJ and video guy.
Then hopefully the will actually be in the office to babysit. If not nothing in the office will change.
DeleteThis club is a diabolical train wreck.
ReplyDeleteBumped into LJ on the concourse.
I’m just not convinced she has the knowledge to run this club as a leader. She’s a wanna be fan, and that was beyond obvious last night.
Because I still don’t understand why this team was dismantled during the off season not who benefited from these deliberate actions, all I can do is wish REV good luck sorting out this mess. 🍀
ReplyDeleteREV can’t fix it.
ReplyDeleteIt will take years to bring back what was in place last season. The problem is, no one wants to be the person to tell LJ this.
DeleteWell we can hope that REV realizes that B J is not an ECHL coach and will fire him.
ReplyDeleteREV = business side.
DeleteBJ and video guy still report to Zawyer.
Can you pucken believe that?
Rev will be doing office stuff… good luck
DeleteAt this point Tissue Boy would be a better coach. At least he is consistent
ReplyDeleteThis is a practice run for REV for New Mexico next season that’s it.
ReplyDeleteDo like Cleveland and let them take the crap organization but we keep the Americans name and all likeness in imagery, etc. here in Allen. Marty and Costy come in as owners and leadership. Bring Steffes in for good core character and what he can do to help the players now and future. When Vinny A. retires, bring him and Gens to really convey what it takes on the ice at this level and in making next level or beyond. You have to have the mentality to develop players that may not be here long term but can progress. A mentality how to work minor league, not the majors as it is uniquely different. But please, get this back on track for those reasons and also produce quality for fans and community, both on and off the ice.
ReplyDeleteOne last thing, be ready the mimute you step on the ice. It should not take 1-3 months to get to know each other and find your identity. When you step on the ice, court, field or between the lines, you have to be ready. Player and coaching staff, and yes, the entire organization. I think players try but this year, and even under Costy, we were not ready until December or later. That cannot continue. The other teams are ready by game one. Why cannot Allen figure that out.
You give gens way too much credit. Costy practically banned him from speaking to the players last year he was so delusional. Not respected whatsoever.
DeleteWRONG!!
DeleteYou are an idiot, it’s obvious you are delusional too. Costy never did that. You obviously don’t know lol how close they are. Thanks for the laugh
DeleteAsk anyone within the organization the last 2 years.. this is a known fact
DeleteThe players truly liked and trusted Gens. Quit trying to justify Costy and Ges’ terminations. If you are going to lie keep
DeleteComments to yourself. You are probably Tommy Daniels trying to get attention off of yourself.
Players loved costy. Not gens. Gens was arguably Costys downfall unfortunately. Doesn’t mean they’re not good buddies. Apologies for bursting your bubble about your friend.
DeleteThe allegations are WRONG.
DeleteI’d love to disclose who I am so you’d respect what I am saying, but I can’t and the suggestions above are categorically wrong and false.
The decisions in the offseason were terrible and unjust.
Wrong stop trying to “act” like you know something when you don’t. Players loved them both and respected both.
DeleteLet me guess your source Tommy? 🤣🤣 that explains a lot
DeleteIf only there was a former player who could coach….
ReplyDeleteSee what I did there….
“Costello!”
LJ excited as f%#* about the AllStar Game in 2026.
ReplyDeleteThe Allen fans couldn’t give a $hit. Fix the pucken problems we have before you embarrass us nationally.
Allen probably wont even have a player in the All Star game and the tickets will be given away to fill the stands and sell concessions.
DeleteI don’t know if this is correct or not, but to me it seems like only losing teams host the All Star games
DeleteBarry should re- title the blog comments Groundhog Day. Everything sucks, fire everybody, hire Costello. Rinse and repeat ad nauseam.
ReplyDeleteNot like we can talk about all the wins and how great it is. You don’t like it scroll past, problem solved
DeleteAgreed. Read the blog, pass on the comments if that's your perception.
DeleteThe team is horrible, the coach isn't up to par, nor is video guy, ownership is more interested in being a superfan but being oblivious to what is needed.
These players don't come to Allen to lose, they come to win and hopefully advance their career to AHL level and beyond. When you're losing all the time, your points tally takes a huge hit, and you will continue to hamper any advancement.
^^^^^^^^^^^
DeleteI still don't understand the seismic disconnect between the ECHL stats and what BJ thinks are accurate stats. Even Barry passed over the comments by Tommy on the broadcast.
ReplyDeleteOur coach is delusional thinking the SOG counts are remotely close.
We have systematically been outshot 2-1 this season.
There is a fundamental problem in the coaching directives.
LJ - wake up. For gods sake, someone please sit LJ down for a little chat about this team and what is needed and what is not currently working.
Until she wakes up and pays attention, dog $hit will still be dog $hit.
DeleteIt is as simple as that.
Hey Allen. How is BJ doing down there in Texas?
DeleteLMFAO.
We could have saved you the headaches and embarrassment with a single phone call.
We don’t want him here either 🤣🤣
DeleteWho would’ve thought an OHL outsmarted an ECHL team.
DeleteCan’t make this up.
We fire him, poor performance, lost the locker room, excuse after excuse.
You guys then go and hire him, why?
Serious question.
The “you guys” you’re referring to on the blog had no insight or say whatsoever in the hiring process. I and others looked him up and found his shit head coach records and firing mid season. None of us believed he would become a winner here either, and the signings proved that out so far. Look at player stats and take into consideration who refused to return and you’ve got a losing team. This includes video guy.
DeleteWhat we know based on history with Ernst “the ref who doesn’t know squat about hockey ops, only tripping calls, hates the Americans and while I was there hated Martinson with a passion. I saw it and know, add Marty’s stories and to me it’s obvious what’s going on here. I still believe Costello was probably fired because he played here and was part of the Martinson legacy.
He was the last option. Other prospects said no thank you to the salary, which I understand. Joe capped that… another horrible decision.
DeleteHe was the 4th and only option just before the season started, so that’s why.
Groundhog Day. Everything sucks, fire everybody, hire Costello. Rinse and repeat ad nauseam.
ReplyDeleteHere’s the REV release today announcing the
ReplyDeletePartnership
https://search.app/XM1NjaKY9cR76mo89
Here’s how I feel about what’s going on and likely most everyone else.
ReplyDeletehttps://m.youtube.com/watch?v=XM8aBESf8EI
I don't think you could sum it up much better than that 🤣
Delete😁 unfortunately yes…
DeleteJust saw you have to pay extra to get a picture with the World Series Trophy. WTF, am i mistaken or did they tour that all over the state and did not charge. I remember in the good old days the Stanley cup was in the arena for no charge. I still have that picture. SMH
ReplyDeleteThey did the same thing last year, and not everyone got their picture. They closed the doors with people still in line.
Delete