I don't normally start out the blog with the standings but they illustrate just how important the two games in Utah tonight and tomorrow night are for the Allen Americans. This early in the season a team's point percentage can change quickly, but if the Americans lose twice against the Grizzlies the hole they are in will get a lot deeper. Here are the Mountain Division standings in point percentage order:
- 1.000 - Kansas City
- .833 - Tahoe
- .700 - Tulsa
- .667 - Utah
- .600 - Idaho
- .600 - Wichita
- .125 - Rapid City
- .125 - Allen
- The game tonight will be the home opener for Utah, so there should be a large crowd with a lot of excitement. Utah's average attendance last season was 6003. Last season Allen's overall record against Utah was 3-4-0-0. In Utah, Allen's record was 1-3-0-0. The Americans will play the Grizzlies nine times this season, (4 home, 5 away), but these teams will not play a game against each other for four months, from November 16 to March 16. In one of the many quirks of the ECHL schedule, Allen will play Utah five times in the next 16 days and then will play four games in a two week period in March.
- 22 players made the trip to Utah including all three goalies. Having two AHL contracted goalies requires some insurance when playing on the road with the risk of one of them being recalled by Tucson. Here is the complete list of the players on this road trip. Not on the list are Robbie Baillergeon and Ayo Adeniye who are on the 14-day injured reserve. Also staying home is Dakota Seaman.
Goalies
- #33 Marco Costantini
- #35 Anson Thornton*
- #39 Dylan Wells*
Defensemen
- #3 Ryan Gagnon
- #66 Artyum Kulakov
- #55 Andrew Nielsen
- #44 Nolan Orzeck
- #21 Mike Van Unen
- #2 Quinn Warmuth
- #5 Hudson Wilson
Forwards
- #26 Spencer Asuchak
- #24 Harrison Blaisdell
- #22 Easton Brodzinski
- #16 Kyle Crnkovic*
- #8 Mark Duarte
- #10Will Gavin*
- #17 Riley Ginnell
- #84 Liam Gorman
- #14 Brayden Guy
- #86 James Hardie
- #11 Rylan Van Unen
- #92 Brayden Watts
- Allen's poor start to the season is reflected in the statistical comparison with Utah. The Grizzlies have the advantage in every stat except penalty kill:
- Goals scored average: 1.5 Allen - 3.7 Utah
- Goals allowed average: 6.5 Allen - 4.0 Utah
- Shots for average: 22.5 Allen - 32.3 Utah
- Shots against average: 40.3 Allen - 36.3 Utah
- Power play percentage: 8.3% Allen - 25.0% Utah
- Penalty kill percentage: 72.2% Allen - 60.0% Utah
- As always special teams will be key in this two game series. Allen will have to stay out of the penalty box to be successful. In the last three games the Americans have given up 13 power play opportunities while having just seven themselves. Allen was 0-7 on its opportunities while the opponents were 4-13 (30.8%). It will be hard to win if Allen keeps losing the special teams battle.
- Allen needs to build on the overtime loss on Wednesday. The Americans need improvement on both ends of the ice. Allen's team plus/minus is -75 by far the worst in the league. Utah's isn't great at -11, but the Grizzlies goal differential is -1 compared to Allen's -20.
- Hard to overstate the importance of getting off to a good start. Allen lost its first three games giving up the first goal in all three. The Americans finally scored first on Wednesday in the overtime loss. Utah has won both games this season when it scored first and lost the game it gave up the first goal. Here is another way to state the importance of scoring first. In the seven combined games Allen and Utah have played this season the team that scored first has a record of 6-0-1-0.
- The outcome of these games will also be determined by goaltending. Utah has played one goalie (Adam Scheel) in all three of its games and he has a .889 save percentage. Allen has played two goalies with save percentages of .874 (Thornton) and .788 (Wells).
- Players to watch in the game tonight. For Allen, #92 Brayden Watts (1G, 3A) and #22 Easton Brodzinski (2G, 0A). For Utah, #22 Neil Shea (3G, 1A) and #4 Bryan Yoon (1G, 2A). If you want to watch the game within the game keep an eye on the faceoff circle. Spencer Asuchak has long been considered one of the best faceoff guys in the league. Here are Allen's faceoff percentages thus far:
- 62% - Asuchak
- 56% - Gorman
- 50% - Gavin
- 47% - Duarte
- 38% - Crnkovic
Here is the game preview issued by the Allen Americans: https://allenamericans.com/news/2024/11/game-day-preview-americans-at-utah-810-pm-cdt
OTHER COMMENTS
- It is easy to forget just how inexperienced the Allen Americans roster is this season. Eight players had zero ECHL games played to start the season and 14 have fewer than 50 ECHL games played.
- If you like a lot of detail about Allen's opponent before a series this is for you. An in-depth story covering team stats and players: https://utahgrizzlies.com/news/2024/10/grizzlies-weekly-home-opening-weekend-at-maverik-center
- There are 11 games on the ECHL schedule tonight. Idaho is at Tahoe after losing to the Knight Monsters 3-1 last night. Who would have thought upstart Tahoe would be ahead of Idaho in the standings three weeks into the season. Here is the ECHL Today with a preview of all 11 games. https://echl.com/news/2024/11/echl-today-nov-1
- Four of the top ECHL players in points all play in the Mountain Division where four of the top six and seven of the top nine teams in goals per game reside. Leaders in points:
- 12 points (7G, 5A) - Michal Stinil, Wichita
- 9 points (3G, 6A) - Hank Crone, Idaho
- 9 points (5G, 4A) - Cam Morrison, Kansas City
- 9 points (4G, 5A) - Cade Borchardt, Kansas City
0-6 after this weekend.
ReplyDeleteLJ - Time to make some decisions.
Did we really trade Smedsrud for a player that you are leaving at home for a critical road trip?
ReplyDeleteIf I am correct, BJ you need to be fired for gross incompetence.
We will be 0-6. This team sucks and so does the coach and owners. Trash!
ReplyDeletelook at the fact that they are playing dump and chase from behind their own goal. That's how BJ has them play. He has no clue how the game works. They will continue to get worked game in and game out.
ReplyDeleteI’m just glad Tommy isn’t traveling with the team…only positive thing I’ve seen this season
ReplyDeleteI like the way you think. Maybe he won’t be late setting up for the game but really doesn’t matter, I’d rather listen to the other teams broadcast.
DeleteCurious, as to why? He normally travels to all away games, is it because they only booked x number of seats and taking Marco he had to give up a seat?
DeleteHow do you know Tommy isn’t traveling with the team?
DeleteI know a lot of stuff…
DeleteSaving money and unnecessary expense. No need for him to be there, he used to broadcast from home ice anyways. He threw a fit when former owner told him he shouldn’t travel, glad the new owners see it’s a waste of money ( air ticket, hotel, food bill, rent car)
DeleteTommy should broadcast from my house.
DeleteWould love the opportunity to be the color comment guy for a night. Would be worth the listen.
I'd love to share some facts with LJ and BJ.
This coach and the actions of LJ continue to become a bigger train wreck each game.
Utah 4-1.
Just be the new broadcaster…you got my vote
DeleteThe food bill for Tommy alone would break the bank
DeleteTommy, I'll buy you a burger if you should out the blog before game time
DeleteIn n out?! 😆
Deletewould have covered it with a 25x25 from there!
Deletehe didn't shout out the blog though.
I'll double it if its mentioned before the end of the first.
that's a 50x50. c'mon Tommy.
Where is Ayo ??
ReplyDeleteHe needs a shot.
DeleteNot looking much better for us Rush fans. We have Wichita, KC, and 5 games with Idaho. When we meet towards the end of the month we could very well have won the battle for the bottom.
DeleteRapid at least has an ECHL coach!!!
DeleteVery true! BJ is a joke.
DeleteTime for the obligatory score prediction for tonights game.
ReplyDeleteI think it will be 4-2 Utah, putting Allen at 0-5, and cementing them in last spot in the league.
Utah 5-3
DeleteUtah 4-1
DeleteUtah 4-2
DeleteAllen 6-2
ReplyDeleteDrugs are bad for you.
DeleteYes they are.
DeleteUtah 3-0
Better chance of winning the lottery and getting struck by lightning than 6 to 2 Allen
DeleteIf Allen wins 6-2, I'm streaking on the ice at the next home game.
DeleteUtah 6-2
ReplyDeleteAllen 3-2 shootout
ReplyDeleteHonestly, at this point, I could care less.
ReplyDelete😁
DeleteSave us Tissue Boy!!!!!
ReplyDeleteTissue Boy - circa 2024.
DeleteA brief appearance to dispute and challenge the knowledge of Allen American fans that raised concerns with unjust termination of Chad Costello, hiring and firing of Zawyer, general dumpster fire view of Joe Ernst and have continually challenged ownership to make some decisions on their own.
RIP Tissue Boy
I hope his dog is OK
DeleteUtah 6-1
Thesaurus Rex - any prediction for tonight?
DeleteListening now, there is no way Ferguson made it to the booth Tommy.
ReplyDeleteHe barely makes it off the ice.
And since he’s at the game and Tommy’s not … that would be a miracle
DeleteFerguson - an oxygen tank and a crane could get him to the commentary box.
DeleteOMG!! The sound is working! Time to switch to the Utah feed.
ReplyDeleteNeed some input from all here.. where is Tommy doing the game from.. then what do y’all think he is wearing while doing the broadcast? I’m going to go with the last scene in Dodgeball with Ben Stiller on the couch at his apartment.
ReplyDeleteflip flops, underwear and possibly a tshirt!
Deletenah just kidding Tommy, I left off the Americans cap.
ignore the comments, I think you do a decent job.
🤣🤣
DeletePJ's and slippers.
DeleteBirthday Suit?
DeleteA vintage Ben Cooper costume - Tissue Boy complete with plastic mask...
DeleteAtlanta released:
ReplyDeleteFilip Forsmark, F
Would be a good pick up. Was on Costello's radar.
"Was on Costello's radar" doesn't seem to be a selling point for someone looking to play for the current regime.
DeleteThe fire BJ chants are about to start.
ReplyDeleteDown 2-1 .... poor defense.
14-5 SOG in favor of Utah.
DeleteSame old problems.
This is comical.
Wake up BJ.
Dumpster fire yet again.
DeleteAnnus horribilis
Delete17-7 SOG
DeleteAllen couldn't hit Tommy's Burger from 3 feet.
Fire BJ. More excuses coming.
New coach new broadcaster
DeleteI think Tommy does a good job, considering.
DeleteNew coach? A must before January 1.
I am hearing not good things around his persona, approach and communication.
You are hearing correctly, he is not well like for those reasons. Can't image how the players must feel being around that all the time.
DeleteHe was fired from Erie for more than one reason.
DeleteTick tock
ReplyDeleteYep. 0-5 is 20 minutes of play away.
DeleteErie is repeating itself.
Lame excuses coming up when we lose this one.
BJ is on thin ice.....
DeleteThis is not good. Falling in line with the predictions earlier ….
DeletePress Release Monday:
ReplyDelete“Americans fire BJ Adams after 0-6 start to season, announce immediate hiring of Chad Costello”
LJ - wake up. This guy is destroying your club, just like Joe Ernst started to do. Please, please fix it.
BJ needs to be fired.
DeleteFerguson should go to the fat farm, then take up sessions at Hidden Gym, most importantly, he should lay off the fast food. He looks unhealthy. Then he should be fired too. Video coach, ha, that’s funny.
We wish!
DeleteTommy letting everyone know he’s not there meter-11
ReplyDeleteMeter was broken in the first 😁
DeleteHe has FOMO like always. Just proving that there is no need to travel him, just bus trips only
Delete12
DeleteWas this a recent decision? Pretty sure he traveled to away games last season.
Delete13
DeleteBest guesses- Score: 4-1 Utah; Tommy’s attire- Texas themed shortie pajamas and crocs with hockey themed jibbitz; pore reducing face mask
ReplyDeleteLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOL
DeleteGot my 4 to 1 score right. Tomorrow will be 5 to 2 Utah
ReplyDeleteBJ you are a joke.
ReplyDeleteYou have no idea.
NONE
NONE.
DeleteFire him.
Destroying a club.
Tissue Boy...any questions???
ReplyDelete5-1
ReplyDeleteOwnership are clowns.
BJ is a clown.
Ernst is trash.
This is a colossal dumpster fire.
Yep.
DeleteTommy f@&$ing own the comments and just say they should not have fired Costy.
Simple.
Tommy, it’s ok to say “results could be very different if they didn’t fire Costello”
DeleteThis is out of control…..
DeleteFans predicted 0-5 start.
They also predicted 0-6 start …. Another loss coming tmrw.
DeleteBJ aka bozo the clown.
Tommy would never say that, he was one of the people who voiced to ownership that Chad needed to go.
DeleteReally? I’m happy to change my opinion of Tommy, but is he really as two faced as what people say or is he just any easy target/punching bag? Which if the latter, is just wrong and sad.
DeleteVery 2-faced
DeleteAny proof of Tommy telling ownership that Chad needed to go?
DeleteCalling bullshit on that until someone provides more than gossip.
Delete100 % fact. People who really know him know he’s a snake. Over promises under delivers. Throws people under the bus all the time. I mean he even called out Barry for leaving the game early if you remember. Don’t choke on the kool aid he sells
DeleteOHL coach still has the big O
ReplyDeleteBIG 0.
DeleteThat’s what you get.
Ownership has got to be happy firing an experienced coach for this clown.
Way to go BJ we are the worst team in the entire league!!!!! U clown!!!! Owners will go broke here!!! Let’s make it happen. We suck !!! I hope this team folds. Fools!
ReplyDeleteLJ own it.
DeleteDon’t hide.
Empower Mydra or make the damn decisions.
Fire BJ.
Admit mistakes were made and hire Costello.
Bottom of the league.
DeleteI can’t believe one decision caused this fkn mess.
Even the shady Stevens brothers who still own Wichita have enough common sense to not bounce around with coaches with Bruce in his 5th year.
DeleteFucking Joe Ernst.
🤬
True!
DeleteWell those comments are now proven to be a phucken joke….
ReplyDeleteI found the following on our refrigerator, pieced together from those magnetic poetry kits by Tissue Boy himself:
ReplyDeleteThis season has been a tough one. Every year, I come back with fire and hope in my heart, decked out in our team colors, chanting and cheering “Red Red Red”. But this time around, faith has been tested. Each game is a fresh heartbreak, every loss another sting. It’s hard to keep believing when the stats and standings make hope feel like wishful thinking. But somehow, here we are, still watching, still cheering, still waiting for that miracle turnaround.
Because it’s not just about the wins or the standings. It’s about the memories tied to those seats (especially free ones), the friendships formed over a shared love of this team, and the loyalty that doesn’t waver, no matter the outcome. So, here’s to the game nights that lift us up, to the teammates who give their all, and to the fans who know the real beauty of the game. Maybe, just maybe, there’s a comeback waiting around the corner. And if there is, we’ll be there, holding on, because that’s what being a fan is all about.
Tissue Boy lies fetal on the kitchen floor, illuminated by the cold light of the frost free GE, surrounded by dead soldiers of pints of chocolate milk. I’m sorry TB, I could not lift your spirits this time but I will NOT fall for that peanut butter trick again!
She will wake up when she sees and understands what losses are.
ReplyDeleteMyles investments won’t supply an unlimited amount of cash flow or working capital.
Memphis Dave will give some guidance, but I believe historically the P&L has been good (he handled some tax advising).
ReplyDeleteHowever, it doesn’t take many bad decisions to lose money.
I suspect they are already feeling the squeeze.
call me crazy but I still think BJ is a good coach. Joe ernst hired coaches for many teams this offseason so he obviously knows what he is doing. He would not have given BJ the allen job if he didn't think he would bring the red some big time wins.
ReplyDeleteShut up joe
DeleteDrugs are bad for you.
DeleteHey, Crazy
DeleteNot crazy, more like delusional or foolish. Shows that you know nothing with that statement The staff and players can’t stand him.
DeleteAre you just upset that almost everyone could see this coming?
Joe is a pucking joke!
Can’t wait to see his warm welcome when Zawyer comes in for the game. Hopefully they let Joe drop the puck before the game and announces him.
Are people letting LJ know?
DeleteMydra whilst his powers have been stripped, is he aware? Is he doing anything about it?
BJ is not the right coach and blind Freddy could even see that preseason.
Tissue Boy couldn't see it. Apparently no one in ownership can either. I wonder if Tissue Boy....naw!!!!
ReplyDeleteI have not been able to get to a home game yet, has ownership shown up yet at a game?
ReplyDeleteThey stay in the suites.
Delete🙄
Absent ownership.
DeleteZero balls to make decisions.
Pathetic and embarrassing.
Yes the have been at all home games
DeleteNot Wednesday night.
DeleteDidn’t see them there
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.