There is no way to sugarcoat what happened to the Allen Americans in Indy last night. The 6-0 loss to the Fuel was one of the worst defeats since Allen joined the ECHL in 2014. The Americans have lost by six or more goals 10 times since joining the league. The worst defeat was earlier this season (October 26) when Kansas City followed up a 4-0 shutout in Allen's home opener with a 9-0 shutout the next night.
- While the game last night was not the worst defeat in history it was arguably the worst game in franchise history. Here is a sample of what went wrong for the Americans last night.
- Allen gave up the first goal of the game. Record when that happens is 2-6-2-0.
- Allen trailed after the first period (1-0). Record when that happens is 0-7-1-0.
- Allen trailed after the second period (3-0). Record when that happens is 0-7-2-0.
- Allen's #4 ranked power play was 0-4.
- Allen's penalty kill gave up two goals on three opportunities.
- Allen had one shot in the first period, the second lowest shot total in the league this season.
- Allen had two shots in the second period, tied for the lowest shot total in the league this season.
- Allen had four shots in the third period.
- Allen's seven total shots was six fewer than the ECHL season low of 13.
- Allen's seven shots set the all-time ECHL record for fewest shots in a game.
- Going into the game it was clear shots would be hard to come by because Indy leads the league in shots allowed giving up just 22.2 per game. Meanwhile Allen is ranked #29 allowing 40.2 shots per game. The shot totals for the game favored Indy 33-7. Allen was well rested having not played for a week, but they laid a royal goose egg. It was the fourth time in 20 games the Americans have been shutout. That represents 20% of the games Allen has played and none of the scores were close. Total goals in the four shutouts was 23-0.
- If the humiliating loss wasn't enough, James Hardie left the game early and never returned. His status for the games in Fort Wayne won't be known until later today. Hopefully it is nothing serious and he will be available tonight. If not, the Americans have an extra forward on the trip, Rylan Van Unen, who can step in.
- Here are the game recaps from both teams and the video highlights:
- Allen Americans game recap: https://allenamericans.com/news/2024/12/americans-blanked-by-indy-6-0
- Indy Fuel game recap: https://indyfuelhockey.com/news/2024/12/fuel-shut-out-americans-6-0-on-eras-night
- Video Highlights: https://echl.com/videos/allen-americans-vs-indy-fuel-dec-13-2024
- The game in Indy was one of those burn the tape games where it is
better to just look ahead to the two games in Fort Wayne. It is a short
trip, just over 100 miles, from Indy to Fort Wayne. The Americans have
to have a total reset for the game tonight which starts at 6:35 pm Allen
time. Sunday's game has a 4:00 pm Allen start time.
- With the loss last night the Americans record fell to 7-9-4-0 (.450). Fort Wayne beat Bloomington 2-1 on the road to increase its record to 12-7-1-0 (.625). Just like Allen the Komets have a better road record (8-2-0-0) than home record (4-5-1-0).
Fort Wayne has struggled recently to score goals. Its record over the last six games is 3-3-0-0, but the Komets didn't score more than two goals in any of the games. They have a total of 10 goals in the last six games, an average of just 1.67 goals per game.
While Allen lost last night and set a record for fewest shots on goal, Fort Wayne was not far behind. In the Komets win over Bloomington they managed just 15 shots and were outshot 28-15. The 15 shots were the sixth fewest in the league this season.
- Here is how Allen and Fort Wayne rank is some key stats this season:
- Ave. goals scored: Allen #21 (2.50) - Fort Wayne #13 (3.15)
- Ave. goals allowed: Allen #28 (3.95) - Fort Wayne #20 (3.15)
- Ave. shots for: Allen #28 (25.7) - Fort Wayne #3 (34.2)
- Ave shots allowed: Allen #29 (40.2) - Fort Wayne #16 (29.8)
- Power play percentage: Allen #4 (22.4%) - Fort Wayne #11 (18.8%)
- Penalty kill percentage: Allen #24 (78.4%) - Fort Wayne #18 (80.6 %)
- It will be imperative for Allen to get off to a good start tonight. If the Americans go down a couple of goals early in the game it could go south in quick order. Allen has to be ready from the opening puck drop after what happened in Indy.
- Allen's special teams will have to get back on track tonight if the Americans expect to win. Allen went through a stretch in November when it had power play goals in six of seven games. Since then the Americans have one power play goal in the last five games. In Allen's current four game losing streak the penalty kill has been at 60% (4-10).
- The game will have two referees, #10 Austin O'Rourke and #40 Harrison O'Pray. I know there is a joke somewhere in those names, but I will refrain. When it comes to penalties, Fort Wayne is ranked #5 averaging 15.45 minutes per game. Allen is ranked #17 averaging 11.45 minutes per game.
OTHER COMMENTS
- The top five teams in the Mountain Division are starting to distance themselves from the bottom three teams. The top five are all on point streaks while the bottom three are all on losing streaks. Here are the standings by point percentage with current streaks in parenthesis:
- .708 - Kansas City (6-0-0-0)
- .667 - Tahoe (5-0-0-0)
- .614 - Tulsa (1-0-0-0)
- .565 - Idaho (1-0-1-0)
- .563 - Wichita (3-0-0-0)
- .450 - Allen (0-3-1-0)
- .326 - Rapid City (0-5-1-1)
- .286 - Utah (0-9-1-0)
- Steve Martinson's team, the Athens Rock Lobsters, finally had their home opener last night over a month after the season started. The Rock Lobsters played their first 11 games on the road because they were waiting for the completion of their new arena. Then the home opener scheduled for December 6 had to be postponed because of problems with the final inspection. A sold out crowd of 5500 last night watched the Rock Lobsters win the home opener 3-2 in Steve Martinson style. A couple of fights, a bunch of roughing penalties, four game misconduct penalties for everything from charging to boarding to fighting after the original altercation. Athens improved its record to 10-2. From December 21 to January 12 the Rock Lobsters will play nine straight games at home.
- It is a big night around the ECHL tonight with 13 games on the schedule. All eight Mountain Division teams will be in action. Will the winning streaks continue or can the bottom three teams gain some ground? Here are the previews: https://echl.com/news/2024/12/echl-today-dec-14
- There are 34 ECHL players with 20 or more points thus far. Here are the players averaging more than 1.20 points per game. Noteworthy that four of the five on this list play in the Mountain Division:
- 1.35 - Cade Borchardt, Kansas City
- 1.30 - Hank Crone, Idaho
- 1.29 - Simon Pinard, Tahoe
- 1.25 - Odeen Tufto, Fort Wayne
- 1.21 - Max Andreev, Kansas City
DID YOU KNOW: Here is the ECHL Stats post from today. Anytime an ECHL team sets an all-time record it has to be the subject of an ECHL Stats post.
The stats in the blog, along with anyone watching last nights game, should be enough for LJ to effect change at the "hockey ops" level.
ReplyDeleteThe last 6 months have been terrible at every move.
The roster detonated, coach/gm fired (total bad move), players didn't come back, new coach didn't call players, those that came back were traded (even though proven talent), rumors of the new coach having lost the locker room exist, insiders continue to post this.
What a train wreck.
How did anyone approve an un proven ECHL coach to be hired, and on the back of two half seasons before being fired at OHL level ?
This club has become a joke, our owner is a joke.
PERIOD.
^^^^^ this
DeleteWhat is the ECHL vetting of owners? At a minimum, we need a new executive team to fix this.
DeleteHave $$$ or be a celebrity appears to be the avenue right now.
DeleteDestroying a club here….
The players are making a statement and protesting against this POS coach we have. The ownership is no better!! These players deserve better. I would asked to be traded asap
ReplyDeleteTough to play at a high level when your own on ice beliefs as to how the game should be played are polar opposite that of your coach.
DeleteYou forgot to mention that Chad Costello is 0-2 as the coach of Rapid City. One loss was a shootout loss and the other a blowout.
ReplyDeleteGlad you're up to speed on things, and pay attention before posting crap.
DeleteAssociate Coach ... not Head Coach.
But thanks for playing ....
your point is what? trying to compare him to BJ ( biggest joke)? Well Chad didn't pick his team unlike BJ, but Chad sure can develop them. Chad has experience getting teams to the playoffs, BJ none and likely not this year. Chad is in the HOF for his playing, BJ no way. Chad won 3Ice, BJ lol no way. I could go on and on to show how stupid your comment is, but so glad you tried to make a point. LOL
DeleteI think we all wish Chad well, but have an absolute mess to deal with and just want to see quality competitive hockey here. It’s amazing how bad it is and how quickly it has collapsed. I think we also all know Chad isn’t coming back, but would take anyone who is competent at this point. The biggest concern is the financial impact this collapse will have on the team and how the Jack’s will handle it.
DeleteThey’ll write any losses off.
DeleteAt some point they’ll need to correct things.
LJ needs to act like a business owner.
Not even going to discuss the ability to "write-off" losses - again. I will say wait until they start looking for the minority interest owners to start making capital calls - Cash is going to be the Jacks big problem if this dumpster fire continues
DeleteThey’ll try and write losses off … I suspect they think they can or will look for some strategic accounting. Who knows.
DeleteAs for capital calls, bingo. What did Zane Shartz pay for his 10%?
Is he going to be happy potentially being called up for a chunk of cash?
The call could be equal to what he paid for his 10%…. Just saying.
Wake up folks.
Martinson could win with these players.
DeleteGood news for Fort Wayne this weekend.... their SOG totals will rise dramatically!
ReplyDeleteGood news for Fort Wayne is that they will likely go 2-0 tonight and tmrw.
DeleteSee, it can be done:
ReplyDeletehttps://echl.com/news/2024/12/railers-announce-coaching-change
LJ - fix the mess!
Dang it, was really hoping to read the coach’s comments …. Just kidding no one cares what he has to say
ReplyDeleteLosing crone and Hargrove was a great move by the organization. Good job Myles and LJ
ReplyDeleteIf only our coach would have called them, which he in fact did not
Deleteexactly. LJ owns this mess.
DeleteSo this sad excuse of a coach didn’t even reach out to top players from last season??? He just pulled into Allen with the idea he was going to completely rebuild the team at the pro level, with no experience?? I was under the impression nobody wanted to play here after Chad was done so dirty… had no idea this guy didn’t even attempt to reach out to any of the boys.. this just gets more and more sad to witness in real time. The death of AA hockey in Texas. Completely unnecessary. Pisses me off. STOP GOING TO GAMES HIT THEM IN THE POCKETS.
Delete100%
DeleteFact he did NOT CALL them. He listen to stupid Joe and wanted to do it his way…. Well the BJ way is a joke
DeleteSystematic failure.
DeleteBroken record here. Watching Martinson since I had season tickets for the San Diego Gulls, the man is a proven winner wherever he goes. The fact that he was no re-signed and this loser owner didn’t hire him is ridiculous. The man is an effing stud winner. Period.
DeleteYet another issue caused by Zawyer and Joe Agenda…that’s where it all started…let’s not let that slip through the cracks…and don't forget that Joe Agenda hired BJ and sold the load of crap that comes with this guy to the partners and ownership that was in place at the time…then Zawyer bailed…
ReplyDeleteBJ has had multiple chances to “right the ship” and it’s clear he is in way over his head and the players have had enough…
What do the minority owners think?
DeleteZane Shartz or Megan Hayward?
DeleteDidn't Shartz acquire his 10% from Jack Galati?
Hayward has her % via LJ/Myles Jack.
Hrmmmm.....
https://youtu.be/f4WLYZXNrSo
ReplyDeleteThe LJ Way
ReplyDeleteI say we start at the Top good bye to President of Hockey Operations! Followed by the coach
ReplyDeleteFollowed by video guy.
DeleteMatt and Dutes MUST remain.
Do we have any insight as to why the Jack’s invested into an ECHL team? Any connection to the game? Who sold them on this investment?
ReplyDeleteSeems to be simply a vanity play with absolutely no concept of how to manage a business, especially a pro team (in any league).
Convinced to do so by Zawyer Sports and Andy Kaufman after they held (and still do) other minority interests in clubs which were paying them dividends/distributions on their investment.
DeleteThey heard Gulati wanted out and between Zawyer and the ECHL, they made it work. Jacks got a team, Zawyer got $$$ to manage it … all sounded good until they discovered someone owned 10% of the team and wouldn’t sell their units.
Comical shitshow from the start.
Still a shit show.
DeleteWhy won’t LJ make executive decisions?
Incompetent
DeleteGame tonight predictions?
ReplyDeleteFtWayne 4-2
SOG 1.61 x Allen
5-3
Delete4-0 Ft Wayne
Delete1.7 x SOG
Diabolical mess.
DeleteFire BJ Adams without delay.
Ok I’ll say it . It’s just a fact. In today’s society you don’t call out women. Minorities, and God forbid female minorities. So nobody. ( other than on here) will say she’s too stupid to do this. If he was a middle aged white man , they’d have his head on a stick. The league likes it because it makes them more woke. Therefore nothing will be done
ReplyDelete🤐👍🏻😆
DeleteDid Tommy go on road for this one?
ReplyDeleteNo. Great decision to save money. No need for him to be there.
DeleteAs sad as it is to watch, it will be even sadder when they come around with their hand out for renewals. I admit we will be sad to say goodbye to our tickets, we have missed very very few games since we bought them 12 years ago. But I just can't watch this train wreck any longer, especially when they won't even discuss publicly how they want to fix it. Maybe they don't want to fix it?
ReplyDeleteThey are clueless and have no idea.
DeleteCongrats Tommy for not talking over the anthem. Your mic/audio mix still sucks though.
ReplyDeleteClassic Tommy boo hoo-ing about not being there. Grow up
ReplyDeleteSound is terrible vs last night.
ReplyDeleteTyler needs to talk up. Can barely hear him.
DeleteAs always Tommy gets super exited when opposing team scores. He’s been terrible all these years
ReplyDeleteAlways 🤬
DeleteNot as bad as the social media team (which doesn’t seem to exist).
DeleteTurn phones off that are near broadcast microphone!!!!! Damn
ReplyDeleteThere are numerous people that are upset that Tommy has them on his “shout out list”. More than many or tommy could imagine.
ReplyDeleteI think he makes up names lol to sound relevant
DeleteShout out to Clark Griswold.
DeleteIs this how the players effect change?
ReplyDeleteFort Wayne 5-0 after 1.
ReplyDeleteWishing owners would at least post on here that they are listening to all that is said here. And that they understand the frustration.
ReplyDeleteThey read this, but are too pucken stupid to listen and do anything
DeleteMaybe a fans forum to speak to the state of the team?
DeleteIt has, but it’s just one way feedback.
DeleteGrounds for a class action lawsuit by STH?
DeleteThat would put the team into the ground but funny as hell. Let me think about that….
DeleteGiven the choice between having to recap that period or count to ten, I would've chosen the counting too. And let's face it, with two periods still to play, that may have been good practice for him.
ReplyDeletelol so true
ReplyDeleteZawyer is all smoke & mirrors. They get higher profile names to “invest” in what they think is a good product. They sell the “dream” to these what I call idiots. 95% of the owners in the league cannot stand Zawyer. Once they ruin a team & see they can’t handle it, they bail & leave it in shambles. Allen will be worth penny’s on the dollar once this mess is all said & done. Then a real owner will show up. Myles, put the joint down & please fix this dumpster fire or sell the team. It’s time. Stick up to your mom & tell her straight up how it is. Quit putting your tail between your legs & listening to the people who are telling you otherwise. Do what your heart tells you. Ty most of Allen fans
ReplyDeletePoll- what is Tommy wearing tonight from his couch broadcast booth? I’m gonna go with an Elf costume with short jorts & cowboy boots
ReplyDeleteHere we go again!
DeleteBoxers, Ugg Boots, Americans Beanie and the heat inside is at 74 degrees
Smells like pork in there at that temp.
DeleteSpencer’s game worn unwashed sweater and helmet
DeleteTuxedo tee, cargo pants and Croc’s with Allen Americans charms.
Delete😆
DeleteSpencer’s unwashed sweater and helmet and a red, red, red banana hammock.
DeleteToo damn funny!
DeleteWay to go Rush for getting a W tonight!!
ReplyDelete(shakes fist) you must not be a fan!
ReplyDelete(Middle finger) big fan of Chad
DeleteSarcasm - it's a lost art...
DeleteThey need to sell foam middle fingers.
DeleteTommy quit acting like Neaton has done something amazing and deserves to start now … good lord
ReplyDeleteTommy what you think about the goalie now?!?!
DeleteI couldn’t imagine any goalie being put into this situation.
DeleteThornton’s career could depend on this idiot BJ.
DeleteCan you imagine the conversations happening on that bench right about now???
ReplyDeleteProbably something like, come on guys sorry I have been a horrible coach & treat you guys so bad. Come guys try harder so I can keep my job
DeleteMore like, how many Applebee’s Dollaritas will LJ buy.
DeleteDemote BJ and make the Ice Angels coach the head coach of the team. At least they know how to manage talent.
ReplyDeleteGood thing we got rid of Costantini. 8-2 right now. Wtf.
ReplyDeleteHe didn’t believe in the agenda
DeleteAnother idiotic decision by BJ, I know shocking
DeleteWhat input does Utah have in these decisions?
DeleteNone
DeleteOoof
Delete14 goals given up in 2 games.
DeleteBJ is a fruitloop.
Traded proven talent.
DeleteCosty knew he could grow, develop and be a good goalie.
Pucken idiot.
Then we shouldn’t have to play their goalies. Eff them. And we thought Ottawa was bad. This is why we hate affiliations.
ReplyDeleteIt’s in their contract. People always want a good affiliate, I don’t because then we get dependent on them, like with Thornton and then they recall them, then we are out of luck.
DeleteWell, if it’s commonality, then bad ownership is a good match.
DeleteHow many teams in the ECHL keep local affiliations? Thinking Tahoe as one
ReplyDeleteEasily the WORST pro team (season) I’ve followed in my life. Only missed one home game this season and love going, but DEAR LORD! How on Earth does this happen.
ReplyDeleteGross incompetency which all falls to the Jacks. They believed Ernst and fired Costello.
DeleteDipshit moves all round.
hring costello was a horrible move by gulati. the team never finsihed about .500 with costello.Ernst is a joke for hiring bj though, should have briung back marty!
DeleteSettle down, we have the All Star Game next season.
ReplyDeleteThe LJ Way
DeleteJust wanted to check in on the “give BJ a chance” crowd & the “real fans” 🤣
ReplyDeleteYou must be “unwell” as STH Dr Phil will assess.
DeleteIt has gotten BAD in Allen. This BJ coached team only has 18 points through 21 games. Not as bad as Costello's 17 points through 21 games but close.
ReplyDeleteTalk to me in January dipshit
DeleteWhat they are missing is that the losses were not as bad as these and the fan engagement was still good. This is a blanket alienation of the fans and record setting embarrassment on the ice.
DeleteThe BJ/Jacks loving clowns are getting desperate as we knew they would - suck it you losers - you're only 2 games into the 18 game gauntlet - spew your drivel a month from now - drivel with no context...equals a BJ BJ...
DeleteLJ - happy?
ReplyDeleteFix this mess.
You and your son started it.
You lied to Costello. Straight to his face.
You thought he wasn’t a good coach.
Your hockey acumen is dogshit.
Fix the mess before the fans revolt further.
Attendance is down.
Team Store sales are down.
Fix the f’n mess.
lets call it what it is. LJ is a talented busines woman but she doesnt know hockey. she has packed the house on many games and sales are up, but who cares if you cant win. star wars night apparently being the record for ticket revenue and 4000 kids at school day doesnt matter if we lose! she should not have trusted zaywer and joe.
ReplyDeleteStar Wars night on Veterans Day weekend?
DeleteLet's not - what are you basing "LJ is a talented busines woman" on? You can't spell business and she can't recognize it. Awaiting your response LJ
Deletehahahahahahahahahaha
DeleteI can't belive im saying this, but I miss the Sens! Too bad Costy ruined that relationship. I heard they didn't feel comfortable sending players down. Utah is a joke. We need the Stars already!
ReplyDeleteAnyone else, yes! LJ @ the coach’s announcement was saying we would like it. Really?!
DeleteTissue Boy - we missed you - you moron!
DeleteCosty didn’t ruin that.
DeleteBelleville cared about themselves.
Costy then recruited elsewhere (successfully)….
Shows you know nothing about how affiliates work, Chad had nothing to do with who they send down & they loved him.
DeleteWhen is the LJ signed jersey available?
ReplyDeleteYou can get TP at the store for a fraction of the price.
DeleteHas sequins and comes with a sequin cowboy hat
DeleteAnd the gasoline/lighter combo with garbage can is only an extra $10 … replicate the dumpster fire 🔥🗑️
DeleteThe moron homers have awaken - must have been those back-to-back embarrassing SIX point ass-kickings! Or someone left the basement door unlocked.
ReplyDeleteLITERALLY the worst pro sports team top to bottom I’ve followed, just because it’s local.
ReplyDeleteIf you think this is bad - hold onto you hats kiddies - the best is yet to come!
ReplyDeleteFree tickets?
DeleteAlready have those
DeleteThe Americans Instagram page posts daily, and does period by period game updates… the final update for tonight’s game score read “Allen 2, FW more than 2”… lol so embarrassing.
ReplyDeleteAs a Brahmas fan who hated Allen back in the C, and as a fan of Allen as of 2020, it’s sad to see the last bastion of minor pro hockey in Texas begin to die a very similar death to the Brahmas.
Just wait until it gets bad enough to where the team has to play in practice jerseys.
I’ve never seen a franchise destroyed as fast as has been once since May 31st outside of a team relocating.
ReplyDeleteThe fact none of this was needed blows my mind.
The fact Joe Ernst is still involved with the club in any capacity tells us LJ isn’t smart enough to see what has been predicted and written here all of June, July, August, September, October, November and December by the fans.
The fans get it. LJ does not.
That is beyond alarming.
Less self promotion teddy toss videos and more hands on change with Hockey ops. BJ and Video Guy need to go. It’s only going to get worse.
Wake up LJ.
If you can’t, then sell the team.
5 straight losses and now 10 points behind 4th place Wichita
ReplyDeleteWelcome to the cellar dark ages.
Delete