18 Game Challenge Update:
- 9th game in the books
- Last game: 4-2 home loss to Kansas City
- Next game: Idaho at home tonight
- Record: 1-7-1-0
- Point Percentage: .167
- It is game day for the Allen Americans as the Idaho Steelheads are in town for the traditional New Year's Eve home game. I say tradition because in 13 of the 15 years since the franchise was established the Americans have played a New Year's Eve (NYE) game at home. In 2009-10 Allen played on the road and in 2015-16 they did not play on NYE, but every other season the Americans have played at home including a 5-4 win over Idaho last year. In the first seven NYE games Allen was 7-0. The next four years the Americans were 0-4. The overall NYE record is 9-5. Here are the all time NYE results:
- 2023-24 - Beat Idaho at home 5-4
- 2022-23 - Lost at Wichita at home 7-3
- 2021-22 - Beat Idaho at home 4-1
- 2020-21 - Lost to Wichita at home 7-2
- 2019-20 - Lost to Idaho at home 6-5
- 2018-19 - Lost to Tulsa at home 3-1
- 2017-18 - Lost to Wichita at home 4-2
- 2016-17 - Beat Utah at home 8-4
- 2015-16 - Did Not Play
- 2014-15 - Beat Rapid City at home 5-3
- 2013-14 - Beat Wichita at home 5-3
- 2012-13 - Beat Quad City at home 4-0
- 2011-12 - Beat Laredo at home 3-2
- 2010-11 - Beat Tulsa at home 10-1
- 2009-10 - Beat Wichita on road 3-1
- The game tonight (6:10 pm CST start time) will be the third time in the last four years Allen will play Idaho on NYE and they have won the first two. It would be great to extend that streak tonight. It won't be easy because Idaho has given Allen fits over the years, but if you look behind the numbers there is a silver lining. Over the last five seasons Idaho's record against Allen is 18-9-0-0. There is a big difference between games played in Idaho where the Steelheads are 14-2-0-0 and games played in Allen where Idaho is 4-7-0-0.
- The game tonight will be the first of just six times Allen plays Idaho this season. After the lone game tonight the teams won't see each other again until Allen makes its one trip to Idaho for three games in March (19-22). Idaho will be back in Allen for two games in early April (4-5).
- The first two months of the season have been disappointing for both teams. Allen's struggles have been well documented. Compared to Allen's .375 point percentage and 21 points, Idaho is doing quite well with a .589 point percentage and 33 points. But the Steelheads were expected to be the class of the division along with Kansas City just like last season. While Kansas City is #1 in the Mountain Division (.707 and 41 points), Idaho is in fifth place and if the playoffs started today would miss the playoffs.
- Both teams come into the game tonight struggling. Allen has lost 11 of its last 12 games. Idaho has lost six of its last 10 games including a 5-0 loss in Wichita in its last game. Three of the four wins the Steelheads have had in the last 10 games were against Rapid City. You would think Allen would have the advantage playing at home, but not the case. Idaho has only been a .500 team on the road with a 6-6-1-1 record, but the Americans have the worst home record in the ECHL (2-9-4-0).
- Here is how Allen and Idaho rank is some key stats this season:
- Ave. goals scored: Allen #26 (2.43) - Idaho #7 (3.55)
- Ave. goals allowed: Allen #28 (4.11) - Idaho #21 (3.34)
- Ave. shots for: Allen #27 (26.71) - Idaho #4 (33.90)
- Ave shots allowed: Allen #29 (38.50) - Idaho #27 (34.41)
- Power play percentage: Allen #9 (20.7%) - Idaho #13 (19.0%)
- Penalty kill percentage: Allen #16 (81.2%) - Idaho #12 (83.3%)
You can see Idaho has the advantage in goals scored and allowed. On average Allen scores 1.12 goals per game fewer than Idaho and allows 0.77 more goals per game than the Steelheads.
Allen and Idaho are both at the bottom of the league in shots allowed, so you might see a lot of shots and goals in the game tonight.
- Special teams stats are relatively close with Allen having the edge on the power play and Idaho having the edge on the penalty kill. If you look at net special teams stats that take into account shorthanded goals you get a little different picture.
- Power Play - Idaho has scored 20 power play goals but given up seven shorthanded goals for a net of 13 power play goals and net power play percentage of 12.4%. Allen has scored 17 power play goals and given up three shorthanded goals for a net of 14 power play goals and net power play percentage of 17.1%.
- Penalty Kill - Idaho has allowed 18 power play goals but scored two shorthanded goals for a net of 16 goals allowed which is a net penalty kill percentage of 85.2%. Allen has allowed 19 power play goals and scored one shorthanded goal for a net 18 goals allowed which is a net penalty kill percentage of 82.3%.
- Idaho has only scored first in 40% (11-29) of its games compared to 54% (15-28) for the Americans. However, scoring first hasn't been an advantage for Allen. The Americans record when scoring first is 5-7-3-0 (.433) compared to Idaho's record of 8-1-2-0 (.818).
- Scoring first will be important but based on the stats the game tonight will likely be decided in the second period. Allen has scored 23 second period goals, but allowed 38 for a goal differential of -15. Idaho is most dominate in the second period scoring 41 goals while allowing 26 goals for a goal differential of +15.
- Playing from behind will be as problematic against Idaho tonight as it was against Kansas City over the weekend. The Steelheads have a perfect 6-0-0-0 when leading after the first period and 11-0-0-0 when leading after the second period. It is a broken record but the Americans can't be playing from behind and expect to win.
- The game tonight will be a homecoming for Hank Crone. He leads Idaho in points (36), assists (26), points per game (1.24) shots (85) and plus/minus (+11). Hank is #1 in the ECHL in assists and #3 in points,
Hank shares the plus/minus lead with another Allen alum, Matt Register. Matt leads Idaho defensemen in points (27), assists (24), points per game (0.93) and plus/minus (+11). Matt is #1 among all ECHL defensemen in assists and #2 in points.
Allen fans have witnessed so many former players bite them in the ass when they return to the CUTX Event Center. Will that be the case again tonight?
- Here is Allen's lineup tonight. Mark Duarte has been loaned to the Cleveland Monsters (AHL), the line of Crnkovic-Asuchak-Watts as been reunited and Luke Richardson gets the start in goal:
OTHER COMMENTS
- Mark Duarte has led the Americans with with nine goals in the last 13 games and has been loaned to the Cleveland Monsters (AHL). It should be a good experience if Mark gets to play. Cleveland is tied for second place in the AHL North Division and leads the AHL in attendance averaging 10,580 per game. Cleveland plays Grand Rapids on the road tonight and at home on Thursday. As Steve Martinson used to say, scoring will get you noticed by AHL teams, but your role when you get loaned is to play good defensively. Should be a a great opportunity for Mark.
- Will Gavin is getting close to returning to the Allen lineup after being inured on November 8. He has been practicing with the team wearing a cage and the green non-contact jersey. Doubt he will make the trip to Kansas City.
- It is a busy Tuesday around the ECHL with 10 NYE games on the schedule with start times as early as 1:00 pm EST (Trois Riviéres at Maine) and as late as 9:05 EST (Tulsa at Rapid City). Six of the eight Mountain Division teams will be in action; Idaho at Allen, Wichita at Kansas City and Tulsa at Rapid City. Here is the ECHL Today with the previews: https://echl.com/news/2024/12/echl-today-dec-31
- Some of the best players on Allen and Idaho are looking to break goal scoring droughts. Hank Crone has 10 goals, but just one goal in the last 10 games. Brayden Watts has nine goals but just one in the last 15 games and Kyle Crnkovic's goal on Saturday was his first in 16 games. It would not be a surprise to see all three of these players light the lamp tonight.
DID YOU KNOW: The ECHL Stats post today is about attendance across leagues. FYI, Allen's average attendance this season is 4687 which is higher than 13 of the 32 AHL teams.
Minor correction, Barry.
ReplyDeleteIdaho's loss was in Wichita, not Idaho.
Thanks for letting me know. Got it corrected. Ran out of talent again. Haha
Delete2021-22 Erie Otters OHL Head‡ 54 24 27 0 3 0.472 Out of Playoffs
ReplyDelete2022-23 Erie Otters OHL Head† 35 12 20 0 3 0.386 Out of Playoffs
2024-25 Allen Americans Head 28 8 15 5 0 21 0.375 Out of Playoffs
BJ is at least consistent...consistently bad! Dear ownership...you asked for it and this is what you got! BJ is giving you exactly what he is capable of giving. Thank you for ruining the Allen Americans
21-22 he was a midseason replacement, 22-23 He was replaced midseason
DeleteThis ^^^^
DeleteHired based off of 2 half seasons and a termination.
A call to GM Dave Brown at Erie would have provided frank and direct feedback as to why they moved on from BJ after 2 half seasons.
I wonder how low our attendance average would be if it were actual butts in seats rather than tickets sold, given away, etc...
ReplyDeleteprobably pretty damn good. Paid tickets this year are way up. Games like Star Wars and school day were record breakers for them.
DeleteWho told you those lies?
DeleteHow many of those Star Wars tickets were actually bought... you know, for like money. And are School Day tickets free or purchased? I always assumed they were free or severely discounted, otherwise you would never have that many kids from each school. If the count was how many bodies actually walked through the door with a paid ticket, it would probably not be well below 800, based on how many have been in the arena for non-gimmick games
DeletePaid tickets are up bc people bought them last season.
DeleteThey give away free tickets, which is great to expose new people to hockey. The school day tickets were bought by the schools at a discounted rate. The biggest school day crowd ever, it was great.
You can report ANY numbers you want to the league and claim ANY attendance number you want for single game stats.
DeleteSo please tell me more about these record breaking numbers because I see what is at the games - not too hard to determine the crowds don't exist. I would estimate 1,800-2,300 average attendance of actual fans at the game.
Also, bringing up those school day games is a total joke - those are huge losses all around.
Just like the predictions about the on ice product this year are coming to light - these comments on the poor crowds will soon be more than obvious
“Paid tickets are up” :) I love how the social media interns get on here and try to spin things even though they have to see what a disaster this has become! They’ll make good hacks for some politician.
DeleteThis ^^^^^^ but can’t get the scores on social media
DeleteI’ll be at the AAC watching Stars v Sabres
ReplyDeleteThis ^^^^^^^^^
DeleteI actually think Allen will win tonight - 4-3 in overtime - of course
ReplyDeleteRegister despises this team as much as Krone - CLASSIC!!!
DeleteYou serious, Clark?
DeleteMay wanna rethink that.
Can't pick them to lose EVERY game - that would be mean
DeleteWe need some ahl help!
ReplyDeleteIdaho isn't getting much AHL help either. Two skaters/ two goalies. Their goalie situation has left Sholl out of the picture. He is by far the best of their 3.
DeleteSound familiar??
Best part so far:
ReplyDeleteCrone staring at BJ after the goal and mouthing some words at him
100% Anyone still buying the fake narrative?
DeleteWhy is the game not on mixer?
ReplyDeleteMust be that tilted ice surface causing problems
DeleteWhat is going on with the live broadcast on Mixler?
ReplyDeleteMRM
ReplyDeleteBJ between periods rallying the troops??? All while he's looking for that Allied Van's card he stuck in his wallet this summer...
ReplyDeleteOk… not attempting to be negative… but I think that we can all agree that it’s time that BJ goes away. It’s common sense now. Any change will be a positive.
ReplyDeleteWhy not enter Dyson Stevenson’s name in the hat for coach.
ReplyDeleteDaniel Tetrault
DeleteRemember that last time you thought this team couldn't win it all?
ReplyDeleteMe neither until this year
Going to be another 40+ shots on the Americans goal again. Glad BJ has taught me that shots on goal are not important.
ReplyDeleteThank you Jacks.
ReplyDeleteFingers crossed for a new coach for the new year!! One can dream
ReplyDeleteAppreciate the press conferences.
ReplyDeleteHowever….
People don’t appreciate Jeff Fink walking in and saying 5 or so questions, guys have to leave early in the AM.
Really? They are leaving early tomorrow for a game 2 days later in Kansas?
Please stop lying.
The 2 player attendance lasted one press conference. Please don’t have Fink in charge of this. It appears to be too difficult.
Happy New Year Allen Fans!!
ReplyDeleteDo you all believe me yet?
I believed you when he arrived lol
DeleteY’all are so unhinged. There is no going back.
ReplyDeleteI can’t wait till next season and all you whining “sth” go away.
Next season won't be any better if we have the same coach. Great formula you have. Run off all the "sth" because obviously they are the problem here. Look in the mirror Jacks...you are the problem!
DeleteNext season lol without a coaching change no players will come here/ return. Joe will still be running hockey ops
DeleteThe big question is this:
DeleteIs Myles willing to contribute additional capital to chase losses?
Are other shareholders?
⏰
Unhinged??? Like that home team display on ice last night?
Delete1-8-1
You obviously know nothing about the business side of a team with such an uneducated comment. Hopefully you aren’t the one paying the bills.
DeleteWho is alleged to have made the "uneducated" comment?
DeleteNow that most of the specialty nights are done the owners are going to see what happens to attendance when you are fielding a pitiful team. If LJ is truly the business expert she claims to be she will start fixing this mess her partners left her with before she loses all her sons money! And she needs to start with finding a coach who can get playoff caliber players in here.
ReplyDeleteAgree. But that would require eating BJ’s contract. Are they prepared to do that?
DeleteThey haven’t been willing or able to remove themselves from the Zawyer Hockey Ops deal.
👑 👎… off with his head!
ReplyDelete7th place with Rapid City in 6th, oh the irony
ReplyDeleteGo Costy!
DeleteWake up LJ.
Wake up Myles.
Big mistakes made.
🤔🙄
Right! I’m hoping Rapid gets into the playoffs!
DeleteLaSonjia Jack:
ReplyDelete“We are very excited to have B.J. Adams as our new Head Coach,” said Americans Owner La Sonjia Jack. “He is a great fit for our players, the community, and our organization. Adams comes with a breadth of experience, from his playing history and years as a fearless coach. Here’s to chasing victories and crafting champions together!”
Clueless comments proven to be grossly incorrect, with fans providing more accurate comments, predictions and knowledge than ownership.
The Jack's have had 15 months to get things in order and make changes after identifying issues. 15 months whilst short, it's an eternity when losing money. If change is not effected, I suspect the losses if they have not already will become a major concern and frustration for the Jack's.
DeleteOwning a team is cool, but losing money for the thrill of owning a team is not.
we need duarte back!
ReplyDelete