The Allen Americans had a great start last night with Spencer Asuchak (who led the CHL in short handed goals last year) making his presence felt in his first game of the season by scoring the first goal of the game shorthanded and the Americans had a great finish scoring three unanswered goal (Trevor Ludwig, Steffes, Schaafsma) in a two minute time span early in the third period to put the game away 6-4 before a crowd of 4554 at the Allen Event Center. There were some issues in between the great start and great finish like taking seven first period minor penalties and a second period where the Americans allowed a short handed goal and a goal with one second left in period. The positives far out weighed the negatives and Allen came away with an important win against the Tulsa Oilers. The two teams face off again at 4:05 this afternoon (Sunday). With a win today Allen could move up to a tie for second place in the Central Division if Quad City loses in Brampton.
STEVE MARTINSON'S POST GAME COMMENTS:
- There were certainly more positives than negatives in the game tonight but there are some things we have to clean up for tomorrow's game. I was not happy with our goals against, all of the penalties in the first period, the shorthanded goal we gave up and allowing an odd man rush in the third period when we were leading 6-3. When you are ahead in a game in the third period it is okay to keep pressing but you can't cheat for a goal like we tried to do tonight.
- We gave up the one power play goal but it was on an extended 5 on 3 opportunity. The penalty kill group did a good job tonight.
- Jamie Schaafsma had a good night (1 goal, 2 assists) and made a great play on Gen's goal.
- I thought we created a lot of offensive opportunities as evidenced by the 43 shots on goal. We could have scored several more goals. It was good to see all three lines generating offense.
- Something happened tonight that has rarely if ever happened in the ECHL in that we played with fewer than the maximum number of players (18) solely because of the salary cap. We have so many high cost players I had to play with only 17 to stay under the salary cap. The blame for this falls on me but it is a situation that will have to be resolved as we can't continue to play short because of the salary cap.
OTHER COMMENTS:
- Ian Schultz was injured in the second period and did not return to the game. In looking at the replay it appeared Schultz was interfered with and then hit his head on the ice. He will not play in the game on Sunday. Since this appears to be a play similar to the Clarke suspension play, would assume the Americans will send the video to the league for review.
- The substitution of Gill for Dell when the Americans went on the power play in the second period is a tactic Martinson has used in the past to give the power play guys a rest. Unfortunately it ended up with a shorthanded goal due to some poor defensive play in front of Gill. Gill ended up playing longer than expected because of some confusion on the bench. Dell was supposed to return at the next whistle but this did not happen.
- Austin Smith made his debut with the Americans and had numerous excellent scoring opportunities. He had two assists and led the team in shots on goal with eight.
- The three stars of the game were #1 Jamie Schaafsma, #2 Austin Smith, # Trevor Ludwig.
- In the game preview for last night it was noted Tulsa has been led by three guys who lead the ECHL in offensive categories. All three contributed last night for Tulsa and still lead the ECHL. Adam Pleskach got his ninth goal of the season, Jon Booras had two assists to increase his league leading total to eleven and defenseman Scott Macaulay had a goal and assist to increase his league leading point total for defensemen to eleven. It will be important to keep these three player in check on Sunday for Allen to have success.
- Jack Combs, Ian Schultz and Greger Hanson all have four goals and three assists on the year to lead the team in scoring.
- With Schultz out and Clarke still serving his suspension John Ryder will be back in the line up today.
- Allen continues to lead the ECHL in power play percentage at 26.1% even though they were 0-3 last night and are 1-13 in the last three games.
- With six goals last night the Americans are #1 in the ECHL in scoring at 4.60 goals per game but are #26 in the ECHL in goals allowed at 4.20 per game. Goals against is where coach Martinson is looking for improvement.
- Brampton is in the midst of playing Quad City five consecutive times at home. Game three is today and Brampton is still looking for their first win having lost to the Mallards 5-1 on Thursday and 7-2 on Friday. Brampton is not only looking to get a win against Quad City they are looking for their first win of the season. The Beast are the only team in the ECHL that does not have a victory with an overall record of 0-5-1.
- Missouri had a big win over Rapid City (3-2) last night in their home opener before a sellout crowd of 5850. Missouri plays Wichita (in Wichita) this afternoon. The Mavericks next home game will be Firday, November 14th when they take on the Allen Americans for the first time since Richard Matvichuk was named coach. Everyone might say it is just another games but rest assured it will be a special one for fans, players and coaches.
DID YOU KNOW: Both Brian McMillin at 198 and Tyler Ludwig at 195 are closing in on 200 regular season games played for the Allen Americans. The all time leaders in games played are Jarret Lukin (238) and Mike Berube (229).
Sunday, November 9, 2014
Friday, November 7, 2014
Allen vs Tulsa Weekend Preview & More
Seems like a long time since Allen had a game but starting this weekend there will be a familiar foe at the Allen Event Center (AEC) in the Tulsa Oilers. In the next month Allen will play fourteen games and and half of them will be against Tulsa. Between now and the 29th of December, Allen will play 23 games and 11 will be against Tulsa. The Americans should be inspired to do well on Saturday and Sunday against Tulsa, after all the Oilers currently lead the ECHL Central Division (tied with Rapid City) and the opening night 9-6 thumping Tulsa put on Allen should provide plenty of motivation.
- Allen and Tulsa are very similar teams when you look at statistics in that they have excellent offensive weapons both up front and on defense but they have struggled defensively thus far. They also are two of the most penalized teams in the league. Here are a few statistics to illustrate these points.
- They are both high scoring with Allen ranked #2 in the ECHL at 4.25 goals per game and Tulsa ranked #3 in the ECHL at 4.17 goals per game.
- When it comes to goals allowed they are both at the other end of the spectrum as Allen is ranked #26 with 4.25 goals allowed per game while Tulsa is ranked #25 with 4.00 goals allowed per game.
- Special team will play a very important role in the two games this weekend as both teams take a lot of penalties. Allen averages 23.00 penalty minutes per game which ranks them #3 in the ECHL and Tulsa averages 22.83 minutes per game ranking them #4 in the league.
- Both teams do well on the power play and struggle on the penalty kill. Allen has the #1 ranked power play in the ECHL at 30% while Tulsa is #10 at 21.7%. The penalty kill is just the opposite as Allen has the #23 ranked penalty kill at only 77.3% while Tulsa is ranked #25 at 73.3%.
- Bottom line is whatever team wins the special teams battle will most likely win the games. Should be lots of opportunity for both teams to excel. Look for Allen to have some new faces on special teams as well as some players getting more time. Players you might look for are Spencer Asuchak, Austin Smith, and Justin Baker on the power play and Asuchak and Ian Schultz on the penalty kill. The penalty kill is where you should see improvement as Allen has never had a penalty kill percentage below 82% in the history of the team. In 2012-2013 the Americans had the best penalty kill percentage in the CHL at 85.67%.
- Another key for Allen is to get off to a fast start. They have scored 17 goals in four games but only three in the first period. Allen has scored nine of their seventeen goals in the second period which has been the weakest period for Tulsa as they give up over half of their goals (12 of 23 for the season) in the the second period.
- Tulsa's offensive firepower is evident by having three players who lead the league in offensive categories even though they have only played six games thus far. Scott Macaulay leads all ECHL defensemen in scoring with nine points (2 goals, 7 assists), Adam Pleskach leads the ECHL in goals with eight, and Jon Booras leads the ECHL in assists with nine.
- The addition of Spencer Asuchak and Austin Smith to the Allen lineup will add to what was already a potent offensive team. It is almost certain lines will be mixed during the game but how is this for the possibility of three great scoring lines that can also defend.
Costello-Schultz-Combs
Hanson-Asuchak-Smith
Schaafsma-Steffes-McMillin
- Spencer Asuchak will be wearing his familiar #26 jersey and Austin Smith will be wearing #16.
- With the eyes of the top players in Europe looking at the ECHL standings and thinking about where they might play when they return from Europe it is important for teams to get off to a good start. After all, the players in Europe want to come back to winning teams that have a chance to go deep in the playoffs. It is still early in the season but winning these two home games against Tulsa would vault Allen toward the top of the Central Division standings. Win twice and Allen will leapfrog Tulsa in the standings (Allen 8 points, Tulsa 7 points). Lose twice and all of a sudden there is a big gap in points (Tulsa 11 points, Allen 4 points). A split will leave Tulsa with nine points and Allen with six.
- Allen will be without Garrett Clarke who is serving a four game suspension and Jesse Messier who is on 21 day IR. Trevor Ludwig is eligible to come off 21 day IR and assume he will be back in the line up as the sixth defenseman. With five veterans on the team and Trevor being one of them, as he goes back in the line up one of the other veterans will have to come out of the lineup. I assume that will be Devin Di Diomete who was placed on reserve November 3rd.
- Aaron Dell is expected to start in goal for the game on Saturday after Riley Gill got the two starts in Rapid City last weekend. It should be a totally different game from the home opener against Tulsa when Dell got little defensive support in front of him.
- Finally a reminder of what has been mentioned many times before on this blog and that is that the roster as it exists today will change as Steve Martinson makes decisions on what he needs to do to get the team to the next level. With so many higher cost players on the team it is important that they carry the load for the team. The one thing that is certain is there will be change. It may be today, tomorrow, next week or next month but it is a guarantee Martinson will not stand pat unless or until he is on the top of the standings and even then he would try and improve his team. Stay loose and stay tuned!
DID YOU KNOW: Last year Allen played Tulsa eleven times and won seven of the games.
- Allen and Tulsa are very similar teams when you look at statistics in that they have excellent offensive weapons both up front and on defense but they have struggled defensively thus far. They also are two of the most penalized teams in the league. Here are a few statistics to illustrate these points.
- They are both high scoring with Allen ranked #2 in the ECHL at 4.25 goals per game and Tulsa ranked #3 in the ECHL at 4.17 goals per game.
- When it comes to goals allowed they are both at the other end of the spectrum as Allen is ranked #26 with 4.25 goals allowed per game while Tulsa is ranked #25 with 4.00 goals allowed per game.
- Special team will play a very important role in the two games this weekend as both teams take a lot of penalties. Allen averages 23.00 penalty minutes per game which ranks them #3 in the ECHL and Tulsa averages 22.83 minutes per game ranking them #4 in the league.
- Both teams do well on the power play and struggle on the penalty kill. Allen has the #1 ranked power play in the ECHL at 30% while Tulsa is #10 at 21.7%. The penalty kill is just the opposite as Allen has the #23 ranked penalty kill at only 77.3% while Tulsa is ranked #25 at 73.3%.
- Bottom line is whatever team wins the special teams battle will most likely win the games. Should be lots of opportunity for both teams to excel. Look for Allen to have some new faces on special teams as well as some players getting more time. Players you might look for are Spencer Asuchak, Austin Smith, and Justin Baker on the power play and Asuchak and Ian Schultz on the penalty kill. The penalty kill is where you should see improvement as Allen has never had a penalty kill percentage below 82% in the history of the team. In 2012-2013 the Americans had the best penalty kill percentage in the CHL at 85.67%.
- Another key for Allen is to get off to a fast start. They have scored 17 goals in four games but only three in the first period. Allen has scored nine of their seventeen goals in the second period which has been the weakest period for Tulsa as they give up over half of their goals (12 of 23 for the season) in the the second period.
- Tulsa's offensive firepower is evident by having three players who lead the league in offensive categories even though they have only played six games thus far. Scott Macaulay leads all ECHL defensemen in scoring with nine points (2 goals, 7 assists), Adam Pleskach leads the ECHL in goals with eight, and Jon Booras leads the ECHL in assists with nine.
- The addition of Spencer Asuchak and Austin Smith to the Allen lineup will add to what was already a potent offensive team. It is almost certain lines will be mixed during the game but how is this for the possibility of three great scoring lines that can also defend.
Costello-Schultz-Combs
Hanson-Asuchak-Smith
Schaafsma-Steffes-McMillin
- Spencer Asuchak will be wearing his familiar #26 jersey and Austin Smith will be wearing #16.
- With the eyes of the top players in Europe looking at the ECHL standings and thinking about where they might play when they return from Europe it is important for teams to get off to a good start. After all, the players in Europe want to come back to winning teams that have a chance to go deep in the playoffs. It is still early in the season but winning these two home games against Tulsa would vault Allen toward the top of the Central Division standings. Win twice and Allen will leapfrog Tulsa in the standings (Allen 8 points, Tulsa 7 points). Lose twice and all of a sudden there is a big gap in points (Tulsa 11 points, Allen 4 points). A split will leave Tulsa with nine points and Allen with six.
- Allen will be without Garrett Clarke who is serving a four game suspension and Jesse Messier who is on 21 day IR. Trevor Ludwig is eligible to come off 21 day IR and assume he will be back in the line up as the sixth defenseman. With five veterans on the team and Trevor being one of them, as he goes back in the line up one of the other veterans will have to come out of the lineup. I assume that will be Devin Di Diomete who was placed on reserve November 3rd.
- Aaron Dell is expected to start in goal for the game on Saturday after Riley Gill got the two starts in Rapid City last weekend. It should be a totally different game from the home opener against Tulsa when Dell got little defensive support in front of him.
- Finally a reminder of what has been mentioned many times before on this blog and that is that the roster as it exists today will change as Steve Martinson makes decisions on what he needs to do to get the team to the next level. With so many higher cost players on the team it is important that they carry the load for the team. The one thing that is certain is there will be change. It may be today, tomorrow, next week or next month but it is a guarantee Martinson will not stand pat unless or until he is on the top of the standings and even then he would try and improve his team. Stay loose and stay tuned!
DID YOU KNOW: Last year Allen played Tulsa eleven times and won seven of the games.
Wednesday, November 5, 2014
Allen Americans Daily Update - 11/5/14
- Had a chance to stop by practice yesterday and spend a few minutes with Steve Martinson. He feels good about what the team has accomplished in practice this week and is giving the guys today (Wednesday) off with the hope they come back Thursday refreshed and ready to go. Bad timing for a day off from a weather perspective as those that were planning outside activities such as golf will be dealing with rain but a day off is a day off. Martinson fully expects the team to have two good games against Tulsa this weekend.
- Decisions on who plays this weekend will not be made for a couple of days however, Martinson does expect Spencer Asuchak will be in the line up on Saturday.
- The lines for Saturday obviously depend on who will play but from observing practice the top line (Combs, Schultz, Costello) will stay intact, Asuchak may start centering Greger Hanson and Austin Smith, and a third line may include Schaafsma, Steffes & McMillin.
- One player to keep an eye on this weekend is rookie defenseman Justin Baker. He has been flying under the radar thus far with all of the high powered experienced defensemen on the team but he has been playing very well.
- Garrett Clarke has been suspended for three additional games for a total of a four game suspension as a result of an unpenalized hit in the October 31st game in Rapid City. He will miss the two games this weekend against Tulsa and the road game against Missouri on November 14th. Haven't seen the video and know some who saw the hit thought it was a clean hit but given his past reputation Clarke will never get the benefit of the doubt. Not saying the discipline wasn't deserved just saying Clarke will be watched very closely. NHL and AHL teams do not want their players assigned to the ECHL if the league doesn't closely monitor these type of hits very closely. They sure don't want their developmental players in the ECHL if they feel there is risk of injury by players taking runs at them.
- With Clarke out of the lineup this weekend and Trevor Ludwig eligible to come off the 21 day injured reserve on Friday would expect he will play this weekend. If that does happen another veteran will have to be placed on reserve or 21 day injured reserve. Remember, Allen has five veterans under contract (both Ludwigs, Di Diomete, Combs & Costello) and can only have four play in a game.
- ECHL roster limits go from 21 to 20 after the first month of the season. So active rosters must be reduced to 20 on November 16 (by 3:00 pm ET). Players on 21 day injured reserve do not count toward the active roster limit of 20.
- Forward Jesse Messier has been placed on the 21 day injured reserve effective November 2nd.
- Would expect Aaron Dell will start in goal on Saturday with a decision on Sunday's starting goalie made after the Saturday game.
- If you have been monitoring the ECHL transaction list it is obvious many teams are still trying to improve their rosters through trades and signing of free agents. You can expect Steve Martinson is still spending plenty of time on the phone trying to put in place a roster that can compete but also at a good value and within budget. Additional changes are inevitable.
- There were only two games in the ECHL last night and one of them was Missouri at Tulsa. Missouri came out ahead with a 5-4 victory. Tulsa's Adam Pleskach had two more goals in a losing cause and now has nine goals in just six games to lead the ECHL.
- Mentioned yesterday Quad City will play their next five games in Brampton. The road trip isn't a two-week vacation across the border. The Mallards will return to the Quad-Cities after the first three games (Thursday, Friday, & Sunday) before departing again next Wednesday for the final two games.
DID YOU KNOW: Two of the highest scoring games in Allen American's history have been home losses against Tulsa. Allen lost the home opener this year against Tulsa by a score of 9-6. Last November Tulsa beat Allen 10-8 at home.
- Decisions on who plays this weekend will not be made for a couple of days however, Martinson does expect Spencer Asuchak will be in the line up on Saturday.
- The lines for Saturday obviously depend on who will play but from observing practice the top line (Combs, Schultz, Costello) will stay intact, Asuchak may start centering Greger Hanson and Austin Smith, and a third line may include Schaafsma, Steffes & McMillin.
- One player to keep an eye on this weekend is rookie defenseman Justin Baker. He has been flying under the radar thus far with all of the high powered experienced defensemen on the team but he has been playing very well.
- Garrett Clarke has been suspended for three additional games for a total of a four game suspension as a result of an unpenalized hit in the October 31st game in Rapid City. He will miss the two games this weekend against Tulsa and the road game against Missouri on November 14th. Haven't seen the video and know some who saw the hit thought it was a clean hit but given his past reputation Clarke will never get the benefit of the doubt. Not saying the discipline wasn't deserved just saying Clarke will be watched very closely. NHL and AHL teams do not want their players assigned to the ECHL if the league doesn't closely monitor these type of hits very closely. They sure don't want their developmental players in the ECHL if they feel there is risk of injury by players taking runs at them.
- With Clarke out of the lineup this weekend and Trevor Ludwig eligible to come off the 21 day injured reserve on Friday would expect he will play this weekend. If that does happen another veteran will have to be placed on reserve or 21 day injured reserve. Remember, Allen has five veterans under contract (both Ludwigs, Di Diomete, Combs & Costello) and can only have four play in a game.
- ECHL roster limits go from 21 to 20 after the first month of the season. So active rosters must be reduced to 20 on November 16 (by 3:00 pm ET). Players on 21 day injured reserve do not count toward the active roster limit of 20.
- Forward Jesse Messier has been placed on the 21 day injured reserve effective November 2nd.
- Would expect Aaron Dell will start in goal on Saturday with a decision on Sunday's starting goalie made after the Saturday game.
- If you have been monitoring the ECHL transaction list it is obvious many teams are still trying to improve their rosters through trades and signing of free agents. You can expect Steve Martinson is still spending plenty of time on the phone trying to put in place a roster that can compete but also at a good value and within budget. Additional changes are inevitable.
- There were only two games in the ECHL last night and one of them was Missouri at Tulsa. Missouri came out ahead with a 5-4 victory. Tulsa's Adam Pleskach had two more goals in a losing cause and now has nine goals in just six games to lead the ECHL.
- Mentioned yesterday Quad City will play their next five games in Brampton. The road trip isn't a two-week vacation across the border. The Mallards will return to the Quad-Cities after the first three games (Thursday, Friday, & Sunday) before departing again next Wednesday for the final two games.
DID YOU KNOW: Two of the highest scoring games in Allen American's history have been home losses against Tulsa. Allen lost the home opener this year against Tulsa by a score of 9-6. Last November Tulsa beat Allen 10-8 at home.
Tuesday, November 4, 2014
This And That - 11/4/2014
- The Allen Americans have a few days of practice before they take on the Tulsa Oilers on Saturday (7:05) and Sunday (4:05) so plenty of time to work on some of the issues coach Martinson has discussed recently including stick penalties, gap control and puck support. The team may even get a day off since they have a week between games.
- With a 2-2 record in their first four games the Americans are tied for fourth place in the ECHL Central Division. Tulsa leads the division (tied with Rapid City) with seven points and play Missouri tonight (Tuesday) in Tulsa. It will be important for Allen to get four points this weekend.
- Brampton is 0-4 and still looking for their first win of the season. They do have one point from an overtime loss but are the only team in the ECHL without a victory. They are now at home for five consecutive games, all against the Quad City Mallards.
- Other than one game on December 7th when the Wheeling Nailers travel to Brampton the seven new ECHL teams will not have a game against the old ECHL teams until December 29th.
- After four games the Allen team leaders include:
Points (7) - Greger Hanson
Goals (4) - Greger Hanson, Jack Combs, Ian Schultz
Assists (4) - Chad Costello
Plus/Minus (+3) - Ian Schultz
- Allen is ranked #11 of 28 teams in the ECHL in average attendance however that is based on only one home game which was the home opener when the championship banner from last year was raised. It will be difficult to maintain the average based on that one game (5006). After 87 games across the ECHL the average attendance is 4465. There are two teams (Brampton & Elmira) who are averaging fewer than 3000.
- Allen is only four games into the season but it is interesting the difference from last year to this year in scoring from rookies and the defensemen. Allen had the top scoring rookie (Alex Lavoie) and defenseman (Tyler Ludwig) in the CHL last year. This year Tyler is tied for 28th among defensmen and Allen has no rookie in the top 75 in scoring by rookies in the ECHL. These numbers will obviously improve but it sure is a different start from last year. As a reminder Allen started the season last year by winning seven of their first eight games.
- With an average age of 26.45 years the 2014-2015 Allen Americans are the oldest in team history. The youngest team was the 2010-2011 team with an average age of 24.77.
- Not sure what it means as the "reserve" in the ECHL can be used for many different purposes but yesterday Spencer Asuchak was activated from reserve and Devin Di Diomete was placed on reserve. Remember, there is no minimum time you must stay on reserve so this does not say anything about what 18 players will be playing this weekend.
- Have mentioned this before but in retrospect what an amazing group of leaders Allen had on the championship team last year. Four guys who had worn the "C" in the CHL (Berube, Lukin, Rouleau & Tetrault) plus many more who were alternate captains. Here is a list of players from last year that are in leadership roles this year. It says a lot when a player joins a new team and is selected as an on ice leader.
(C) - Jamie Schaafsma, Allen
(A) - Trevor Ludwig, Allen
(A) - Tyler Ludwig, Allen
(A) - Darryl Bootland, Colorado
(A) - Daniel Tetrault, Rapid City
(A) - Bruce Graham, Nottingham
(A) - Trevor Hendrikx, Cardiff
(A) - Garrett Klotz, Indy
(A) - Jarret Lukin , Evansville
DID YOU KNOW: There have only been four 30 goals scorers in the history of the Allen Americans and three of them happened in the same year. In 2010-2011 Bruce Graham and Nino Musitelli had 34 goals and Colton Yellow Horn had 33 goals. The fourth 30 goal scorer was Bruce Graham who scored 31 goals in Allen's first year (2009-2010). With six extra games in the ECHL a good chance Allen will have one or more 30 goal scorers this year.
- With a 2-2 record in their first four games the Americans are tied for fourth place in the ECHL Central Division. Tulsa leads the division (tied with Rapid City) with seven points and play Missouri tonight (Tuesday) in Tulsa. It will be important for Allen to get four points this weekend.
- Brampton is 0-4 and still looking for their first win of the season. They do have one point from an overtime loss but are the only team in the ECHL without a victory. They are now at home for five consecutive games, all against the Quad City Mallards.
- Other than one game on December 7th when the Wheeling Nailers travel to Brampton the seven new ECHL teams will not have a game against the old ECHL teams until December 29th.
- After four games the Allen team leaders include:
Points (7) - Greger Hanson
Goals (4) - Greger Hanson, Jack Combs, Ian Schultz
Assists (4) - Chad Costello
Plus/Minus (+3) - Ian Schultz
- Allen is ranked #11 of 28 teams in the ECHL in average attendance however that is based on only one home game which was the home opener when the championship banner from last year was raised. It will be difficult to maintain the average based on that one game (5006). After 87 games across the ECHL the average attendance is 4465. There are two teams (Brampton & Elmira) who are averaging fewer than 3000.
- Allen is only four games into the season but it is interesting the difference from last year to this year in scoring from rookies and the defensemen. Allen had the top scoring rookie (Alex Lavoie) and defenseman (Tyler Ludwig) in the CHL last year. This year Tyler is tied for 28th among defensmen and Allen has no rookie in the top 75 in scoring by rookies in the ECHL. These numbers will obviously improve but it sure is a different start from last year. As a reminder Allen started the season last year by winning seven of their first eight games.
- With an average age of 26.45 years the 2014-2015 Allen Americans are the oldest in team history. The youngest team was the 2010-2011 team with an average age of 24.77.
- Not sure what it means as the "reserve" in the ECHL can be used for many different purposes but yesterday Spencer Asuchak was activated from reserve and Devin Di Diomete was placed on reserve. Remember, there is no minimum time you must stay on reserve so this does not say anything about what 18 players will be playing this weekend.
- Have mentioned this before but in retrospect what an amazing group of leaders Allen had on the championship team last year. Four guys who had worn the "C" in the CHL (Berube, Lukin, Rouleau & Tetrault) plus many more who were alternate captains. Here is a list of players from last year that are in leadership roles this year. It says a lot when a player joins a new team and is selected as an on ice leader.
(C) - Jamie Schaafsma, Allen
(A) - Trevor Ludwig, Allen
(A) - Tyler Ludwig, Allen
(A) - Darryl Bootland, Colorado
(A) - Daniel Tetrault, Rapid City
(A) - Bruce Graham, Nottingham
(A) - Trevor Hendrikx, Cardiff
(A) - Garrett Klotz, Indy
(A) - Jarret Lukin , Evansville
DID YOU KNOW: There have only been four 30 goals scorers in the history of the Allen Americans and three of them happened in the same year. In 2010-2011 Bruce Graham and Nino Musitelli had 34 goals and Colton Yellow Horn had 33 goals. The fourth 30 goal scorer was Bruce Graham who scored 31 goals in Allen's first year (2009-2010). With six extra games in the ECHL a good chance Allen will have one or more 30 goal scorers this year.
Monday, November 3, 2014
30 Questions With Devin Di Diomete - A Player Profile
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| Devin Di Diomete just started his seventh year as a professional and has played in 200 AHL games |
Back in September when it was announced that Devin Di Diomete had signed with the Allen Americans it was no surprise as Steve Martinson has been trying to recruit Devin ever since he became the Allen coach back 2012. Di Diomete played for Martinson during the 2011-2012 season in Chicago (ECHL) and Martinson describes Devin like this, "He can do it all, skate, score, hit, fight, and make plays. He will be a fan favorite." He was drafted by the Calgary Flames in the 2006 NHL draft, has played 200 games in the American Hockey League (AHL) and also has played professional hockey in England, Italy and Sweden. A self described agitator who will always stick up for his teammates he has close to 200 fights in his hockey career including 31 fights in 2010-2011 when he led the AHL in fights.
The first impression when meeting Devin is the same impression you get when you see him play hockey. A guy that truly enjoys what he is doing and expresses it whenever he gets the chance. Someone who feels a 100% work ethic and lots of fun can go hand in hand. But what isn't so obvious until you talk to him is his absolute commitment to his team, the organization, the fans and the community.
Devin was kind enough to answer some get to know you questions so here goes:
Hockeydb and the Allen Americans team roster shows you as the lightest guy on the team at 176 pounds. How much do you weigh?
- I saw that and it is kind of funny as I haven't weighed 176 since I was in 9th grade. My weight is actually 212 pounds.
Can you tell us a little about your family?
- My father's name is Rob and he is a guidance counselor at a high school back home and my mom's name is Heidi and she is a nurse at a family doctor's office. I am the oldest of four children. My sister Haley is 24 and was just in Amsterdam working on her Masters degree, my brother Nolan is 22 and a paramedic in my hometown (Stratford, Ontario) and my youngest sister is Kiera who is 21 and manages a restaurant in my hometown.
You are wearing #84 and have worn that number before. Is that your favorite number?
- To be honest I am not a big number guy. If someone wanted my number it would be no problem giving it up. I usually take #84 as it is a number nobody wants.
What is your nickname?
- My nickname is "Deeds."
Who is your hockey hero?
-I would have to go with Steve Yzerman. I was a huge Red Wings fan growing up and the way he played the game was unbelievable. One of the best leaders to ever play the game and one of the best players as well.
At what age did you start skating? What is your earliest hockey memory?
- I remember my dad making a rink for me in the backyard when I was five or six and waking up before school to skate and my mom and dad yelling at me that I had to get ready for school. We had a big back yard before my parents put in a pool so my dad would always put in a rink. I did a lot of skating and shooting by myself and really loved it. I come from a small town so as I got older I usually played with kids a year or two older than me. I left home when I was 15 and was drafted by Sudbury of the Ontario Hockey league.
Can you describe your style of play?
- If you look at my stats most people would think all I am is a big goon but a lot of that comes from agitating. I like to think of myself as a player that can be trusted on the ice defensively and who can also score if given the opportunity. I have worked very hard the last couple of years to improve my skating and stick handling and being more aware of where my line mates are going to be. Playing in Europe with bigger ice has helped me as you are forced to skate and make plays. The super heavyweight in hockey is slowing finding its way out of the game because of rule changes and changes to the game itself. Teams can no longer have a guy whose only job is to fight.
Who is your favorite actor and actress?
- My favorite actor is Will Ferrell as I think he is hilarious. My favorite actress is Jennifer Aniston.
What is your favorite type of music?
- I like all types of music, it just depends on what kind of mood I am in.
Your current favorite singer or group?
- I have been listening to Eminem a lot recently.
What is a song or artist on your iPod you hope your teammates don't catch you listening to?
- Enrique Iglesias
If you could have lunch with anyone living who would you pick?
- Mike Tyson
What chore do you absolutely hate to do?
- I hate doing laundry.
What do you have that is of great value to you but little value to anyone else?
- My iPod as I love music.
Who do you admire as a leader?
- I would have to say my father. I have always looked up to him and he has been a big inspiration for me.
Where is the most interesting place you have ever visited?
- Barcelona, Spain
If you could live in another country for two years where would you pick?
- I would pick Prague in the Czech Republic.
If you could be anything beside a pro hockey player what would it be?
- I would pursue a career in business.
Do you have any pre-game routines, rituals or superstitions?
- To be honest I don't like doing that stuff as if you start thinking about I did this and I scored and try to repeat it you just create mind games for yourself. I just like to come to the rink, listen to music, stretch out and then do my thing.
What do you like to do to kill time on the bus?
- I like to watch TV shows on the bus and sleeping a lot.
What was your favorite childhood toy?
- I had a Sega video game console when I was a kid and used that a lot.
Do you have a favorite motto or saying?
- Not a saying for life but one of my coaches always said, "When in doubt knock'em out and ask questions later." It is not too inspirational but it has stuck with me.
What is your favorite TV show?
- I was a big Entourage fan. Currently I would have to say Suits.
If you could choose someone as a mentor who would you choose?
- My father, he is extremely dedicated to his profession and his family.
Did you know anyone on the Allen team before you signed here?
- I knew Steve Martinson having played for him before but I only knew the players from playing against some of them.
 |
| Devin played for Steve Martinson and the Chicago Express in 2011-2012 |
What do you like to do away from the rink?
- I like to relax when I am away from the rink. I love football so watch a lot of that on TV. I have started to golf more since coming to Allen and I am a pretty big tennis player as I like that a lot.
Had you ever spent anytime in Texas prior to signing in Allen?
- When I was playing in Chicago (AHL) we had a long road trip and played in Houston, Austin and San Antonio and it was the favorite road trip I have been on in my entire career.
What is your favorite career hockey moment?
- I would have to say from a personal standpoint it was when I was drafted by the NHL. Growing up in Canada that is every kids dream. From a team standpoint it was when I was playing for Sudbury (OHL) and we went to the league finals. We were the last team to make the playoffs and knocked off the one, two and three seeds to make it to the finals. I have yet to win a championship so am hoping to win one in Allen.
Have you had any major injuries over the years?
- I have had two major hip surgeries that has put a damper on my career, however, I am playing today because of those surgeries. At one end it is disappointing but at the same time I get to play a game for a profession. There are young guys that want to get out of the ECHL and go to a higher level. For myself I played at a high level for a long time and with those hip surgeries I had to sign a legal document that says I can't sign a contract in the AHL or NHL. Allen is a place I am going to call home and am going to enjoy my time here. You can come to the rink and work super hard but also have some fun. We are pretty lucky in the grand scheme of things to be able to put equipment on and play a game for a living. Sure, there are higher levels to play at but at the end of the day we are all here because we love the game and we get to play it for fun.
As we were wrapping up Devin wanted to share that though he sometimes plays like a maniac he doesn't want the Allen fans to be intimidated to come up to him to talk, ask questions or get an autograph. There is one person that is on the ice but a different person off the ice. He likes to have a laugh and is very approachable and he wants all of the fans to know that.
Devin's statistics courtesy of Hockeydb:
Devin DiDiomete
Defense -- shoots R
Born May 9 1988 -- Stratford, ONT
[26 yrs. ago]
Height 5.11 -- Weight 212
Born May 9 1988 -- Stratford, ONT
[26 yrs. ago]
Height 5.11 -- Weight 212
-
round 7 #187 overall 2006 NHL Entry Draft
| Regular Season | Playoffs | ||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Season | Team | Lge | GP | G | A | Pts | PIM | +/- | GP | G | A | Pts | PIM |
| 2004-05 | Sudbury Wolves | OHL | 58 | 7 | 8 | 15 | 113 | -2 | 11 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 11 |
| 2005-06 | Sudbury Wolves | OHL | 60 | 15 | 21 | 36 | 202 | 0 | 10 | 0 | 4 | 4 | 26 |
| 2006-07 | Sudbury Wolves | OHL | 62 | 21 | 19 | 40 | 205 | 1 | 21 | 6 | 6 | 12 | 62 |
| 2007-08 | Sarnia Sting | OHL | 56 | 23 | 33 | 56 | 216 | 5 | 9 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 40 |
| 2008-09 | Hartford Wolf Pack | AHL | 73 | 4 | 5 | 9 | 239 | -4 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 6 |
| 2009-10 | Charlotte Checkers | ECHL | 15 | 2 | 2 | 4 | 128 | -6 | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- |
| 2009-10 | Hartford Wolf Pack | AHL | 34 | 0 | 2 | 2 | 119 | 2 | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- |
| 2010-11 | Hartford Wolf Pack/CT Whale | AHL | 63 | 6 | 4 | 10 | 303 | -2 | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- |
| 2011-12 | Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins | AHL | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 1 | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- |
| 2011-12 | Wheeling Nailers | ECHL | 2 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 4 | 2 | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- |
| 2011-12 | Chicago Express | ECHL | 41 | 11 | 16 | 27 | 277 | 10 | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- |
| 2011-12 | Houston Aeros | AHL | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- |
| 2012-13 | Cardiff Devils | EIHL | 19 | 2 | 8 | 10 | 123 | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | |
| 2012-13 | Colorado Eagles | ECHL | 9 | 4 | 3 | 7 | 45 | -1 | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- |
| 2012-13 | Chicago Wolves | AHL | 23 | 2 | 3 | 5 | 57 | 1 | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- |
| 2013-14 | Farjestads BK Karlstad | SweHL | 12 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 32 | 1 | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- |
| 2013-14 | Milan | Italy-A | 23 | 10 | 14 | 24 | 65 | 4 | 6 | 1 | 7 | 12 | |
| 2014-15 | Sheffield Steelers | EIHL | 5 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 12 | 0 | |||||
| 2014-15 | Allen Americans | ECHL | 4 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 20 | -1 | |||||
DID YOU KNOW: Devin Di Diomete has had many fight over the years with some familiar names to Allen fans. He has fought Antoine Roussel of the Dallas Stars twice winning both fights and has also won fights against Jason Pitton (Brampton), David Rutherford (Missouri) and Theo Peckham (Wichita).
Sunday, November 2, 2014
Americans Lose 4-2, Martinson's Post Game Comments, Allen Signs Star's Prospect Austin Smith
It is always difficult to win back to back games against the same team on the road and that proved to be the case last night as Rapid City flipped the script on Allen and beat the Americans by a score of 4-2 before a crowd of 4229 at the Rushmore Plaza Civic Center. The game was almost the exact opposite of Friday night when Allen came away with the victory. Rush goalie, Danny Battochio, who was pulled after giving up three goals by the 6:32 mark of the first period on Friday, came back to have a great game last night and had some key first period saves for Rapid City. Allen got off to a fast start on Friday but it was the Rush with the fast start on Saturday as two first period power play goals gave them a 2-0 lead and they built the lead to 3-0 in the second period before Allen could get on the scoreboard. And when Allen pulled their goalie and scored a six on four power play goal with three minutes remaining in the game to close the gap to 3-2 Rapid City responded with a goal of their own just 25 seconds later to seal the victory. The Americans headed back to Allen after the game and do not play again until they host the Tulsa Oilers for back to back games at the Allen Event Center next Saturday (11/8) and Sunday (11/9).
STEVE MARTINSON'S POST GAME COMMENTS:
- Stick/retaliation penalties continue to hurt us as Rapid City scored on their first two power play opportunities tonight. We had twelve of these penalties over the two games and Rapid City scored three of their five goals on the power play this weekend.
- If you take bad penalties it is made worse if you have a bad penalty kill and that is what happened at the start of the game.
- We will have another week of practice which will help as we need work on puck support and gap control. It will be back to Hockey 101 this week at practice.
OTHER COMMENTS:
- Goal scorers for Allen were Tyler Ludwig and Jack Combs. Combs and Ian Schultz have both had points in all four games Allen has played thus far.
- Despite scoring only one power play goal in ten chances in the two games in Rapid City the Americans still have the #1 ranked power play in the ECHL at 30.0%
- The penalty kill unit gave up two goals in five attempts last night and is ranked #22 in the league with a penalty kill percentage of 77.3%.
- With a 2-2 record and four points Allen ranks tied for #23 in the ECHL in points. They do have several games in hand over most of the teams in the league. The only teams in the ECHL with fewer points than Allen are Missouri and Alaska with two and Brampton with one.
- It might be time to acknowledge what was said by many when the seven new teams joined the ECHL that they would struggle against the older teams. With two more losses last night the record when one of the new ECHL teams play one of the older teams is now at 1-8-1. Still plenty of time to improve on this record. Allen doesn't get their first chance until the end of January when the play Indy (1/23), Toledo (1/24), and Kalamazoo (1/25).
- One way to look at the strength of a team besides their record is goal differential. Two teams that are starting to separate themselves from the pack are the Idaho Steelheads who have a record of 6-1 and a goal differential of +14 and the Fort Wayne Komets who have a record of 6-1 and a goal differential of +10. Idaho has score 28 goals and only given up 14 while Fort Wayne has score 28 goals and allowed 18. Allen has a goal differential of zero as they have scored and allowed seventeen goals.
- The Americans announced yesterday they have signed forward Austin Smith. A Dallas native who was one of three finalists for the 2012 Hobey Baker Award (hockey's Heisman Award), Smith was drafted by the Dallas Stars in the fifth round of the 2007 NHL draft. Since finishing his collegiate career in 2012 (Colgate University) he has played in 38 AHL games (Texas Stars) and 42 ECHL games for the Idaho Steelheads. In 2012-2013 he had fifty points (27 goals, 23 assists) in 38 games for Idaho. Before joining the Americans, Smith had been playing in Finland. Smith is described as a hard working winger with good wheels who plays both ends of the ice. Has nice hands but plays more of a a straightforward style with not too much flash and dash. A quick creative player who has a good shot that he gets off quickly. Smart player with good offensive instincts. strong on the forecheck and plays a high energy game and is very competitive. He also adds to the many outstanding scholar athletes on this year's team as Austin was a three year member of the NCAA All Academic Team while attending Colgate University.
Here are the statistics for Austin Smith courtesy of Hockeydb:
Drafted by Dallas Stars
DID YOU KNOW: The Dallas Stars had the 128th and 129th overall pick in the fifth round of the 2007 NHL draft. Austin Smith was taken with the 128th pick and current Dallas Stars captain, Jamie Benn was taken with the 129th pick.
STEVE MARTINSON'S POST GAME COMMENTS:
- Stick/retaliation penalties continue to hurt us as Rapid City scored on their first two power play opportunities tonight. We had twelve of these penalties over the two games and Rapid City scored three of their five goals on the power play this weekend.
- If you take bad penalties it is made worse if you have a bad penalty kill and that is what happened at the start of the game.
- We will have another week of practice which will help as we need work on puck support and gap control. It will be back to Hockey 101 this week at practice.
OTHER COMMENTS:
- Goal scorers for Allen were Tyler Ludwig and Jack Combs. Combs and Ian Schultz have both had points in all four games Allen has played thus far.
- Despite scoring only one power play goal in ten chances in the two games in Rapid City the Americans still have the #1 ranked power play in the ECHL at 30.0%
- The penalty kill unit gave up two goals in five attempts last night and is ranked #22 in the league with a penalty kill percentage of 77.3%.
- With a 2-2 record and four points Allen ranks tied for #23 in the ECHL in points. They do have several games in hand over most of the teams in the league. The only teams in the ECHL with fewer points than Allen are Missouri and Alaska with two and Brampton with one.
- It might be time to acknowledge what was said by many when the seven new teams joined the ECHL that they would struggle against the older teams. With two more losses last night the record when one of the new ECHL teams play one of the older teams is now at 1-8-1. Still plenty of time to improve on this record. Allen doesn't get their first chance until the end of January when the play Indy (1/23), Toledo (1/24), and Kalamazoo (1/25).
- One way to look at the strength of a team besides their record is goal differential. Two teams that are starting to separate themselves from the pack are the Idaho Steelheads who have a record of 6-1 and a goal differential of +14 and the Fort Wayne Komets who have a record of 6-1 and a goal differential of +10. Idaho has score 28 goals and only given up 14 while Fort Wayne has score 28 goals and allowed 18. Allen has a goal differential of zero as they have scored and allowed seventeen goals.
- The Americans announced yesterday they have signed forward Austin Smith. A Dallas native who was one of three finalists for the 2012 Hobey Baker Award (hockey's Heisman Award), Smith was drafted by the Dallas Stars in the fifth round of the 2007 NHL draft. Since finishing his collegiate career in 2012 (Colgate University) he has played in 38 AHL games (Texas Stars) and 42 ECHL games for the Idaho Steelheads. In 2012-2013 he had fifty points (27 goals, 23 assists) in 38 games for Idaho. Before joining the Americans, Smith had been playing in Finland. Smith is described as a hard working winger with good wheels who plays both ends of the ice. Has nice hands but plays more of a a straightforward style with not too much flash and dash. A quick creative player who has a good shot that he gets off quickly. Smart player with good offensive instincts. strong on the forecheck and plays a high energy game and is very competitive. He also adds to the many outstanding scholar athletes on this year's team as Austin was a three year member of the NCAA All Academic Team while attending Colgate University.
 |
| Hobey Baker Finalist, Dallas Stars 5th Round Draft Choice Austin Smith Signs With Allen |
Here are the statistics for Austin Smith courtesy of Hockeydb:
Austin Smith
Right Wing -- shoots R
Born Nov 7 1988 -- Dallas, TX
[25 yrs. ago]
Height 5.11 -- Weight 180
Born Nov 7 1988 -- Dallas, TX
[25 yrs. ago]
Height 5.11 -- Weight 180
-
round 5 #128 overall 2007 NHL Entry Draft
| Regular Season | Playoffs | ||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Season | Team | Lge | GP | G | A | Pts | PIM | +/- | GP | G | A | Pts | PIM |
| 2007-08 | Penticton Vees | BCHL | 60 | 32 | 35 | 67 | 42 | 15 | 11 | 11 | 22 | 12 | |
| 2008-09 | Colgate University | ECAC | 37 | 17 | 14 | 31 | 24 | ||||||
| 2009-10 | Colgate University | ECAC | 36 | 16 | 25 | 41 | 20 | ||||||
| 2010-11 | Colgate University | ECAC | 41 | 10 | 21 | 31 | 36 | ||||||
| 2011-12 | Colgate University | ECAC | 39 | 36 | 21 | 57 | 30 | ||||||
| 2011-12 | Texas Stars | AHL | 12 | 0 | 3 | 3 | 8 | -6 | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- |
| 2012-13 | Texas Stars | AHL | 16 | 2 | 1 | 3 | 6 | 1 | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- |
| 2012-13 | Idaho Steelheads | ECHL | 38 | 27 | 23 | 50 | 15 | 24 | 17 | 7 | 5 | 12 | 12 |
| 2013-14 | Texas Stars | AHL | 10 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 4 | -1 | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- |
| 2013-14 | Idaho Steelheads | ECHL | 4 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 18 | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | |
| 2013-14 | Assat Pori | SM-liiga | 28 | 6 | 7 | 13 | 20 | -5 | |||||
| 2014-15 | Assat Pori* | SM-liiga | 10 | 2 | 1 | 3 | 8 | 6 | |||||
DID YOU KNOW: The Dallas Stars had the 128th and 129th overall pick in the fifth round of the 2007 NHL draft. Austin Smith was taken with the 128th pick and current Dallas Stars captain, Jamie Benn was taken with the 129th pick.
Saturday, November 1, 2014
Allen Wins, The Good, The Bad, The Ugly & Martinson's Post Game Comments
If you didn't stay up for the end of the Allen Americans game last night and and just saw the final score was a 4-1 victory over the Rapid City Rush with no goals allowed in the third period it would sound like a great game by the Americans. Anytime you can get a victory on the road it is a great game but there is plenty of room for improvement as Allen prepares to play Rapid City again tonight. Allen scored three goals in less than three minutes early in the first period to chase Rush goalie Danny Battochio and quiet the Rushmore Plaza Civic Center crowd of 3433. Despite giving up numerous power play chances to Rapid City the play of goalie Riley Gill allowed Allen to maintain their led even as they were out shot by the Rush 19-4 in the third period. For his efforts Gill was named the #1 star of the game. All four goals for the Americans came from the top line as moving Ian Schultz to the line with Chad Costello and Jack Combs proved very successful. Not only did they score all four goals (two each by Schultz and Combs) they were all +4 for the game.
STEVE MARTINSON POST GAME COMMENTS:
- The Schultz, Costello, Combs line played very well. They had four goals tonight but could have had eight.
- We are taking too many bad penalties. You can play tough, finish your checks and not take penalties and that is what we have to do. Players have to move their feet and take the body and not take all of the stick penalties like tripping, slashing and hooking.
- I thought we should have had a few more power plays in the game.
- Riley Gill played well in goal especially in the third period when Rapid City had so much power play time and out shot us 19-4.
OTHER COMMENTS:
- Allen only had three power play opportunities in the game and did not score however they still lead the ECHL in power play efficiency at 38.5% (5 for 13).
- The penalty kill unit allowed only one goal as the Rush were one for ten in the game. Allen had twelve minor penalties in the game which is the most by any team in the league thus far this season.
- Allen now leads the league in average penalty minutes per game at 26.67.
- As coach Martinson had predicted during training camp this team should not have any trouble scoring goals, while the key will be team defense. Allen is ranked #1 in the ECHL in average goals per game having scored fifteen goals in three games for a 5.0 goals per game average. However, on the flip side, the Americans rank #26 in average goals allowed at 4.33. Interestingly the four worst teams in the ECHL in average goals allowed come from the old CHL teams (Tulsa 4.25, Allen 4.33, Brampton 4.33 and Missouri 4.67.)
- Allen should play relaxed in the rematch against Rapid City tonight (Saturday) having won last night but in order to sweep the Rush they will have to do a much better job in avoiding penalties.
- Allen is now 2-0 on the road and 0-1 at home. In the two road victories they have not allowed a goal in the third period. Allen has always been a good road team as evidenced by the fact that they have a better road record than home record in the last five years.
- The struggles continue for the seven new ECHL teams to win games against the older ECHL teams. Last night Quad City lost to Cincinnati 3-2 and Brampton lost to Elmira 3-2 in overtime. These teams play each other again tonight. The overall record of the seven new ECHL teams against the older ECHL teams now stands at 1-6-1.
- It was a good night for several players that have moved on from last year's championship team. Darryl Bootland had a Gordie Howe hat trick (goal, assist & a fight) to help Colorado to victory, Alex Lavoie had a goal as his Florida Everblades won and Kale Kerbashian had the game tying goal in the third period and assist as his Evansville IceMen lost in a shootout.
- Former Allen teammates Dallas Ehrhardt who is now with Missouri and Charles Lachance who is now with Tulsa had a go last night and fought each other to a draw as Missouri won the game 4-3 in overtime.
- Adam Pleskach had all three goals for Tulsa in their 4-3 loss to Missouri and now leads the ECHL in goals scored with seven goals in only four games played.
- If the ECHL stats are accurate Kale Kerbashian has only taken three shots in the first three games he has played for Evansville and scored on all three to lead the league with a 100% shooting percentage. Impressive!
- Talk about a good penalty kill unit, the Toledo Walleye are still at 100% having not allowed a goal in 26 short handed situations over six games.
DID YOU KNOW: Darryl Bootland leads the ECHL in penalty minutes with 49 in just six games. If he keeps up that pace for the entire season he would accumulate 587 penalty minutes and smash the ECHL single season penalty minute record of 512 set by Rob McCaig in 1995-1996.
STEVE MARTINSON POST GAME COMMENTS:
- The Schultz, Costello, Combs line played very well. They had four goals tonight but could have had eight.
- We are taking too many bad penalties. You can play tough, finish your checks and not take penalties and that is what we have to do. Players have to move their feet and take the body and not take all of the stick penalties like tripping, slashing and hooking.
- I thought we should have had a few more power plays in the game.
- Riley Gill played well in goal especially in the third period when Rapid City had so much power play time and out shot us 19-4.
OTHER COMMENTS:
- Allen only had three power play opportunities in the game and did not score however they still lead the ECHL in power play efficiency at 38.5% (5 for 13).
- The penalty kill unit allowed only one goal as the Rush were one for ten in the game. Allen had twelve minor penalties in the game which is the most by any team in the league thus far this season.
- Allen now leads the league in average penalty minutes per game at 26.67.
- As coach Martinson had predicted during training camp this team should not have any trouble scoring goals, while the key will be team defense. Allen is ranked #1 in the ECHL in average goals per game having scored fifteen goals in three games for a 5.0 goals per game average. However, on the flip side, the Americans rank #26 in average goals allowed at 4.33. Interestingly the four worst teams in the ECHL in average goals allowed come from the old CHL teams (Tulsa 4.25, Allen 4.33, Brampton 4.33 and Missouri 4.67.)
- Allen should play relaxed in the rematch against Rapid City tonight (Saturday) having won last night but in order to sweep the Rush they will have to do a much better job in avoiding penalties.
- Allen is now 2-0 on the road and 0-1 at home. In the two road victories they have not allowed a goal in the third period. Allen has always been a good road team as evidenced by the fact that they have a better road record than home record in the last five years.
- The struggles continue for the seven new ECHL teams to win games against the older ECHL teams. Last night Quad City lost to Cincinnati 3-2 and Brampton lost to Elmira 3-2 in overtime. These teams play each other again tonight. The overall record of the seven new ECHL teams against the older ECHL teams now stands at 1-6-1.
- It was a good night for several players that have moved on from last year's championship team. Darryl Bootland had a Gordie Howe hat trick (goal, assist & a fight) to help Colorado to victory, Alex Lavoie had a goal as his Florida Everblades won and Kale Kerbashian had the game tying goal in the third period and assist as his Evansville IceMen lost in a shootout.
- Former Allen teammates Dallas Ehrhardt who is now with Missouri and Charles Lachance who is now with Tulsa had a go last night and fought each other to a draw as Missouri won the game 4-3 in overtime.
- Adam Pleskach had all three goals for Tulsa in their 4-3 loss to Missouri and now leads the ECHL in goals scored with seven goals in only four games played.
- If the ECHL stats are accurate Kale Kerbashian has only taken three shots in the first three games he has played for Evansville and scored on all three to lead the league with a 100% shooting percentage. Impressive!
- Talk about a good penalty kill unit, the Toledo Walleye are still at 100% having not allowed a goal in 26 short handed situations over six games.
DID YOU KNOW: Darryl Bootland leads the ECHL in penalty minutes with 49 in just six games. If he keeps up that pace for the entire season he would accumulate 587 penalty minutes and smash the ECHL single season penalty minute record of 512 set by Rob McCaig in 1995-1996.
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