Barry The Blogger - Follow me on twitter at @allenamericans1 and/or like my Facebook page at Allen Americans Blog. This is the official blog of the Allen Americans.
A big part of the Allen Americans opening day roster was decided yesterday when coach Martinson released goalie Chris Nell. The Americans will start the season with two excellent netminders, sixth year pro C.J. Motte and second year pro Zach Sawchenko. Allen will have two top notch goalies to start the season who have played for Allen in the past.
C.J. MOTTE - Motte is a former ECHL all-star who was a finalist for the NCAA top collegiate player (Hobey Baker Award) in 2013-14 when he played for Ferris State University. After the 2018-19 season in Allen he went to Europe (Austria & England) to play. He finished the season with the Coventry Blaze in the EIHL and had the best save percentage in the league (.927). Motte suffered through the worst season in Allen history in 2018-19 but had respectable stats none the less. He had a winning record (18-17-4-2) and a save percentage of .910. When he wasn't in goal Allen's record was 7-24-0-0. There isn't a player that works harder and is more intense at practice than C.J. and it will be great to see him in goal this season with a better team in front of him.
ZACH SAWCHENKO - As a rookie last season Zach was assigned to Allen by the San Jose Barracuda (AHL). He played his first game for the Americans on November 2, a win against Rapid City. He played 13 games in Allen before being recalled by San Jose and was with the Barracuda the rest of the season. In the two months Zach was in Allen he was one of the best goalies in the league. He finished with a record of 8-2-2-1, a GAA of 2.35 and save percentage of .930. Playing for a last place team in San Jose, Sawchenko had a record of 6-4-2, GAA of 2.87 and save percentage of .911.
- Coach Martinson shared that there is another AHL contracted player that will be coming to Allen from the San Jose organization. You may wonder why Martinson is taking so many of these players. There are several factors starting with the fact there will be two more skaters (18 instead of 16) dress for the first month of the season. Just as important Martinson can have three AHL contracted players that he doesn't have to pay for and don't count against the salary cap. The savings from this over keeping three rookies would be just over $10,000 so it is a wise choice given the financial straits ECHL teams find themselves in this season.
- Haven't seen anything new about the five teams (Cincinnati,
Fort Wayne, Idaho, Kalamazoo, Toledo) that still haven't declared if
they are going to play this season. You would think the 13 teams that
are planning a 72 game season would want to get their schedule finalized
sooner than later. The Americans last scheduled game is January 9. With
all of the logistics that go into planning for games, especially road
games, a decision by the five teams that still haven't decided has to
happen soon.
- It is hard to over estimate the impact COVID-19 has had on players, teams and leagues. I was surprised to find this when doing research for my ECHL Stats and Information post today:
Of the top 20 scorers in the ECHL last season only four are in training camp with the 13 teams starting play next week:
Eric Neiley , Jacksonville
Peter Quenneville, Rapid City
Tyler Sheehy, Allen
Spencer Watson, Indy
Quenneville, Sheehy and Watson are with the same teams they played for last season. Neiley signed with Jacksonville after Atlanta opted out.
The other 16 of the top 20 scorers are overseas, retired, unsigned or waiting to see if their team plays or opts out of the 2020-21 season.
- There was ECHL hockey last night for the first time in nine months. The Florida Everblades beat the Orlando Solar Bears 5-4 in a preseason game. There are two more preseason games scheduled tonight, Orlando at Florida and South Carolina at Greenville.
- If you are interested in Allen Americans gear, today is the day to stop by the team store and shop. Everything in the store is 25% off. Not very often everything in the store is on sale. Michelle Martinson tells me it is the best sale they have had and there is plenty of new merchandise. Tell them Barry the Blogger sent you and you will get absolutely nothing for mentioning it (I won't get anything either). Store hours today are 10:00 to 4:00.
- Here is an interesting article about scientists trying to figure out why youth hockey has had more COVID outbreaks than other youth sports. Part of the article says, "Ice hockey is an anomaly, Scientists are studying hockey related outbreaks hoping to find clues about ideal conditions in which coronavirus thrives and how to stop it. Experts speculate that ice rinks may trap the virus around head level in a rink that, by design, restricts air flow, temperature and humidity." A good read and food for thought no matter how you feeling about the dangers of COVID: https://www.washingtonpost.com/health/2020/12/04/hockey-covid-transmission-outbreaks/
Steve Martinson has added to an already crowded training camp roster with the signing of forward Samuel "Sam" Laberge (luh BERZH). Martinson had this to say about Laberge, "Sam is a big, strong, physical player that can also score goals. This signing gives us the right balance between skill, speed, size and toughness."
Laberge will be starting his fourth professional season having played two seasons with the Texas Stars and playing in the LNAH, known as the toughest hockey league in the world, last season. He played in the LNAH because he wanted to stay close to home (Quebec) because of family issues.
Laberge played his junior hockey for the Rimouski Oceanic in the QMJHL (Quebec Major Junior Hockey League) and had 120 points (55G, 65A) in 166 games. His team won the QMJHL championship in 2014-15 and he was the captain of the team in his last junior season (2016-17). Samuel was the back to back winner of the QMJHL Humanitarian of the Year Award for his work in the community. He is the only back to back winner of this award since it started being awarded by the QMJHL in 1992-93.
After juniors Laberge signed with the Texas Stars (AHL) where he played in 97 games between 2017-19. He had 22 points (8G, 14A) playing for the Stars.
Laberge had signed with the Adirondack Thunder for the 2020-21 season before they made the decision to opt out for the 2020-21 season. Martinson had recruited Samuel in the past so when he became a free agent it was a good fit. The 6'2" 205 pound, 23 year old left shot forward will provide both toughness and offense and will drop the gloves when necessary.
Checkout this tribute video of Samuel Laberge which takes you from when he started playing as a kid to signing an AHL contract with the Texas Stars and includes his QMLHL championship and Humanitarian of the Year award. It is in French with subtitles and well done.
- Here is the current training camp roster which includes three goalies, eight defensemen and 19 forwards. Coach Martinson will start to make cuts after the Sunday intrasquad scrimmage to get down to the 23 or 24 players on the opening day roster which is due December 9.
In parenthesis is the type of contract, 2019-20 team, nationality and age. Rookies (fewer than 25 pro games) are marked with * and veterans (260+ pro games in qualifying leagues) are marked with **
Goalies
C.J. Motte (ECHL, Coventry Blaze, USA, 28)
Chris Nell (ECHL, Atlanta Gladiators, USA, 26)
Zach Sawchenko (AHL, San Jose Barracuda, CAN, 22)
Defensemen
Phil Beaulieu* (AHL, Northern Michigan University, USA, 25)
Ben Carroll* (ECHL, Allen Americans, CAN, 25)
Cole Fraser (ECHL, Allen Americans, CAN, 21)
Nolan Kneen* (ECHL, Saskatoon Blades, CAN, 21)
Duggie Lagrone* (Tryout, Chambery, USA, 26)
Les Lancaster (ECHL, Stockton Heat, USA, 25)
Turner Ottenbreit (ECHL, Iowa Wild, CAN, 23)
Matt Register** (AHL, Iowa Wild, CAN, 31)
Forwards
Spencer Asuchak** (ECHL, Allen Americans, CAN, 29)
Jared Bethune* (ECHL, Queen's University, CAN, 23)
Corey Durocher (ECHL, Allen Americans, CAN, 28)
Zane Franklin* (ECHL, Kamloops Blazers, CAN, 21)
Joseph Garreffa* (AHL, Ottawa 67's, CAN, 21)
Jake Gricius* (Tryout, Portland Winterhawks, USA, 21)
Colton Heffley* (ECHL, Allen Americans, CAN, 26)
Kameron Kielly* (AHL, University of Prince Edward Island, 23)
Samuel Laberge (ECHL, Sorel-Tracy Eperviers, CAN, 23)
Josh Lammon (ECHL, Allen Americans, USA, 25)
Alex Lavoie (ECHL, Frisk Asker, CAN, 28)
Corey Mackin (ECHL, Reading Royals, USA, 25)
Jesse Mychan (AHL, Esbjerg Energy, CAN, 28)
Tyler Sheehy (AHL, Allen Americans, USA, 25)
Braylon Shmyr (ECHL, Guildford Flames, CAN, 23)
Dyson Stevenson** (ECHL, Utica Comets, CAN, 27)
Jared Van Wormer (ECHL, Allen Americans, USA, 28)
Patrick Watling (ECHL, University of New Brunswick, CAN, 27)
Larry Yellowknee* (Tryout, High Prairie Red Wings, CAN, 20)
- If you have ever heard Steve Martinson talk about how he constructs a team you know it is not a matter of just picking the best players. One of the sayings he often uses is you have to have players that carry the water and players that chop the wood. Getting the right balance of size, speed, skill and toughness is a big part of picking the team. If you look at the teams that have won the Stanley Cup, they typically are physical teams and that has been Martinson's philosophy over the years. He promised a more physical team than last season and that will be reflected in the final roster. One thing is sure, whether you are an AHL contract player or a tryout player, Martinson expects the same effort. While it is tough to make the roster as a tryout player, especially this season, it has happened before.
- With so many rookies and second year players on Allen's training camp roster the Americans are on the low side, compared to other teams holding training camps, when it comes to AHL experience. Allen's roster has 386 AHL games played. The 13 teams currently holding training camp have a total of 7115 AHL games played ranging from 1421 (South Carolina) to 70 (Tulsa).
- I tired to figure out where the Mountain Division teams stand with the number of fans that are allowed in their arenas. Wasn't able to find specific numbers on some so went with the general rules in place by the state or county. I wouldn't bet the farm on these numbers but I think they are close and will give you an idea of what the teams are dealing with.
Allen - 2150
Utah - 1800
Kansas City - 2000 (estimate)
Wichita - 25 (in place until January 9th when it could change)
Tulsa - 150 but can submit a COVID-19 safety plan for more than 150 to the Tulsa Dept.of Health 14 calendar days before the event.
Rapid City - no restrictions
Idaho - Idaho is the one Mountain Division team that has not decided if the will play in 2020-21. The current rule is no indoor gatherings of more than 10 people.
DID YOU KNOW: Allen will start the season with around 23 players on the roster but by season's end twice as many players will suit up for the Americans. Here is the total number of players utilized in each season since Allen joined the ECHL:
Training camp just started but it is already crunch time. In just six days, on December 9 at 3:00 pm ET, opening day rosters are due to the league office. With so many players in camp and more on the way the next few days will be critical. Coach Martinson is planning a intrasquad game type of practice on Sunday and by Monday you will see the roster being trimmed.
- For the first month of the season teams will be allowed to play two extra players, 18 skaters rather than 16. You can expect to see four lines and six defensemen dressing for games. As for the total number of players on the opening day roster it should be 23 or 24.
- Two more AHL contracted players have been assigned to Allen and coach Martinson has signed a free agent forward that will be announced today. The AHL contracted players are Joseph Garrefa from the San Jose Barracuda and Kameron Kielly from the Iowa Wild:
JOESEPH "JOE" CARREFFA" - This is what the Barracuda said in their press release when they signed Garrefa in May. Joseph is a highly competitive, dynamic player who makes plays and
creates offense at a high tempo and we’re excited for him to join the
organization.
In a shortened 2019-20 season, Garreffa, 20, finished seventh in the Ontario Hockey League
in points with 90 (36 goals, 54 assists), sixth in plus/minus (+48) and
tied for third in points-per-game (1.82) as a member of the Ottawa 67’s. Over a five-year career in the OHL, with Ottawa and the Kitchener Rangers,
the five-foot-seven, 176-pound Toronto, Ontario, native totaled 315
points (108 goals, 207 assists), 34 penalty minutes and plus-13 rating.
Here is a video interview with Garreffa that is 28 minutes long but gives you an idea of what Allen is getting including including how a 5'7" 176 pound forward also plays defense.
KAMERON "KAM" KIELLY - This is from the Iowa Wild press release when Kameron was signed in July:
A 6-foot, 181 pound forward, Kiellyjoins the
organization after three years at the University Of Prince Edward
Island (UPEI). A Charlottetown, P.E.I. native, he posted 42 points in 2019-20,
including a career-high 17 goals. The 23-year-old (12/13/96) finished
fourth in USports scoring this past season, and was selected to the
USports Second All-Star Team in each of the last two years. From
2013-2017, Kielly racked up 196 points (75g, 121a) in 246 contests with
the Charlottetown Islanders of the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League
(QMJHL).
The best description of Kielly would be a player that can play in both ends of the ice in all situations. A two-way forward who can contribute on the scoresheet, play on the power play, kill penalties and shadow the top players on the opposing team.
Here is an interview with Kameron from about a year ago during which he shares his parents were both varsity athletes at UPEI:
- Nothing new to report on the five teams (Cincinnati,
Fort Wayne, Idaho, Kalamazoo, Toledo) that still haven't declared if
they are going to play this season. With the pandemic numbers increasing each day and predicted to get worse, if these five teams are hoping current restrictions will be relaxed that seems unlikely. The more time that passes it seems the more likely most or all of these teams will opt out for the 2020-21 season.
- I have been getting several questions about COVID-19 protocols for the upcoming season. The Americans have put together a COVID road map that is very comprehensive which includes many questions and answers. I encourage everyone to take the time to go through this document: https://allenamericans.com/covid-19-roadmap/
Here are some highlights:
CASHLESS PAYMENT
The Allen Americans and the Allen Event Center have transformed the
AEC into a cashless environment for the 2020-21 season.This includes all
ticketing,, food & beverage, and merchandise at the Allen Americans
Team Store. As with in the main arena, masks must be worn at all times
in the concourse and when shopping in the team store.
ARENA SANITATION
A dedicated sanitation team will be present throughout events,
continuously cleaning all high touch surfaces throughout the Allen Event
Center. Additional deep cleanings will be performed between events.
Hand sanitizing stations will be placed throughout the AEC. Guests
are also encouraged to wash their hands for at least 20 seconds when
using the restroom
SOCIALLY DISTANT SEATING & COMMUNITY AREAS
Please respect the space of others; keep six (6) feet apart when possible.
The Americans have recreated its existing facility seating manifest
to allow for proper distancing, thus decreasing overall arena capacity,
per State and Local Health Guidelines. The Temporary Seating locations
for Season Ticket Members will be in effect until further notice.
Seats will remain vacant to maintain proper distancing between
familial parties. No guests will have other guests seated in the seats
in front, behind, or within three (3) seats on either side of their
reserved seats.
Group and hospitality areas will operate with reduced capacity to promote proper distancing.
Due to State and Local Health Restrictions and Social Distancing
Requirements, there will be no Season Ticket Member Lounge until further
notice.
LOCKER ROOM & ON-ICE PERSONNEL
In order to ensure all players are placed in the safest conditions
the clubs will work with the ECHL and its member teams to implement the
following standards:
Increased cleanliness in the home and visiting clubhouses.
Additional restrictions on clubhouse access – media and front office staff are likely to be prohibited.
Buffet-style food service will be discontinued and all utensils must be pre-packaged.
Limitations on the use of commonly “spit” items, including, but not limited to seeds, gum and peanuts.
The Americans will follow the guidance of the ECHL regarding player
and on-field personnel health and safety, including travel, fan/media
interaction, dugouts, etc. At no times should any member of the public
come within six (6) feet of ECHL Players, at the arena, or in the
Community. Keeping our team covid safe ensures that we will play a
complete 2020-21 season.
AEC ENTRY / EXIT
The Americans will work with local law enforcement to encourage
proper distancing upon entry, including, without limitation, walkways
and sidewalks leading to AEC entrances.
Stanchions and/or spacing markers will promote proper distancing between customers waiting in lines.
Additional gates (where applicable) will be utilized to create more space amongst customers entering the arena.
Security wanding that places employees within 6 feet of customers will be replaced by new security protocols.
Bag Policy
The Allen Event Center’s clear bag policy remains in effect.
However, guests are encouraged to avoid bringing bags if possible, to
reduce contact with personal items during security checks.
FAN EXPERIENCE
Kids Zone
The Americans will not operate traditional kids zone attractions such as bounce houses. Etc. during the 2020-21 season
Other attractions that allow for proper distancing will be subject
to heightened safety standards, including disinfecting between users and
proper distancing while waiting in line.
Stanchions and/or spacing markers will promote proper distancing between customers waiting in lines on the main concourse.
Restrooms
Doors will be propped open to encourage touchless entry/exit.
Restrooms will be sanitized frequently with disinfectant along all
surfaces and an enzyme solution will be applied to all surfaces at the
conclusion of each homestand.
The Americans shall work in conjunction with its various partners to
evaluate touchless enhancements, including motion-sensor dispensers and
flush valves.
Team Store
The Americans shall limit the number of people allowed inside the team store based on current social distancing guidelines.
Masks must be worn in the team store at all times, with no
exceptions. If you cannot wear a mask, please have someone shop for you.
Stanchions and/or spacing markers will promote proper distancing
between customers waiting in line and walking through the store.
Promotions/On-Ice Activities
Autograph sessions with players will not be permitted during the
2020-21 season. If you have an autograph request, please email it to the
attention of Casey Rusnak at cr@allenamericans.com
Players will not be permitted to throw pucks or other items into
seating areas. The Chuck-A-Puck Promotion will be done digitally in
2020-21 through the club’s DASH Auction platform.
All intermission promotions will abide by proper distancing guidelines.
Zamboni Rides have been cancelled for the 2020-21 season.
Martinson Post-Game Press Conference
Head Coach Steve Martinson’s season ticket member post-game press conference will now be held via zoom only.
Fan High-Five Tunnel
There will not be a player high five tunnel this season after the
players come on and off the ice. Please refrain from coming within six
(6) feet of the athletes at any time.
Medical Services
The Americans will work closely with its community medical partners
to implement stringent protocols in place for medical services at all
AEC events.
FOOD AND BEVERAGE POLICIES
Allen Event Center’s Food & Beverage team has completed
ServeSafe’s COVID-19 training. This program prepares foodservice workers
to deliver safe dining experiences for their guests while also keeping
themselves safe.
Additional policies and procedures include:
All food and beverage transactions will now be cashless and
contactless. Only major credit cards, debit cards and mobile pay will be
accepted.
Point of Sale registers have been properly spaced to allow for social distancing.
Sneeze guards have been added at purchase points to provide a safe barrier between guests and employees.
Condiment, silverware and drink straw stations have been eliminated and replaced with pre-packaged options upon request.
To serve safer product selections and hopefully reduce wait times in
line, a limited menu of fan favorites will be available at all food
stands.
Souvenir Cup drink refills will no longer be available.
DID YOU KNOW: The Allen Americans opening day roster may be the strongest in team history. However, the Americans may break camp with seven rookies and four second year players on the roster.
Training camp swung into high gear yesterday as the scrimmage coach Martinson promised was competitive and spirited. The blue and white teams looked to be divided equally by size and skill. There will be more of the same today as coach Martinson will have to start making roster decisions soon.
- There are three tryout players in camp, Duggie Lagrone who is a local player that played two games with Allen in 2018-19, forward Jake Gricius who is a rookie that played for the Portland Winterhawks in the Western Hockey League and Larry Yellowknee, another rookie forward who played in the GMHL (Greater Metro Jr. A Hockey League). It is always hard to make the team as a tryout player and this season the task is even more unlikely.
- Coach Martinson shared more AHL contracted players have arrived and will join practice as soon has they get COVID tested and complete their physicals. Here are the names Martinson provided:
Zach Sawchenko - Zach is a goalie in the San Jose Sharks organization. He spent the early part of the 2019-20 season in Allen. Sawchenko played in 13 games with a record of 8-2-3, a GAA of 2.35 and save percentage of .930.
Phil Beaulieu - Phil is a rookie who signed with the Iowa Wild in July. Here is the Iowa press release issued when Phil signed: 24 years old (9/2/95), turned pro after four seasons at
Northern Michigan University (NMU) where he compiled 121 points in 158 career
games. Listed at 5-foot-11, 187 pounds, Beaulieu led the Wildcats with
19 assists in 2019-20, and finished fifth overall in points (25), while
serving as team captain. As a sophomore in 2017-18, the Duluth, Minn.
native was named a CCM / ACHA Second Team All-American, the 17th
All-American in Wildcats history, and the first since 2010.
Phil will join some well known former Allen players who were NMU grads. Greger Hanson, Phil Fox and Kyle Follmer all played their collegiate hockey at Northern Michigan.
Jesse Mychan - Another Iowa contracted player who signed with the Wild in July. Here is his background from the Iowa press release: 28 years old (7/02/92), spent the majority of the last
two seasons in Denmark with the Esbjerg Energy. In 2019-20, Mychan
scored 11 goals and added eight assists to go along with 58 PIM in 46
games. A 6-foot-2, 203 pound winger, Mychan has logged 10 AHL games in
his career, spending time with Portland, San Jose and San Antonio. A
native of Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Mychan has also played in overseas in
Wales, Germany and Austria. A seven-year-pro, Mychan has also compiled
135 points (80g, 55a) in 195 career ECHL games, all with Colorado from
2013-2018.
Allen fans will remember Jesse from his time with the Colorado Eagles. In 2016-17 he led the ECHL in goals with 32 and also had 169 penalty minutes. A skilled player that is tough to play against.
- There are two more contract players that should arrive in Allen before weeks end. No doubt this will be an ECHL all-star team when the Allen season starts.
- The saga of the five teams (Cincinnati,
Fort Wayne, Idaho, Kalamazoo, Toledo) that still haven't declared if they are going to play this season continues. Nothing new to report other than more calls will take place today.
- I saw this post by writer/broadcaster Andrew Zadarnowski who I have gotten to know a little bit this off season when I used some of his stats and information. Andrew posted this recently and it captures where the ECHL stands right now and the possibilities that lay ahead. "All risks aside, the ECHL has positioned itself as the only pro hockey game in town. Good opportunity to grow the visibility of the league among casual fans who are looking for their sports fix. The quality of play should be at its highest, with lots of AHL and NHL talent."
- The Jacksonville Icemen announced yesterday they have added three new additions to their ownership group, all football players. Former Heisman Trophy winning quarterback Tim Tebow, current Jacksonville Jaguars linebacker Myles Jack and former Jaguars defensive end join a large group of 20 local business leaders and sports professionals to join the Icemen's ownership group. Here are the details: https://www.jacksonvilleicemen.com/en/news/december-2020/icemen-announce-additions-to-ownership-team
DID YOU KNOW: Jacksonville adding sports professionals to their ownership group is reminiscent of what the Allen Americans did in May of 2012. It was a much bolder move as owner Doug Miller brought in four Stanley Cup winners from the Dallas Stars to the Allen leadership team, Mike Modano, Ed Belfour, Craig Ludwig and Richard Matvichuk. The group moved quickly and fired coach Dwight Mullins and hired Steve Martinson. The new minority ownership group proved successful with the hiring of Martinson as the Americans went on to win their first championship that season (2012-13). The group soon fell apart, with some hard feelings, when owner Doug Miller ran into financial problems but it was a great time while it lasted on the ice and in the community with the attention these four Stanley Cup winners brought to the Americans. And of course Steve Martinson went on to win four straight championships.
Today is the "official" start of training camp which means the majority of players have arrived, been tested and had their physicals. While a few more players will arrive over the next few days to bring the total in camp to the high 20's the vast majority of the players are in Allen. From what I have heard from coach Martinson a lot of practice time this week will be devoted to scrimmages which is the best way for him to assess what he has. Martinson always says what you have done in the past gets you to training camp but once you arrive the slate is clean and everyone is competing for roster spots. Needless to say, with so few jobs available in the ECHL and so many players looking for jobs, this training camp will be very competitive.
- I received a lot of questions after the ECHL transactions came out yesterday showing Olivier Archambault had been suspended by the Americans. This is a move Martinson made because Archambault is not coming to Allen until sometime later. He is not leaving the team, he is not signing elsewhere, there is nothing more than he is reporting later.
THE ROSTER
- The only change to the roster since yesterday is the announcement
about Archambault being suspended. Another player (AHL contracted) was
supposed to arrive yesterday along with a tryout player. Both players
should be announced today.
Here is the current roster which includes two goalies, six defensemen and 13 forwards. There are 11 players on the roster that played in Allen last season and 16 of the 21 have played for Allen at some point in their career.
Goalies
#31 C.J. Motte
#39 Chris Nell
Defensemen
#4 Turner Ottenbreit
#14 Les Lancaster
#20 Ben Carroll
#23 Cole Fraser
#25 Nolan Kneen
#43 Matt Register
Forwards
#9 Braylon Shmyr
#10 Corey Durocher
#15 Corey Mackin
#17 Jared Van Wormer
#18 Colton Heffley
#19 Alex Lavoie
#21 Jared Bethune
#22 Tyler Sheehy
#26 Spencer Asuchak
#27 Zane Franklin
#40 Josh Lammon
#47 Patrick Watling
#71 Dyson Stevenson
- There was no announcement yesterday about the five teams (Cincinnati, Fort Wayne, Idaho, Kalamazoo, Toledo) that supposedly had until November 30 to declare if they were going to play this season. Justin Cohn, a reporter for the The Journal Gazette in Fort Wayne reported the teams have been given more time to decide if they will opt in or out but how much time is unknown. No official word from any of the teams or the league office came out overnight.
- The city of Trois-Rivieres, Quebec and a group pursuing an ECHL franchise (Deacon Sports and Entertainment) have agreed on a five year lease. The group will still have to apply for membership to the ECHL but it is assumed this will be approved and the team will start play in the 2021-22 season.
- Here is a story from The Hockey News about some of the struggles COVID is causing in the hockey world in Canada. The QMJHL (Quebec Major Junior Hockey League) has just shut down 19 days early for their Christmas break, canceling/postponing 64 games that were to be played between December 1-19. On the other side of Canada in Calgary, 18 members of the Mount Royal University men's hockey team tested positive for COVID and the program was shutdown until at least early January. By the way, Spencer Asuchak attended Mount Royal in 2012-13. https://www.si.com/hockey/news/qmjhl-shuts-down-canadian-university-team-has-18-cases
- Here is a video worth watching that Allen President Mike Waddell moderated with the front office leaders from Wichita, Kansas City and Rapid City/Greenville. They share how their teams are dealing with the issues around COVID 19. What struck me when watching this is how different the occupancy restrictions are around the league. There are states/counties where no fans are allowed or very few fans allowed like Kansas, Michigan, Indiana (Fort Wayne) and Idaho, to states like Texas at 50% occupancy, to states like Florida and South Dakota that allow for 100% occupancy. With so many different occupancy restrictions and not knowing how they may change one way or another going forward, you can see why it is hard for teams to plan and make decisions.
DID YOU KNOW: This will be Matt Register's ninth season in the ECHL even though he played just three ECHL games last season and in his first ECHL season (2012-13) he played just 17 games. In the last nine seasons (since 2012-13) Matt has played in 406 ECHL games and has been the most dominant offensive defenseman in the league. Here are just a few of stats that prove his ECHL Hall of Fame credentials.
- His 86 goals since 2012-13 are 15 more than any other player
- His 236 assists since 2012-13 are 52 more than any other player
- His 322 points since 2012-13 are 67 more than any other player
- His 65 points in 2017-18 is #1 among defensemen in the last 15 years
- His 64 points in 2016-17 is #2 among defensemen in the last 15 years
- He is a three time ECHL Defenseman of the Year (2018, 2017, 2014)
- He is a three time Kelly Cup winner (2018, 2017, 2016)
Today is the day the remaining five ECHL teams (Cincinnati, Fort Wayne, Idaho, Kalamazoo, Toledo) that have not officially declared their plans for the 2020-21 season have to make a decision if they will start play on January 5. I have heard there has been a request to extend the November 30 deadline to give the teams more time so that is a possibility. I read some of the North Division teams asked for an extension of time beyond November 30 before they decided to opt out and were denied so you would think the Board of Governors would be consistent. However, there are some powerful franchises in these final five so you never know what will be decided and many are betting an extension of time will be granted.
Should hear something by the end of the day.
- The Allen Americans are moving full speed ahead with three more players added to the roster yesterday. Matt Register and Tyler Sheehy were assigned to Allen by the Iowa Wild. Having Register, the three time ECHL Defenseman of the Year back in Allen for the beginning of the season along with Sheehy, the ECHL Rookie of the Year and MVP runner-up last season will be huge for the Americans. The third roster change yesterday was the addition of forward Corey Mackin, a free agent who had signed with the Reading Royals before they opted out for the season. Here is the Allen press release announcing the changes: https://allenamericans.com/news/press-release/americans-add-to-training-camp-roster/
COREY MACKIN
- Corey Mackin has played in 70 ECHL games, all for the Reading Royals and has 52 points (21G, 31A). The 25 year old 168 pound 5'8" forward played college hockey at Ferris State University where he was teammates with Allen co-captain Jared VanWormer. When researching Mackin you can see many similarities with VanWormer. Mackin is a tireless worker that plays hard every shift at both ends of the ice. He is a natural leader who was captain of his college team as a junior and senior.
Corey played two years of junior hockey in Canada (BCHL) before heading the Ferris State.. His second year in the BCHL tells you the type of player Allen is getting in Mackin. He had 104 points (50G, 54A) in 58 games with just eight penalty minutes. He had 12 power play goals, nine shorthanded goals and five game winning goals. He was a BCHL First Team All-Star, BCHL Player of the Year, and the league's top scorer. He was a finalist for the BCHL Most Sportsmanlike Player honor.
Mackin has made great strides since turning pro as evidenced by the fact he has 21 goals in 70 games but 19 of those 21 goals came in his last 49 games. Coach Martinson has set high expectations for Corey saying he is capable of being a 30 goals scorer over a full ECHL season.
Mackin's brother, Fran, is the Assistant Director of a sports complex in Massachusetts with three sheets of ice. Corey spent this summer working at the complex. He coached, helped out with clinics and had all the ice time he needed.
I saw this quote from Mackin about his expectations going into the 2020-21 season, "There is definitely more improvement to be made. I've got to be more consistent. I've got to be ready right away. It can't be too slow of a start. I have to worry about the details of what I picked up last year."
Here is a video interview from Corey's days in college which gives you a good idea of were he is from and what he is all about:
THE ROSTER
Here is the updated roster which now totals two goalies, six defensemen and 14 forwards. Still more changes to come this week. More AHL contracted players will be assigned and two or three tryout players will be announced.
Goalies
#31 C.J. Motte
#39 Chris Nell
Defensemen
#4 Turner Ottenbreit
#14 Les Lancaster
#20 Ben Carroll
#23 Cole Fraser
#25 Nolan Kneen
#43 Matt Register
Forwards
#9 Braylon Shmyr
#10 Corey Durocher
#15 Corey Mackin
#17 Jared Van Wormer
#18 Colton Heffley
#19 Alex Lavoie
#21 Jared Bethune
#22 Tyler Sheehy
#26 Spencer Asuchak
#27 Zane Franklin
#40 Josh Lammon
#44 Olivier Archambault
#47 Patrick Watling
#71 Dyson Stevenson
OTHER COMMENTS
- There will have to be some changes in the role Allen's assistant coach, Jason Deitsch, plays in the 2020-21 season given the fact his full time job is a first responder as a McKinney fireman. With the ECHL COVID-19 protocols, these two jobs don't mix. Coach Martinson will have some additional help coaching from Aaron Johnson who played in 291 NHL games over eight seasons. He also has 429 AHL games played on his resume. I will share more info on the role of the coaches in a future blog.
DID YOU KNOW: Facts about three players on the 2020-21 Allen roster concerning all time stats. Some very skilled players that will be big contributors this season when they are in the Americans lineup. If any of these three spend most of the season in Allen they could crack the top 10 all time in points.
Olivier Archambault - is #48 all time in games played (66) but #24 all time in points (85) and has averaged 1.288 points per game.
Alex Lavoie - is #61 all time in games played (60) but #26 all time in points (76) and has averaged 1.267 points per game.
Tyler Sheehy - is #95 all time in games played (47) but #28 all time in points (70) and has averaged 1.489 points per game.
With training camp finally here and more players arriving each day it is time for me to crank up the keyboard and start writing about the team on a more regular basis. This season will be a challenge with all of the COVID protocols in place. I am used to spending practice days and game days in the coach's office and locker room and they are now off limits. Fans that attend practice are also impacted. Due to restrictions in place as a result of the ECHL's COVID-19 protocols, all practice sessions during training camp and the 2020-21 season will be closed to the public. The good news is coach Martinson and the players have always been more than willing to help in any way they can so it will just be in a different way this season. It will be the opportunity to try getting and telling the story using new ways of communicating.
The official training camp roster hasn't been released but here is what is known and expected:
- Defenseman Cody Corbett has been released, this was in the ECHL transactions yesterday.
- Players from AHL teams have started to be assigned to ECHL teams. You can expect announcements soon of players being assigned to Allen. When Iowa sends players to Allen for training camp they would come from the group of players that signed two-way AHL/ECHL contracts. Based on the Iowa Wild press releases the players that signed two-way contracts are two defensemen (Matt Register, Phil Beaulieu) and three forwards (Tyler Sheehy, Jesse Mychan, Kameron Kielly).
- Coach Martinson has signed a forward that has not been announced. A rookie last season who had 46 points (20G, 26A) in 58 ECHLgames.
- I have heard but cannot confirm that in addition to the five players that can be assigned to ECHL teams an additional three NHL/AHL contracted players are allowed that don't count against the roster numbers or salary cap for the first month of the season. I do know that coach Martinson has been fielding calls from AHL teams trying to place players. I would expect these three "extra" spots to be filled if Martinson can get the right players.
- Look for the transaction list from the ECHL this afternoon as several of the players referred to above should be on the list.
THE ROSTER
Here is the roster of signed and announced players with jersey numbers. The only change today is the deletion of Cody Corbett. Olivier Archambault is on the list but coach Martinson says he will not be in Allen for the start of the season. There will be many changes to this list this week.
Goalies
#31 C.J. Motte
#39 Chris Nell
Defensemen
#4 Turner Ottenbreit
#14 Les Lancaster
#20 Ben Carroll
#23 Cole Fraser
#25 Nolan Kneen
Forwards
#9 Braylon Shmyr
#10 Corey Durocher
#17 Jared Van Wormer
#18 Colton Heffley
#21 Jared Bethune
#26 Spencer Asuchak
#27 Zane Franklin
#40 Josh Lammon
#44 Olivier Archambault
#47 Patrick Watling
#71 Dyson Stevenson
#?? Alex Lavoie
FORMER PLAYER UPDATE
- Bryan Moore signed with the Greenville Swamp Rabbits this week. If you include loans to AHL teams over the years, Greenville will be the 10th team Bryan has played for since 2015-16.
- Jack Sadek, who led Allen in plus/minus (+25) last season as a rookie defenseman, signed a two-way AHL/ECHL deal with the Ontario Reign at the end of September. The Reign just assigned Jack to the Greenville Swamp Rabbits.
- Dalton Thrower was just released by the Jacksonville Icemen.
- Four former Allen players are playing in the top league in Norway. Chad Costello plays for Stavanger and has 14 points (5G, 9A) in 10 games. Dante Salituro plays for Narvik and has 12 points (6G, 6A) in 16 games. Daniel Leavens plays for Stjernen and has 20 points (9G, 11A) in 15 games. Defenseman Travis Brown also plays for Stjernen and has three assists in 15 games.
- Alex Breton is playing in Slovakia and already has eight points (3G, 5A) in just nine games.
OTHER COMMENTS
- There have been numerous schedule changes among the Mountain Division teams primarily because the Wichita Thunder is dealing with more restrictive arena capacity through January 9. The change for Allen has them traveling to Rapid City rather than Kansas City in early January. Here is the revised schedule for the Americans. There are no games scheduled after January 9 as the league awaits a decision from five teams whether they will play this season. Allen's schedule:
December 12 at Tulsa
December 18 vs Rapid City
December 19 vs Rapid City
December 26 vs Tulsa
December 27 vs Tulsa
December 31 vs Wichita
January 1 at Wichita
January 2 at Wichita
January 6 at Rapid City
January 8 at Rapid City
January 9 at Rapid City
- The top pro league in Great Britain (EIHL) has been given over five million dollars by the government to resume play. The teams in the league are looking at the possibility of a January start date. If the EIHL does resume, some of the North American players that signed in the ECHL when the EIHL suspended may return to Great Britain. Goalie C.J. Motte is the only Allen player that was signed in the EIHL (Coventry Blaze) so he could decide to return if they resume play.
DID YOU KNOW: Norway is a long and narrow country. Chad Costello is playing in Stavanger which is in the southwestern part of the country. Dante Salituro is playing in Narvik which is 1200 miles to the north and 140 miles inside the Arctic Circle. To give you an idea of the difference, in Dallas today there will be 10:09 hours of daylight and a high temperature of 52. In Stavanger with the Costello family the high was 44 with 6:50 hours of daylight. Dante Salituro enjoyed a high temp of 38 with 2:18 hours of daylight. Sunrise was 10:30 am and sunset was 12:48 pm. If you wonder why temps that far north are so mild it is because the warm ocean currents (an extension of the Gulf Stream) help keep the temperature up.
