Wednesday, July 31, 2013

Tulsa: New Jerseys & Four Signings

Here is the press release courtesy of the Tulsa Oilers:

Oilers Reveal New Jersey Designs for 2013-14 Season, Announce Signing of Four Players

Oilers New Jersey Design Full
TULSA, OK – The Tulsa Oilers will be sporting a new look when the 2013-14 Central Hockey League season begins on October 18.
Wednesday at the BOK Center, the Oilers unveiled three brand new jersey designs and announced the signing of forwards Sy Nutkevitch and Brandon Coccimiglio as well as the return of defensemen Ryan Barlock and Jeff Buvinow.
The Oilers famous “Ice Man” logo, used for three seasons from 1994-1997, is centered on the front of the home and away sweaters and the retro look is completed with a horizontal stripe that runs all the way around the jersey.  An oil-drop design, used once last season on the Oilers Military Night jerseys, will appear on each shoulder of the new jerseys.  The navy blue, maroon, and white color scheme remains the same.
Former Oilers captain Tyler Fleck and his Hardnosed Apparel company designed the new look with help from current Oilers forward Drew Fisher.
Oilers New Jersey Away
“I love that old Oilers logo,” said Fleck.  “There’s a lot of tradition behind that logo and I think it’s got a vintage look.  I was dead set on bringing it back because I wanted this to be the best jersey I’ve ever designed and I think it’s got a very unique look to it.  I can’t wait to be there on opening night to see the boys come out of the locker room wearing those jerseys.”
In addition to standard home and away sweaters, the Oilers introduced an alternate third jersey option which will likely be worn for all Sunday home games.  A clean, classic look, the third jersey incorporates the original Oilers orange and blue with a simple, script logo over a tan background.
“We’re thrilled with how these jerseys turned out,” said Taylor Hall, Oilers General Manager.  “With new ownership signaling a new era of Tulsa Oilers hockey, we believe it was time for a new look and I think these designs put a new spin on a part of our organization’s past.  I know our fans are going to be extremely excited to purchase these jerseys and see them on the ice.”
“As players, we’ve all been looking forward to this for a long time,” remarked Oilers forward Ben Gordon.  “I know the guys we have signed and the guys we’re going to bring in are really going to like putting on these jerseys.  It’s great for us, it’s fun for the fans, and I’m looking forward to getting this season started.”
Oilers New Jersey Third
With Barlock and Buvinow coming back to Tulsa for the second year of their pro careers, the Oilers have their first two blue-liners signed for the 2013-14 campaign.  Barlock, who was dealt to the Oilers from Fort Worth last December, appeared in 40 games for Tulsa and finished his rookie year with three goals and eight assists.
“I wanted to come back because I felt like Tulsa was the perfect fit for me,” said the 6-1, 185-pound Barlock.  “I trust Rammer (Oilers Head Coach Bruce Ramsay), I like the way he runs the team and with the new ownership taking over and some of the guys coming back from last season, it was a no-brainer for me.  I know I’m going to be more comfortable out there this season because I have a better feel for my strengths and weaknesses so I think I’ll be a more poised player.”
After 40 games last season in Tulsa, Ryan Barlock will now have the opportunity to play a full season in an Oilers uniform. (photo by: Kevin Pyle - www.photopyle.com)
After 40 games last season in Tulsa, Ryan Barlock will now have the opportunity to play a full season in an Oilers uniform. (photo by: Kevin Pyle – www.photopyle.com)
Like Barlock, Buvinow joined the Oilers last December and suited up in each of the final 46 games of the regular season.  The Turnersville, New Jersey native tallied 20 points (5 goals, 15 assists) and recorded a four-game goal scoring streak in late February.  Buvinow, a 23-year old out of Brown University, spent significant time on the Oilers powerplay and earned Oilers “Defensive Player of the Year” honors.
“I didn’t hesitate to re-sign with the Oilers because there’s already a great staff in place and with new owners taking over, I know it can only get better from last year,” Buvinow stated.  “I’m excited for the opportunity to come back and I think the experience I gained last season will help me tremendously this year.”
“Ryan and Jeff were two of the best acquisitions we made last season and they were consistent performers for us,” Ramsay said.  “It was very important for us to bring those guys back because they’re young, they’re smart, they do their jobs, and they’re both fantastic teammates.  I know they’re only going to get better and I’m excited for the opportunity to coach them again.”
Tulsa Oilers vs Rapid City Rush at the BOK Center in Tulsa, Oklahoma
Defenseman Jeff Buvinow is returning to the Oilers for a second season. In 2012-13, Buvinow recorded 20 points in 46 games. (photo by: Kevin Pyle – www.photopyle.com)
The signings of Nutkevitch and Coccimiglio provide the Oilers with young talent at the forward position.  Nutkevitch, 6-1, 190-pounds, played 61 games as a rookie for the Fort Worth Brahmas last season and posted 46 points (13 goals, 33 assists).  A 25-year old native of Dollard-des-Ormeaux, Quebec, Nutkevitch spent four years at Division III SUNY-Potsdam where he recorded 103 points in 99 career contests.
“I really enjoyed playing at the BOK Center last season,” said Nutkevitch.  “I love the atmosphere in a big rink like that and I think it will really suit me because I play a skill game, I like to pass first and set up my teammates but I also like to play at both ends of the ice.  I’m happy to hear about the new ownership and really looking forward to playing with guys like Todd Robinson, Ben Gordon, and my friend, Tomas Klempa.”
“When we played against Fort Worth last season, I remember Sy had an impact on almost every one of those games,” said Oilers Head Coach, Bruce Ramsay.  “He’s got good size and speed, and from everything I’ve seen and heard he’s a smart, solid, all-around hockey player.”
Coccimiglio, 26, joins the Oilers after spending parts of two seasons with the Missouri Mavericks (CHL) and playing a total of eight games last year with the Mississippi Surge (SPHL).  A product of Burlington, Ontario and Mercyhurst College, the 6-2, 200-pound Coccimiglio has put up 55 points in 81 regular season professional games.  In the 2011 CHL playoffs, Coccimiglio tied for the Mavericks’ team lead with three powerplay goals and posted eight points in nine postseason outings.  He enjoyed his best season as a pro in 2011-12 when he notched 20 goals and 17 assists as a member of the Mavericks.
“I had a couple of buddies who used to play in Tulsa and they all said great things about the fans and the town that made me excited to be a part of this organization,” Coccimiglio said.  “I saw what the new ownership was able to do with the transformation in Wichita and that played a big factor in my decision to sign with Tulsa.  I think they can do the same thing here and it’s always exciting to be a part of new beginnings.”
“Through junior hockey, college, and now as a pro, Brandon has always played at an extremely high level,” commented Ramsay.  “He’s familiar with this league and his previous experience is going to be very valuable for him.  I think he’ll make a difference in our lineup and I think you’ll see him contribute in a lot of different areas.”
The Oilers home opener is scheduled for Saturday, October 26 against the Allen Americans.  For ticket information or questions about the 2013-14 schedule, please call 918-632-7825.

CHL Roster Update By Team & Roster Discussion

Here is the latest roster up date for all CHL teams. There are some player signings not reflected on this list including Darryl "Booter' Bootland for the Americans. Tulsa is having a press event today and will announce some additional signings. It is that time of year when rosters are starting to fill out at a rapid pace.

- A message board in England is reporting Ryan Menei who signed with Sheffield (EIHL) has changed his mind and will not be going overseas. If that is true (I would put it in the rumor category at this point) makes you wonder if he will be headed back to Tulsa and is part of the big announcement Tulsa is having today. Ryan had 82 points last year and if you combine that with Todd Robinson (who the Oilers recently signed) and his 75 points last year you would have quite the offensive firepower.  Here is the Oiler publicity on the event:
The Tulsa Oilers of the Central Hockey League will unveil their brand new look for the 2013-14 season and announce several new player signings at a press conference on Wednesday, July 31 at 2pm at the BOK Center.
All fans and local media outlets are invited to this historic announcement to get the first glimpse of the Oilers new look and hear about the latest additions to the 2013-14 roster. Oilers, General manager Taylor Hall, will be in attendance along with Oilers forward Ben Gordon and other members of the Oilers front office staff.

- While not included on the Rapid City list below two players from the college ranks have apparently signed as their college teams have issued news releases on their signing. Goalie Keaton Hartigan from the University of Waterloo and defenseman Brett Kostolansky from the University of New Hampshire. Here is in part what the schools included in their press release.

Keaton Hartigan (Kitchener) always knew he could play hockey at a professional level. Thanks to his role in the Warriors' Cinderella run to the University Cup tournament, the rest of the hockey world knows now, too.
Hartigan, who completed his illustrious 5-year CIS career with the Warriors in March, has signed a contract with the Rapid City Rush of the Central Hockey League, based in Rapid City, South Dakota.
"The deal came together rather quick," said Hartigan via email. "Their head coach Joe Ferras contacted me a few weeks ago and explained his current goalie situation. He explained that he lost both goalies this summer to overseas contracts, (and) he felt there was an opportunity here for me to play a fair amount of games. After doing some research on the hockey club and Rapid City in general, I felt that the program and the hockey-oriented city would be a great fit for me."

Senior Brett Kostolansky (Denver, Colo.) of the University of New Hampshire men's hockey team has signed a contract with the Rapid City (South Dakota) Rush of the Central Hockey League (CHL). 

-The Wichita Thunder list only shows two players being signed however, I have seen several references to the following players also signing with Wichita.

Torrie Jung - Goalie
Jared Walker - Left Wing
John Griggs - Goalie
Burke Gallimore - Right Wing

This is where I want to include the disclaimer that often times players put out information on social media or agents put out information on social media that a player has signed. However, the contracts have not been signed by all parties involved. Typically, the player will sign the contract and forward it to the team's front office. A representative from the team must then sign off on the contract after which it must be sent to CHL headquarters for approval. It is only after all appropriate signatures have been obtained that the contract is official. Even after the contract is official the player is not added to the list below until the team makes a formal announcement of the signing. I have received several questions about the Allen Americans signing Chris Doyle and Alex Bourret. Even though there has been lots of traffic on social media neither of these players has been announced by the team so their contracts are not official at this time.




COHlogo.jpg
2013-14 CHL Off-Season Player Movement


Information provided as a courtesy to fans and media members. All information provided by CHL member clubs. Listed information should not be considered as official, pending approval from the CHL's Hockey Operations department.

Transactions for 2013-2014 season last updated 7/30/13




Allen Americans

Transactions:

Tyler Ludwig (D) - re-signed
Trevor Ludwig (D) - re-signed
John Snowden (F) - signed
Phil Fox (F) -signed
Alex Lavoie (F) - signed
Garrett Clarke (D) - re-signed
Daniel Tetrault (D) - signed
Trevor Hendrikx (D) - re-signed
Jim McKenzie (F) - re-signed


Arizona Sundogs

Transactions:

Named Kevin Colley Head Coach
Jason Morgan (F) - re-signed
Kevin Baker (F) - re-signed
Henric Hoglund (F) - signed
Ryan Gaucher (D) - signed


Brampton Beast

Transactions:

Named Mark DeSantis Head Coach
Named Brent Hughes Assistant Coach
Brett Smith (F) - signed
Calin Wild (F) - signed
Jason Pitton (F) - signed


Denver Cutthroats

Transactions:

Sean Zimmerman (D) - re-signed
T.J. Fox (F) - signed
Troy Schwab (F) - re-signed
J.P. Chabot (F) - re-signed
Matt Glasser (F) - signed
A.J. Gale (F) - re-signed


Missouri Mavericks

Transactions:
John-Scott Dickson (F) - re-signed
David Pszenyczny (D) - re-signed
Sebastien Thinel (F) - re-sined
Andrew Courtney (F) - re-signed
Colt King (F) - re-signed
Evan Vossen (F) - re-signed


Quad City Mallards

Transactions:

Darren McMillan (D) - re-signed
Jeff Lee (F) - signed
Matt Boyd (F) - re-signed
Mike Grace (D) - signed
Thomas Frazee (F) - signed
Tyler Melancon (F) - signed


Rapid City Rush

Transactions:

Acquired rights to Gio Flamminio (D) from Tulsa in exchange for the rights to Dan Gendur (F) and Jordan Baker (F)
Konrad Reeder (F) - signed
Jared Brown (F) - re-signed
Jesse Schultz (F) - re-signed


St. Charles Chill

Transactions:

Named Jamie Rivers Head Coach
Named Sean Ferrell Assistant Coach
Jordan Fox (F) - signed
Kyle Kraemer (F) - signed
Tony DeHart (D) - signed
Kyle O'Kane (F) - signed
Kevin McFarland (G) - signed


Tulsa Oilers

Transactions:

Acquired rights to Dan Gendur (F) and Jordan Baker (F) from Rapid City in exchange for the rights to Gio Flamminio (D)
Todd Robinson (F) - signed
Ben Gordon (F) - re-signed
Tomas Klempa (F) - signed
Drew Fisher (F) - re-signed
Shane Madolora (G) - re-signed



Wichita Thunder

Transactions:

Jon Booras (F) - signed
Jesse Dudas (D) - signed

Monday, July 29, 2013

Americans Bring Back Hendrikx & McKenzie - The Details

          
Trevor Hendrikx
 The Allen Americans have announced that Trevor Hendrikx and Jim McKenzie will return for the 2013-2014 season. Both players joined the team during the season last year and were a vital part of the championship run. Hendrikx, a hard hitting defenseman was a key part of the power play during the playoffs. He had three goals and seven assists in the playoffs including the goal to tie the game 2-2 in the seventh game of the finals with 2:19 left in the game to set the stage for the dramatic 3-2 overtime win. 
Trevor, who was drafted by the NHL Columbus Blue Jackets twice (2003 & 2005), is 28 years old and will be starting his 8th year as a professional. His relationship with coach Steve Martison goes back a ways as Trevor played for Martinson in Elmira (ECHL) in 2007- 2008.
Hendrikx delivers a check during the Missouri series
A native of Russell, Ontario, Hendrikx twice led Johnstown of the ECHL in penalty minutes with 164 in 2009-10 and 145 in 2008-09.

At the end of the season I asked Trevor what his plans were for the summer and he said, " I will be spending the summer with my girlfriend in Los Angeles (she is a former Big Brother contestant), I'll give my body some time to heal and then start working out but take it slow at first. My golf game is not very good so I don't play much golf. We might take a vacation but nothing planned yet. Anywhere warm with sand and beaches will do."

Jim McKenzie - photo by SceneByKimberly.com
                                                                                


  Minnesota native Jim McKenzie returns to Allen for the third season. He came back to Allen last year in February after spending the early part of the season in the ECHL.  Like Hendrikx, Jim goes back a ways with coach Steve Martinson as he was also on the 2007-2008 Elmira team.
 Jim had six goals (tied for 2nd on the team) and seven assists during the championship playoff run.  The CHL championship ring that Jim will receive will go nicely with the NCAA hockey championship he won in 2007 as a member of the Michigan State Spartans hockey team. Jim, who was drafted by the Ottawa Senators in the 5th round of the 2005 NHL draft will be starting his seventh year as a professional.
   
Jim played in 54 games for the Americans in the 2011-2012 season, scoring 20 goals with 24 assists for 44 points, while racking up 168 penalty minutes and was a plus 17.

“Jim had a very strong season in 2011-2012 for Allen,” said Americans Head Coach Steve Martinson. He finished fourth on the team in scoring as well as provided leadership. He will give us additional speed at forward this year.”




Here is the official release courtesy of the Allen Americans:
                                       



THE AMERICANS BRING BACK THE JIMMY HENDRIKX SHOW
Jim McKenzie and Trevor Hendrikx re-sign with the Americans

Allen, Texas – The Allen Americans of the Central Hockey League announced the signing today of forward Jim McKenzie, and defenseman Trevor Hendrikx, to contracts for the 2013-2014 season.

Hendrikx and McKenzie are back for a third stint with the Americans. Both were a part of the 2011-2012 season, as well as the latter part of 2013. Hendrikx came to Allen last year, after playing the first half of the year in the ECHL. McKenzie rejoined the Americans after spending part of last season in Evansville of the ECHL.

McKenzie had a big post-season for Allen, scoring six goals and seven assists, for 13 points in 19 playoff games on the Americans' championship run.

Hendrikx scored two of the biggest goals in Allen Americans history, scoring a game winner and game-tying goal this past post season. The game-tying goal came in Game 7 of the CHL finals, in Allen’s 3-2 win over the Wichita Thunder.

“These are big, physical, experienced players that helped us win a championship this year,” said Allen Americans Head Coach Steve Martinson.

The Allen Americans will open their fifth training camp this October at Allen Event Center. Allen opens the regular season on Saturday October 19th in Wichita.  

-- Allen Americans – 


Become an Allen Americans Season Ticket Holder
For more info on full or partial season ticket packages call Mike Martin at 972-912-1000, e-mail michaelmartin@allenamericans.com .

Allen Americans in the Community
For more information on having the CHL Champion Allen Americans at an event, contact Erik Adams at 972-912-1059, email erik@allenamericans.com

Allen Americans Corporate Sponsorships
To create a customized advertising package for your company contact the Allen Americans at 972-912-1000, or info@allenamericans.com

 




















CHL & Americans Trivia: Tallest, Smallest, Oldest, Youngest

 We now have in our possession the schedule for the 5th Anniversary 2013-2014 season and eight players have been announced thus far that will make up the team. (See below)

 While we await additional announcements for returning players as well as new players, some of which should happen this week, I came across information you might find interesting as to the makeup of the CHL and the Allen Americans. Let's call this CHL/Allen Americans trivia. This information is taken from various sources and is from 2012-2013 rosters.


Tallest: The tallest player in the CHL at 6' 8" was Riley Emmerson who played for Missouri while the Americans tallest player was Corbin Baldwin at 6' 5".

Shortest: Shortest player in the league was Stephen Moore at 5' 3" who played a few games with Arizona. Anthony Maiani was the shortest Americans player listed as 5' 7" or 5' 8" depending on where you look.

Heaviest: Taylor Vichorek who played a couple of games for Missouri holds the distinction at 271 pounds. Taylor comes from the right place for his size as he is from Moose Lake, Minnesota. The heaviest Allen player was Alex Penner at 240 pounds.

Lightest: The lightest player in the CHL last year was Allen's leading scorer, Anthony Maiani, who on a good day weighs 160.

Oldest: Brad Smyth who played for the Denver Cutthroats was the oldest player in the league at 40 while Todd Robinson was the oldest Allen player at 35.

Youngest: At 20, Garrett Clarke was the youngest player in the league if you don't count the one game played by Alex Lavoie. Alex is 14 days younger than Clarke.

CHL Player Nationalities:
206 - Canada
153 - United States
4     - Sweden
1     - Czech Republic, Denmark, Israel, Italy, Netherlands, Russia, Slovakia


There have been seven players average a point a game during their Allen Americans career:

Name                             Games Played          Points Per Game
Scott Howes                       22                                1.59
Justin Bowers                    49                                 1.49
Brett Skinner                      28                                 1.32
Bruce Graham                   169                               1.27
Dave Bonk                         47                                 1.23
Colton Yellow Horn            167                               1.07
Judd Blackwater                49                                 1.00

2013-14 ALLEN AMERICANS ROSTER 

No. Name Pos. HT WT Shoots DOB Hometown Club 2012 2013
# 11 Phil Fox RW 5"11 205 R 9/17/85 Stillwater, MN Fort Worth Brahmas (CHL)
#27 Darryl Bootland  RW 6'2 200 R 11/2/81 Bradford, ONT  Allen Americans (CHL)
# 43 John Snowden RW 6"1 210 R 1/12/82 Everett, WA Fort Worth Brahmas
# 91 Alex Lavoie C 5"10 170 R 11/17/92 Anjou, PQ Rimouski Oceanic (QMJHL)
# 3 Tyler Ludwig  D 6'1  205 R 5/24/85  Rhinelander, WI  Allen Americans (CHL)
 # 7 Daniel Tetrault D 6"0 205 R 9/4/79 Labroquerie, MAN Peoria Rivermen (AHL)
# 24 Trevor Ludwig  D 6'1 210  L 5/24/85  Rhinelander, WI Allen Americans (CHL)
# 51 Garrett Clarke  D 6'1" 210 L 11/3/92 Windsor, NS Allen Americans (CHL)

Sunday, July 28, 2013

The Brahmas Are Officially Back

Texas Hockey Partners purchase and relocate Texas Tornado membership

July 27, 2013
The North American Hockey League (NAHL) has announced that the Texas Tornado membership has been sold and relocated to North Richland Hills, Texas, and will become the Lone Star Brahmas. 
 
The new ownership group, Texas Hockey Partners (THP), which is led by brothers Salvatore and Frank Trazzera, was granted approval to operate in the Dallas/Ft. Worth, Texas market conditioned upon acquiring and relocating the existing NAHL membership of the Texas Tornado. THP has met additional terms and conditions and was granted a membership into the NAHL effective for the 2013-14 season and will compete in the South Division.  
 
“We are excited about the opportunity to become a member of the NAHL. We have a great deal of respect and admiration for the history of success the Texas Tornado has accomplished over the years. Their contribution to the growth of amateur hockey in the State of Texas should be commended,” said Dr. Salvatore Trazzera, Owner of Texas Hockey Partners, LLC. “The Tornado’s history of success will certainly be a challenge we as an organization aspire to achieve in the coming years.”
 
“We hope to create the same excitement reminiscent of the year the Texas Brahmas won the Central Hockey League’s Ray Miron Presidents Cup in 2009,” said Frank Trazzera, Co-Owner of Texas Hockey Partners.
 
The Lone Star Brahmas will play their home games out of NYTEX Sports Centre in North Richland Hills, Texas (a Dallas/Ft. Worth suburb), which seats 2,400 spectators for hockey games. The multi-purpose facility has a restaurant, sports shop, concession stands, private locker rooms, training rooms and team offices on site.  It also hosts other sporting events like indoor soccer, lacrosse, roller derby, concerts and is the home of USA Volleyball Club, Tejas Volleyball. It is owned by NYTEX Sports, LLC, a sports management firm based in New York and Texas.  NYTEX was the previous home to the NAHL’s Texas Tornado from 1999-03 and the NAHL’s Lone Star Cavalry from 2003-04.
 
“The NYTEX Sports Centre was originally built with a junior team in mind and is an ideal venue for an NAHL club,” said NAHL Commissioner Mark Frankenfeld. “This relocation does not change our South Division footprint and keeps the franchise in the Dallas/Ft. Worth market, which has proven to be very valuable and supportive over the last 15 years. The Texas Tornado will go down as one of the best franchises in junior hockey history, and we remain confident that the Brahmas organization will do everything to continue that track record of success.”
 

Saturday, July 27, 2013

A Deep Dive On The Schedule & Other News

Kudos to the CHL for getting the schedule out and it is still July. Great for the teams, especially the sales department, but also great for the fans so they can figure out the games they want to attend both home and away. Whenever you look at any schedule the saying "where you sit is where you stand" is always appropriate. With that in mind here are some of my thoughts as well as those I have heard from others.

The Allen schedule is below and it does not include preseason which has not been scheduled. All times are local times. This list is from the CHL master schedule with the first column being the CHL game number.
GN AWAY HOME DATE TIME SCORE BOXSCORE GS
7 Allen Wichita Sat, Oct 197:05 PMIntrust BA
9 Wichita Allen Sun, Oct 204:05 PMAllen EC
14 Allen St. Charles Fri, Oct 257:05 PMFamily Arena
19 Allen Tulsa Sat, Oct 267:35 PMBOK Center
21 Allen Tulsa Sun, Oct 274:05 PMBOK Center
22 Tulsa Allen Wed, Oct 307:05 PMAllen EC
26 Denver Allen Fri, Nov 017:05 PMAllen EC
35 Allen Tulsa Sat, Nov 027:35 PMBOK Center
36 Tulsa Allen Sun, Nov 034:05 PMAllen EC
39 Allen Brampton Thu, Nov 077:00 PMPowerade Centre
40 Allen Brampton Fri, Nov 087:30 PMPowerade Centre
49 Allen Brampton Sun, Nov 102:00 PMPowerade Centre
52 Brampton Allen Fri, Nov 157:05 PMAllen EC
64 Tulsa Allen Fri, Nov 227:05 PMAllen EC
69 Tulsa Allen Sat, Nov 237:05 PMAllen EC
74 Allen Tulsa Sun, Nov 244:05 PMBOK Center
75 Allen Arizona Wed, Nov 276:35 PMTims ToyotaCtr
80 Allen Arizona Fri, Nov 297:05 PMTims ToyotaCtr
85 Allen Arizona Sat, Nov 307:05 PMTims ToyotaCtr
91 Rapid City Allen Fri, Dec 067:05 PMAllen EC
96 Rapid City Allen Sat, Dec 077:05 PMAllen EC
107 Missouri Allen Fri, Dec 137:05 PMAllen EC
113 Allen Missouri Sat, Dec 147:05 PMIndependence EC
118 Brampton Allen Fri, Dec 207:05 PMAllen EC
123 Brampton Allen Sat, Dec 217:05 PMAllen EC
130 Allen Tulsa Thu, Dec 267:05 PMBOK Center
134 Allen St. Charles Fri, Dec 277:05 PMFamily Arena
136 Tulsa Allen Sat, Dec 287:05 PMAllen EC
143 Wichita Allen Tue, Dec 317:05 PMAllen EC
147 Rapid City Allen Fri, Jan 037:05 PMAllen EC
152 Rapid City Allen Sat, Jan 047:05 PMAllen EC
161 Denver Allen Fri, Jan 107:05 PMAllen EC
166 Denver Allen Sat, Jan 117:05 PMAllen EC
170 Allen Arizona Fri, Jan 177:05 PMTims ToyotaCtr
175 Allen Arizona Sat, Jan 187:05 PMTims ToyotaCtr
181 Arizona Allen Mon, Jan 201:05 PMAllen EC
186 St. Charles Allen Fri, Jan 247:05 PMAllen EC
194 St. Charles Allen Sun, Jan 264:05 PMAllen EC
202 Allen Wichita Fri, Jan 317:05 PMIntrust BA
203 Wichita Allen Sat, Feb 017:05 PMAllen EC
209 Allen Missouri Tue, Feb 047:05 PMIndependence EC
211 Allen Quad City Wed, Feb 057:05 PMi-wireless
214 Allen Quad City Fri, Feb 077:05 PMi-wireless
218 Allen Missouri Sat, Feb 087:05 PMIndependence EC
225 Arizona Allen Thu, Feb 137:05 PMAllen EC
226 Missouri Allen Fri, Feb 147:05 PMAllen EC
232 Allen Missouri Sat, Feb 157:05 PMIndependence EC
238 Allen Denver Mon, Feb 174:00 PMDenver Coliseum
248 Allen Wichita Fri, Feb 217:05 PMIntrust BA
251 Allen Tulsa Sat, Feb 227:35 PMBOK Center
253 Quad City Allen Sun, Feb 234:05 PMAllen EC
257 Arizona Allen Fri, Feb 287:05 PMAllen EC
262 Arizona Allen Sat, Mar 017:05 PMAllen EC
274 Allen Missouri Fri, Mar 077:05 PMIndependence EC
278 Allen St. Charles Sat, Mar 087:05 PMFamily Arena
281 Allen St. Charles Sun, Mar 094:05 PMFamily Arena
290 Allen Rapid City Fri, Mar 147:05 PMRushmore
294 Allen Rapid City Sat, Mar 157:05 PMRushmore
297 Allen Denver Sun, Mar 164:00 PMDenver Coliseum
300 Wichita Allen Wed, Mar 197:05 PMAllen EC
303 St. Charles Allen Fri, Mar 217:05 PMAllen EC
308 St. Charles Allen Sat, Mar 227:05 PMAllen EC
315 Allen Wichita Sun, Mar 235:05 PMIntrust BA
316 Quad City Allen Wed, Mar 267:05 PMAllen EC
319 Denver Allen Fri, Mar 287:05 PMAllen EC
324 Denver Allen Sat, Mar 297:05 PMAllen EC


- Probably the best thing about the schedule is the length. It is one week longer than in the past which allows for one extra weekend to spread out the games. The number of weekday home games has been reduced to six. And if you factor in that three of those weekday games are traditional holiday games you have a much improved schedule. Those holiday games include our New Year’s Eve game, Halloween Celebration and the MLK game. Our New Year’s Eve Game will commence at 7:05pm in an exciting battle against the Wichita Thunder. This year’s Halloween game will take place on October 30th instead of October 31st. The date change will allow for kids and parents to wear their costumes twice! In addition, we will bring back our pregame trick-or-treating on the concourse as well as the popular haunted house. The Martin Luther King Jr. game on Monday January 20th is also “Kid’s Day Out.”


- So with two fewer midweek games and two extra weekends games it will help draw more fans and make it easier for families who have to factor in school nights. And I assume it is a little more money for the players with the extra time added to the schedule. A win all the way around.

-Here is a breakdown of our games which each team:

Arizona (4 home, 5 away) - Two trips to Arizona which includes the traditional three games during Thanksgiving and two games in January. Arizona come to Allen four times playing only one game each time. I think they use Allen as a stop over as part of their road trips.

Brampton (3 home, 3 away) - As expected only one trip to Brampton for three games in November (7th, 8th, & 10th). This road trip does not include any other games. Just the over 1300 mile trek to Brampton and return. We end up playing Brampton four times in a row as our next home game after this trip is against the Beast. I'm sure the team is figuring out the best way to get the equipment and team to Brampton. Let's hope the players get to fly on this one. Brampton actually comes to the Allen Event Center AEC twice as they come for only one game on November 15th and then return for two games in December. If you want to see a brutal schedule look up Bampton's schedule for the year. Lots of travel and time away from home in long stretches. (See note below)

Denver (5 home, 2 away) - The team travels twice to Denver (February 17th & March 16th) for one game each time. Denver comes to the AEC three different times (November, January & March).

Missouri (2 home, 5 away) - This unbalanced schedule will be fodder for the conspiracy theorist as they question why the powers to be had Allen play the Mavericks so many times away. Four of the seven games we play against the Mavericks are in February.

Quad City (2 home, 2 away) -  We never seem to play Quad City very often. The four games are the fewest we play any team. The Mallards visit the AEC twice this year for one game in February (23rd) and one in March (26th). The Americans visit Quad City only once for two games in February (5th & 7th).

Rapid City (4 home, 2 away) - Rapid comes to the AEC twice while Allen only goes to Rapid City  once.

St. Charles (4 home, 4 away) - Allen actually makes three trips to St Charles to get in four games. Always part of a road trip which includes Wichita or Missouri. St. Charles comes to Allen twice (January & March)

Tulsa (5 home 6 away) - It was to be expected we would play the team closest to Allen (230 miles) more than any other team. While it is not like Ft Worth (18 times including preseason) our 11 games with Tulsa is the most we play any team. This could become a rivalry as we play the Oilers early and often. In our first 16 games of the season we play Tulsa 8 times including three in a row twice and a stretch of five out of six. From December 28th to the end of the season (March 29th) we only play Tulsa one time.

Wichita (4 home, 4 away) - I am sure the league made a conscious decision to have the Americans play Wichita in a home and home series for the first two games of the season. The first game is in Wichita on October 19th. Again for the conspiracy theorists Allen didn't get the first game because of a scheduling conflict at the AEC. Dana Carvey, Dennis Miller and Kevin Nealon are in concert that night. If the AEC was available the Championship team would have gotten the 19th. So now the home opener will be on October 20th against Wichita. I personally think it would have been better to schedule a team other than Wichita for the home opener where the championship banner will be raised and whatever other celebration takes place. Obviously the league doesn't agree with me.

- I am sure one of the many things the team looks at when the schedule comes out is how many times they have to play three games back to back. Three games in three days is stressful especially if there is travel involved. Players are more prone to injuries in these situations. Here are our back to back to back games:
October 25,26,27 - St Charles (A), Tulsa (A), Tulsa (A)
November 1,2,3 - Denver (H), Tulsa (A), Tulsa (H)
November 22,23,24 - Tulsa (H), Tulsa (H), Tulsa (A)
December 26,27,28 - Tulsa (A), St. Charles (A), Tulsa (H)
February 13,14,15 - Arizona (H), Missouri (H), Missouri (A)
February 21,22,23 - Wichita (H), Tulsa (H), Quad City (A)
March 7,8,9 - Missouri (A), St. Charles (A), St. Charles (A)
March 14,15,16 - Rapid City (A), Rapid City (A), Denver (A)
March 21,22,23 - St. Charles (H), St. Charles (H), Wichita (A)

- Three times during the year the team plays four games in five days and all three include travel:
February 4th - 8th - Missouri (A), Quad City (A), Quad City (A), Missouri (A)
February 13th - 17th - Arizona (H), Missouri (H), Missouri (A), Denver (A)
March 19th - 23rd - Wichita (H), St. Charles (H), St. Charles (H), Wichita (A)

- As usual the Americans were able to avoid too many home dates during football season as the schedule is backloaded after football season. Here are the home games by month. The only regular season schedule conflict with Allen High School varsity football is November 1st. Playoffs might be another story.
October - 2
November - 5
December - 7
January - 7
February - 5
March  - 7

- Here is a breakdown of the games by day of week compared to last year:

                       2012     2013
Friday               10         13
Saturday           11         10
Sunday              4           4
Monday             2           1  (This is the MLK holiday game)
Tuesday             5           1  (This is New Years Eve game)
Wednesday        1           3  (This includes the Halloween game)
Thursday           0           1

- Arizona opens their season in Brampton on October 18th a mere 2200 miles away from home. Brampton's closest opponent is 650 miles away (Quad City) and most are well over 1000 miles. Brampton has one stretch (November 15 - December 8) where they play 11 straight road games.



- Here is the mileage chart for your reference. Thanks to "MavsFanJoe" for putting this together.


 - Not much new on player signing announcements. There should be some announcements next week as several players have been signed but not announced. I know several of you have asked me about your favorite player and whether they are coming back next year. I think the next few announcements will make many of you happy.

-With European teams starting to finalize their rosters there are fewer options available for players. And those hoping for an AHL contract may have to start looking elsewhere for fear they may have problems finding a spot if they wait too long. Coming to Allen, even if a player feels he belongs in the AHL, is a great way to get noticed. Just ask Scott Howes, Brett Skinner and Ryley Grantham who all parlayed their Allen experience into AHL promotions.

- Each year Allen has been able to get slots in AHL camps to give players an opportunity for exposure at that level. While there have been no announcements about where the team might be able to send players to AHL camps you can be assured that is being worked on as well as affiliation agreements. Probably still a few weeks away.

- In the former player signings department, Jake Newton, defenseman who played briefly for the Americans in 2011-2012 has signed with the Ontario Reign of the ECHL. Jake, who is a southern California native, played in Italy last year where he was named best player in the league and helped his team win the Itlay2 Championship.

- Ran into Jason Wallace yesterday at the AEC as he was saying goodbye to the staff. He leaves today for Austin to begin his new job as head trainer for the Texas Stars. Good luck, Jason.

- Replacing Jason is not easy as there are many vacancies around the country for trainers and not a lot of qualified candidates. The Americans have identified a potential candidate and hope to fill the position in the near future.

- 2013-14 Important Dates
Training Camp Opens: Monday, October 7
Preseason Schedule Begins: Thursday, October 10
Regular Season Opens: Friday, October 18
Christmas Break: December 23-25
Mid-Season Break: January 13-16
Hockey Day in Canada: January 18
Hockey Weekend Across America: February 28-March 2
Last Day of Regular Season: Sunday, March 30

- I hope to contact some of the new players next week for some 10 questions type interviews. If there is anything you want me to ask them let me know.