Tuesday, September 29, 2015

Sharks, Barracuda, Americans Camp News, ECHL TV Signup, Season Ticket Pickup

You might describe the beginning of hockey season as trickle down hockey as the NHL starts training camp and releases players to AHL camps which start one week later. The AHL then releases players to ECHL camps who start camp a week later. The ECHL then releases players to SPHL camps which start a week later. Everything moves quickly as players have little time to show that they belong. Here is an update on the Sharks/Barracuda/Allen trickle down.

- The San Jose Sharks released nine players yesterday from their NHL camp (including Aaron Dell) and assigned them to the San Jose Barracuda training camp. The Sharks now have 27 players in camp with four more cuts to come before opening night on October 7.

- The San Jose Barracuda had their first on ice practice yesterday with 32 players in camp but the team will start releasing players after the first exhibition game which takes place Thursday. Here is the schedule for the remaining of the week.
Tuesday, September 29 (East Rink at Sharks Ice at San Jose)
10am                     Practice
Wednesday, September 30 (East Rink at Sharks Ice at San Jose)
10am                     Practice
Thursday, October 1 (East Rink at Sharks Ice at San Jose)
10am                     Practice
7:30pm                 Exhibition Game vs. Stockton (Sharks Ice at San Jose)
Friday, October 2 (East Rink at Sharks Ice at San Jose)
11:45am               Practice
Saturday, October 3 (East Rink at Sharks Ice at San Jose)
10am                     Practice
7pm                       Exhibition Game at Bakersfield Condors (Rabobank Arena in Bakersfield, CA)
BARRACUDA TRAINING CAMP OFFICIALLY ENDS


- The Allen Americans will release their complete training camp schedule sometime today but the training camp roster is due to the ECHL by 3 p.m. ET on Thursday (October 1st), players will report on Friday, (October 2nd) and the first on ice practice will most likely be on Monday, October 5th. It remains to be seen which players currently at the Barracuda camp will be back in Allen by the 5th but the number will be in the range of 5-8. The first players to be released are usually those on tryout agreements (Hanson, Steffes, Baker, Makowski, DiPaolo) but it is possible one of them gets an AHL contract out of camp. The other assignments to Allen could be those players that were assigned last year (Crane, Arseneau, Rumpel) or players that have never been assigned. As a reminder here is the "never been assigned to Allen list" which was posted yesterday:
- If you are wondering who might be the players assigned to the Americans by San Jose other than those that were in Allen last year here are some possibilities. I have no inside info on these players. This is just a list of the first players released from the Sharks NHL camp and assigned to the Barracuda so it is certainly possible one or more of these players gets assigned to Allen.
Daniel Doremus - F
Petter Emanuelsson - F
Adam Helewka - F
Nikita Jevpalovs - F
Jeremy Langlois - F
Trevor Parkes - F
Julius Bergman - D
Danny Federico - D
Patrick McNally - D
Rick Pinkston - D
Joakim Ryan - D

- The training camp roster for Allen will certainly be less than the ECHL allowed maximum of 30 players. Look for the training camp roster to have 26-28 players and there will be a couple of interesting surprises on the list when it is released.

- Just like the NHL & AHL camps the Allen camp will move fast with the only preseason game in Wichita scheduled for October 10th and final rosters due to the league office on October 14th with the opener on October 16th. Coach Martinson will go from first practice to final roster in just ten days.

- You don't want to miss the event scheduled for Saturday (October 3rd) at the Allen Event Center (AEC) where most of the players on the training camp roster will be on hand from 12:30 p.m. - 1:30 p.m. to mingle with fans and sign autographs. 

- The Allen Americans also announced yesterday that season ticket holders can pick up their tickets at the AEC from 12:00 - 6:00 pm on Saturday, so arrive by 12:30 p.m. and you can get your tickets and then meet all of the players. Enter through the Team Store.


OTHER ITEMS

- I have had several questions about when the ECHL TV packages would be available for purchase. Had the chance to ask that question to Joe Babik, ECHL Director of Communications. Here is what Joe had to say, "Barring any unforeseen circumstances the TV packages will be available to purchase on Friday (October 2nd) and yes there will be early bird rates again this season." So if you are thinking about buying one of the TV packages check the ECHL web site (echl.com) on Friday and don't procrastinate if you want to get the best price.

- After the blog post yesterday I found a few more former Allen Americans players that are attending AHL camps. Here is the list including when they played in Allen.

Jonathan Lessard (2013-2014) - Jonathan is signed with the Norfolk Admirals (ECHL) and is in camp with AHL Bakersfield Condors.
Matt Register (2011-2012) - Matt is signed with the Atlanta Gladiators (ECHL) and is in camp with the AHL Providence Bruins.
Garrett Klotz (2013-2014) - Garrett is signed with the Elmira Jackals (ECHL) and is in camp with the AHL Rochester Americans.
Justin DaCosta (2010-2011) - Justin is signed with the Brampton Beast (ECHL) and is in camp with the AHL Toronto Marlies.


DID YOU KNOW: One year ago today this was the opening to my blog post. There was a lot of speculation on what was happening with the CHL at the time. What a difference a year makes and what a memorable year it has been!


- Nothing new to report regarding what is happening with the CHL & ECHL but everyone expects something to break this week. With Thursday being the first day ECHL players can report to training camp and also the day training camp rosters are due (3 pm ET) and Friday being the first day of on ice sessions it makes sense something should be announced by Friday.  It is wait and see at this point.


Monday, September 28, 2015

AHL Camps Get Underway With Many Current & Former Players Plus Coach Martinson in Attendance

- With the San Jose Barracuda officially starting training camp today wanted to wish all of the players connected to the Allen Americans who are attending the camp the best of luck. For Allen fans it is like one of your children applying for a great job in another city. You want them to get the job but you don't want them to move away. There are two groups of former Allen players with the Barracuda. Those that have NHL and/or AHL contracts with San Jose. This group includes Vincent Arseneau, Chris Crane, Joel Rumpel and Aaron Dell. Dell is actually still in camp with the Sharks but according to media reports will be assigned to the Barracuda any day.

- The other Allen group at the Barracuda camp are those under contract to Allen but are on a try out agreement. This group includes Greger Hanson, Gary Steffes, Justin Baker, David Makowski, and Mike DiPaolo. This group really needs to compete hard during the training camp for two reasons. Most importantly one of them may end up with an AHL contract if they do well. Secondly, if they do well at camp and don't get a contract it will help their chances in getting called up during the season.

- Here is a link to the opening day training camp roster. Additional players will be added as the Sharks make more cuts over the next few days. You will notice Joel Rumpel is the only goalie on the list.
http://www.sjbarracuda.com/assets/doc/Barracuda-Roster-92715.pdf

- Here is a picture of Barracuda general manager, Joe Will, addressing the players at an orientation meeting last night.
Last night at San Jose Barracuda training camp orientation - photo by Eric Lindquist


- Allen coach Steve Martinson left yesterday and will spend the week at the Barracuda camp. A great opportunity to see how his players perform in camp and also become familiar with players that might be assigned to Allen throughout the season. Coach Martinson will be an active participant both on and off the ice.

- If you are wondering who might be the players assigned to the Americans by San Jose other than those that were in Allen last year here are some possibilities. I have no inside info on these players. This is just a list of the first players released from the Sharks NHL camp and assigned to the Barracuda so it is certainly possible one or more of these players gets assigned to Allen sometime during the season.
Daniel Doremus - F
Petter Emanuelsson - F
Adam Helewka - F
Nikita Jevpalovs - F
Jeremy Langlois - F
Trevor Parkes - F
Julius Bergman - D
Danny Federico - D
Patrick McNally - D
Rick Pinkston - D
Joakim Ryan - D


Former Allen Americans At AHL Training Camps:

- Spencer Asuchak and Konrad Abeltshauser are both in camp with the Chicago Wolves (AHL) after attending the St. Louis Blues main camp.

- Jack Combs is in camp with the the Hartford Wolf Pack having signed a one way deal with the AHL club in the off season. With 23 forwards already in camp and more to be added it will be highly competitive to make the team.

- Kale Kerbashian who is under contract to Rapid City is in camp with the AHL Springfield Falcons on a try out agreement.

- According to Elite Prospects the Missouri Mavericks have eleven players attending AHL camps. Ten of the eleven are in camp with Missouri's AHL affiliate, the Bridgeport Sound Tigers.

-  It is an important week for all of the players attending AHL camps as they pursue their dreams and try to take the next step in their careers. Best of luck to everyone and remember, luck is what happens when preparation meets opportunity.



DID YOU KNOW:  In 2009-2010, which was Allen's first year, Jordie Benn played for the Allen Americans (CHL) while Trevor Ludwig spent the year with the Texas Stars (AHL). In 2010-2011 they were teammates on the Texas Stars. In 2011-2012 Trevor signed with the Allen Americans and Jordie made his NHL debut with the Dallas Stars. You just never know what the future holds.

Saturday, September 26, 2015

Allen Signs Defenseman Eric Roy & Forward Justin Courtnall - The Details & Back Stories


Eric Roy's draft picture from 2013 - drafted by the Calgary Flames



If you read the headline in the press release issued by the Allen Americans last night it says, "Americans Add Young, Skilled Players, Courtnall And Roy To The Roster" and there are a lot of similarities between these players. They are both 6' 3" and weigh about 210 pounds. They were both drafted by the NHL with Courtnall going in the 7th round to the Tampa Bay Lighting in 2007 and Roy to the Calgary Flames in the 5th round in 2013. They both come to Allen with the hope of getting to the next level as Courtnall has 123 AHL games over the last three seasons and Roy was just released from the Calgary Flames NHL rookie camp. Courtnall will be starting his fourth professional season. Roy will be starting his first professional season having played the last five years as a junior for the Brandon Wheat Kings of the Western Hockey League (WHL).

Eric wore an "A" for two season and had 200 points in his career with Brandon



However, the back stories on Eric Roy (pronounced like Roy Rogers not Patrick Roy) and Justin Courtnall are very different. Eric was born in a small community (Beauval) of around 750 in northwest Saskatchewan. It is a sparsely populated area about 600 miles north of the Montana border where the average low temperature in January is ten below zero and the average high is ten above zero. Eric didn't grow up with a rink in his backyard, he didn't even have a rink in his hometown. That should have discouraged anyone from playing hockey but his parents and relatives would drive him to the nearest rink which was 90 miles away to practice and play games. Eric left home at the age of 14 to play hockey and has spent the last five years playing junior hockey for the Brandon Wheat Kings. Eric is of Metis ancestry. The Metis Nation is one of three Aboriginal peoples in Canada with a population of near 400,000. Eric was the first Metis to play in the WHL and was also the first to be drafted by the NHL.

When you read all of the scouting reports about Eric before and after he was drafted you get a picture of a skilled offensive player that needs to continue to work on the defensive part of his game to make it to the next level. Here are few quotes from various scouting reports:
- "An impressive mix of menacing size and fluid skating ability that is impossible to miss when he is on the ice"
- "A strong puck handler that is able to corral tough passes and make solid outlet passes"
- "A big defender with good offensive ability and a solid work ethic"
- "He plays with a bit of an edge and has shown he can throw a hard check and isn't afraid to engage after the whistle"
- "To reach the NHL Eric must continue to improve his overall technical skill level in every aspect of the game and become more consistent in his positional play"
 - "Eric Roy possesses tremendous offensive tools. He skates well and also has an above average shot. The advantage with Roy is that his biggest weakness is something that can be taught. His neglect and overall lack of attention paid to the defensive zone can be adjusted and if he is willing to learn, can become a sufficiently executed part of his game"

Eric, who has said in the past the player in the NHL that he tries to model his game after is Niklas Kronwall of the Detroit Red Wings will come to Allen with something to prove after just being released by the Calgary Flames organization. He should get plenty of opportunity to show his offensive abilities in the Steve Martinson system along with time on the power play. If he continues to work on the defensive part of his game he could see time in the AHL this season.

Justin Courtnall as a Hamilton Bulldog (AHL) in 2014


The back story on Justin Courtnall is very different than Eric Roy as Justin comes from a famous hockey family. Here is a story written by Matt Blundell II that was published on the AHL web site last year.

Very few young hockey players have the luxury of having one National Hockey League player as a mentor. Two is almost unheard of.

Meet Justin Courtnall.

Justin is the son of long-time National Hockey League forward Geoff Courtnall and the nephew of Geoff’s younger brother, Russ, also of NHL fame. Geoff played 17 seasons in the NHL, notching 799 points in 1,049 regular-season games with Boston, Edmonton, Washington, St. Louis and Vancouver and winning the Stanley Cup in 1988 with the Oilers. Russ played 16 years in the NHL, tallying 744 points in 1,029 regular-season games with Toronto, Montreal, Minnesota/Dallas, Vancouver, the New York Rangers and Los Angeles. Justin, now in his first season with the Hamilton Bulldogs and his second as a professional, is quick to credit his family for his success. “Yeah, they’re definitely one of the main reasons I’ve made it to this point,” he said. “Growing up I always had someone to look up to and always had childhood heroes within my family.” The question is which role model does Justin try to replicate his own game after most? “I think my dad,” said the 24-year-old Courtnall. “I wanted to be exactly like my dad. Growing up, I basically tried to emulate him and become a player that could be in the same category as him. I really watched him. He was obviously my favorite player.”

While having such role models has been extremely influential to Courtnall’s development, the lifestyle of having a father in the NHL isn’t always the easiest one for a family to deal with. “Growing up with a father who played hockey during the season, you didn’t see him a lot with him being busy and on the road, but it was a lot of fun,” Courtnall said. “He took us to the rink all the time and we grew up around the hockey world. It was definitely a special upbringing and made me who I am today.”

Courtnall was drafted by the Tampa Bay Lightning in the seventh round of the 2007 NHL Entry Draft. The 6-foot-3, 210-pound forward played his junior hockey in the British Columbia Hockey League, and played for his dad in Victoria after Geoff was hired as head coach midway through the 2007-08 season. The team won the BCHL regular-season title in 2009. “It was great. I had a really good time there and learned a lot from my dad,” Courtnall said. “Obviously at times he was harder on me than the other guys, but I kind of expected it and embraced it. I knew he was trying to make me better and I never really got down about it or anything.”

It wasn’t only the head coach who was hard on Courtnall at times. Many players around the league often targeted him simply because of the name on the back of his jersey. “It was tough at times, but I learned to play with it and deal with it,” said Courtnall. “It definitely gives you a thick skin and teaches you how to play with guys coming after you all the time. At times it was almost fun because it was easy to get into the game because someone was always trying to hit you and you had to be on your toes.”

After his four seasons in the BCHL, Justin decided to pursue an opportunity with Boston University. “In their recruiting process, they had just won the national championship,” Courtnall said. “That was definitely a big draw for me because I obviously wanted to win. Being such a well-known program, I knew I had a really solid chance of being turned into a pro there.” Courtnall spent three years with the Terriers, seeing an increase in production each year. In his junior season, he served as an assistant captain and recorded seven points (four goals and three assists) and 73 penalty minutes in 39 games. Courtnall was then faced with the difficult decision of whether to return for his senior season or pursue a pro career. “I felt that I accomplished everything that could be accomplished in the role that was given to me on the team,” said Courtnall. “If I wanted to try and make it to the NHL, my best option was to move on.”

In 2012, Justin signed with the Providence Bruins, but played in only five AHL games. He spent the majority of 2012-13 with South Carolina of the ECHL, tallying nine points and 92 penalty minutes in 44 games. His tenacious, two-way play earned him a one-year contract with the Hamilton Bulldogs (AHL) this past off-season. A combination of physicality and skill has seen Courtnall become a valuable AHL player this season. While he likes to engage physically, he doesn’t consider himself a heavyweight. “I wouldn’t call myself a heavyweight fighter,” Courtnall said with a grin. “But I’ll stick up for my teammates at any time. I just try to be a team player and if the guys need a little bit of a lift I don’t mind bringing that into my game.”

His team-first attitude and whatever-it-takes approach has allowed Courtnall to find a key role with the Bulldogs. While he continues to chase the NHL dream, there’s no denying that his rich hockey bloodlines and instrumental mentorship with his father have been critical to his success. “Without him coaching me,” Courtnall said, “I probably wouldn’t have been able to make it to the next level.”


Justin is registered with a modeling agency in Vancouver


- Eric and Justin play different positions and have taken very different paths to become teammates with the Allen Americans but they share a common goal and that is to show that they are worthy of an opportunity to play in the AHL. With the Steve Martinson system and his history of loaning players along with the championship experience on the team both Eric and Justin will have a great chance to achieve their goals.

- If you are on Twitter give the guys a follow and welcome them to Allen. Eric is @Royzy07 and Justin is @JustinCourtnall

- Here are the stats for Eric and Justin courtesy of hockeydb:

Eric Roy

Defense -- shoots L
Born Oct 24 1994 -- Beauval, SASK
[20 yrs. ago]
Height 6.03 -- Weight 208
Drafted by Calgary Flames
- round 5 #135 overall 2013 NHL Entry Draft
Regular Season Playoffs
Season Team Lge GP G A Pts PIM +/- GP G A Pts PIM
2010-11 Brandon Wheat Kings WHL 49 4 15 19 15 11 6 0 3 3 0
2011-12 Brandon Wheat Kings WHL 69 11 42 53 55 -1 9 1 2 3 9
2012-13 Brandon Wheat Kings WHL 72 17 22 39 37 -32 ----------
2013-14 Brandon Wheat Kings WHL 66 11 33 44 51 -9 8 1 2 3 4
2014-15 Brandon Wheat Kings WHL 66 5 40 45 55 31 19 3 12 15 2

Justin Courtnall

Left Wing -- shoots L
Born May 21 1989 -- Victoria, BC
[26 yrs. ago]
Height 6.03 -- Weight 210 [191 cm/95 kg]
Drafted by Tampa Bay Lightning
- round 7 #210 overall 2007 NHL Entry Draft
Regular Season Playoffs
Season Team Lge GP G A Pts PIM +/- GP G A Pts PIM
2005-06 Victoria Salsa BCHL 6 0 0 0 0 ----------
2006-07 Victoria Grizzlies BCHL 5 0 0 0 14 ----------
2006-07 Burnaby Express BCHL 48 5 9 14 55 12 0 2 2 19
2007-08 Victoria Grizzlies BCHL 59 19 31 50 88 11 3 2 5 12
2008-09 Victoria Grizzlies BCHL 60 22 41 63 98 14 2 4 6 24
2009-10 Boston University H-East 21 0 0 0 8




2010-11 Boston University H-East 32 3 3 6 23




2011-12 Boston University H-East 39 4 3 7 73




2012-13 South Carolina Stingrays ECHL 44 5 4 9 92 -9 3 0 0 0 2
2012-13 Providence Bruins AHL 5 0 0 0 0 -1 ----------
2013-14 Hamilton Bulldogs AHL 62 6 3 9 78 -7 ----------
2014-15 Bridgeport Sound Tigers AHL 40 4 3 7 82 ----------
2014-15 Syracuse Crunch AHL 16 3 4 7 9 4 ----------


DID YOU KNOW: Trevor Ludwig's dad (Craig) and Justin Courtnall's uncle (Russ) were teammates on three different teams. Montreal Canadiens (1989-1990), Minnesota North Stars (1992-1993) and Dallas Stars (1993-1995).

Friday, September 25, 2015

Trevor Ludwig Q & A, Clarke Happy To Return, AHL Camps, Former Allen Players Now Coaching


Trevor and his family are happy to be returning to Allen for 2015-2016

The Allen Americans announced on Wednesday evening that two more players from last season's Kelly Cup championship (Trevor Ludwig & Garrett Clarke) will be returning for the 2015-2016 season. The announcement took place at Abuelo's, a long time sponsor of the Americans, and Trevor Ludwig was there to talk about his return and answer questions from the media and standing room only group of fans. Here is a recap of Trevor's press conference:

- This is my home as most of you know. I have lived here for a long time and have been on the team for a long time. Allen was always my first choice as to where I wanted to play in 2015-2016. It is a great area, the fans are unbelievable, and the team has been a great team to play for with three straight championships. Not only is this our home but we have lots of family here, and our little girl has grandparents she can visit. I am super thrilled to be back and look forward to making another run this year.

Q: You are the longest tenured player on the team and the only one who is left that played in the Mullins years, you have won three straight championships, you were healthy last season after some serious injuries in the past and your brother retired. What went into your decision to play again this year?
A: There was no doubt that I wanted to play again this season and wanted to return to Allen. At the beginning of the summer it looked like the writing was on the wall for whatever reason that I was going to move on. I was 80%-90% positive I was not coming back. There were several possibilities for me with Europe in the mix as well as other teams in the ECHL. It was especially difficult for my wife because our families are here. I know that in professional sports there is no job security and it is a business.  In the middle of the summer I reached out to coach Martinson before making a decision and we talked about it and he said he would like me to come back and the rest is history.  For the guys who aren't going to be back I will miss them. Jamie and Nicole Schaafsma and their family were close with my family, Brian and Wendy McMillin were our neighbors at the apartments for the longest time and we became friends over the years. We will miss those players as they were big pieces to our success on the ice and off the ice they meant a lot to me and my family. And it goes without saying it is very rare to have a sibling play the same sport and then have them your team. I will really miss not playing with Tyler.

Q: With all of the success the team had last year where do you see there is room for improvement this coming season?
A: We have a big group of players returning from last year and that will help. Last year when we struggled it was in transition and with such a great offensive team we can always improve defensively.

Q: What do you think it will be like not having your brother playing with you this season?
A: It probably won't really hit me until the season starts. Being twins there was always special communication between us growing up, inside jokes and we just understood each other in a certain way. The little things that most people wouldn't see or understand is what I will miss the most not playing with Tyler.

Q: I am sure you and Tyler tended to push each other to be better players. Who will you turn to now to give you that push?
A: Aaron Gens is younger than me but we were line mates from the middle of the season to the end and all through the payoffs. He is a great player and I love playing with him and being his defensive partner. In every practice and every drill in practice he really made sure we never just went through the motions as sometime you have a tendency to do. We had a lot of responsibility in the playoffs defensively to shut down the opponents top line. You don't get as many points but it is just as important to stop the other team from scoring and we took pride in our role and took it seriously. I think Aaron and I pushed each other and helped keep each other focused.

Q: You are going to be playing several new teams this year such as Alaska, Colorado and Utah. Have you spent any time looking at those teams to see how they play and how you match up?
A: Last year we joined the ECHL very late so for the most part we played the teams that came from the Central League. This year will be different with the way the ECHL changed the division alignment. I haven't paid a lot of attention on the makeup of the teams we will play. The coaching staff will give us a report on the teams as we play them.

Q: What do you think of your former teammate, Aaron Dell, suiting up for the San Jose Sharks and playing well in their preseason game this week.
A: I saw some clips but not the whole game and he made some great saves. Dell has always been a good goalie. He is smaller than the typical NHL goalie but he is very quick and has good rebound control. As they always say, first impressions last, when you are in a NHL exhibition game and you are making saves like that, you have the right GM's and scouts watching and that is great for Aaron. I am happy for him and he deserves it.

Q: Did you and Tyler ever have a bet growing up as to who would play the longest?
A: No we didn't. Growing up we just loved the sport so much. Obliviously with our dad playing hockey we just wanted to be like him. We played other sports growing up and there was always competition between us which helped us both improve.

Q: Going back to the playoffs last year, you were within about 12 minutes of the season being over in game five of the series with Ontario. What do you think was the difference that put Allen over the top in that game that brought the series back to Allen for games six and seven?
A: Our team last year was a very strong team mentally. We had a confidence in each other and in our team from the goaltending, offense and defense that if we just kept playing things would work out. The team last year was so good at overcoming whatever adversity was put in our way.

Q: With you and Gens both returning do you think coach Martinson will have you as a defensive pair this year?
A: I don't know but I hope so. I really like playing with Gens. Like I said before in practice he always wants to improve himself, he wants to make sure everyone is giving 100% mentally and physically. Being the hockey player he is, he pushes everybody. We have good chemistry and a formula for success which is I pass the puck to Gens, he passes to Costello and he usually scores.

Q: In spite of playing new teams this year Allen will be playing the three teams in their division (Tulsa, Wichita, Missouri) a total of 39 times during the season. What do you expect from the Central Division this year?
A: I would expect the games with Wichita well be physical as they have been in the past. Our games with Tulsa always go back and forth but we did pretty well against them last year.  I think Missouri will be improved from last year. I have known Richard Matvichuk since I was ten years old as he and my dad played together. He is an intense guy and last year he had a lot of turnover with his players. My younger brother (CJ) has an AHL deal with Bridgeport and their ECHL affiliate is Missouri. I hope CJ stays in the AHL all year but if he gets sent down to Missouri there will be another Ludwig on the ice.

Q: Going back to game seven against South Carolina in the finals, with such a big lead in the game how much gratification was there after all of the criticism of the CHL teams and the path Allen took to the finals?
A:  Since we played mostly the CHL teams in the regular season there was a lot of talk how Allen's record was inflated and it was a watered down schedule because we did not playing many established ECHL teams. We were playing well but for the most part were not getting recognition from around the league. Game seven in the finals was the not type of game I expected. I remember waking up from my pregame nap and thinking how awesome it would be if we could blow them out and have smooth sailing in the third period knowing we were going to have another championship. Then I said to my self there is no way that is ever going to happen.  I think the big difference in that game was we scored on our opportunities and they didn't. We may have had a couple more opportunities but they had some good chances but did not convert. I have to admit it was very gratifying winning the championship because there were so many naysayers.


- In addition to announcing that Trevor Ludwig had re-signed, Tommy Daniels also announced at Abuelo's that Garrett Clarke would also be returning for the  2015-2016 season and asked Trevor to talk about Clarke and how he has changed from his first year in Allen and then his returning last year after playing in Arizona. Here is what Trevor had to say about Clarke:
"You have to remember that Clarke is young. This will be his fourth year as a professional but he is still only 22 years old. Most young players have a transition and learning curve. He has changed from that first year and it helps him knowing the style of coach that Martinson is and what he expects from Clarke. I have always been a fan of Clarke. He is a very dynamic player and he brings everything. As a young player he was highly scouted and was destined for the AHL & NHL. He is a very talented player who has been put in the role of relying on his physical play and fighting ability. He is as tough as nails and is the kind of guy that doesn't give up. He is a good addition to the team, is a versatile player that can play defense or up front and is the type of guy that if a coach or player asks him to do something he will do it. As long as he continues to learn and figures out what he needs to do on a consistent basis night in and night out to contribute to the team he will be fine. I think he is a bonus for the team for sure."

- If you saw the press release issued by the Allen Americans on the Clarke signing and saw the quote from coach Martinson it might portend a little different role for Garrett this season. He will still be the agitator but as Martison says, "With Clarke we get a physical player who has the potential for a breakout offensive season."

- I had a chance to touch base with Garrett and ask about his thoughts for the upcoming season. Here is what he had to say, "I am looking forward to another exciting season in Allen. Marty does a great job recruiting and with the players coming down from San Jose you can expect a strong line up night in and night out. I am sure we will be on everyone's radar this season."

Clarke attended NHL camp when he was just 18


- Goalie Joel Rumpel has been assigned by the Sharks (NHL) to the Barracuda (AHL) training camp. There were five goalies at the Sharks camp and the reassignment will give Rumpel more ice time in preparation for the upcoming season. Aaron Dell is still with the Sharks and will most likely be assigned to the Barracuda in the next couple of days as they further trim their roster.

- With most AHL training camps scheduled to officially open on Monday there are a lot of transactions happening. NHL teams are assigning players to AHL camps, ECHL teams are sending players to AHL camps, and AHL teams are still signing players. If you are on Twitter you can see all of the transactions worldwide if you follow the Elite Prospects transfer site. It is called EP Transfer and is at:  @ep_transfers.

- If you haven't seen the press release about the Steven Brothers hiring a CEO for their sports management group (SBSM) go to the Allen Americans web site (allenamericans.com) and take a look. His name is Steve Violetta and he has an impressive resume. I have had the chance to visit with Steve who will be working with all three teams (Allen, Tulsa & Wichita) and has lots of great ideas that should help all three organizations. What the release doesn't mention is Steve will office in Allen but will spend plenty of time on the road. His picture is in the press release so if you see Steve around the AEC make sure to welcome him and also share your suggestions with him on how to improve the fan experience.

- The St. Louis Blues beat the Dallas Stars last night 6-0 in a preseason game. Spencer Asuchak did not play in the game but has still not been assigned to the Blues AHL affiliate Chicago Wolves. You would expect that would happen soon but Spencer has made a great first impression in St. Louis that will serve him well in the future.



DID YOU KNOW: The list of former Allen Americans players that are coaching or working in the front office of hockey teams continues to grow. Here is a list which may not be complete:
Josh Hepditch - Head Coach, County Aces, Maritime Hockey League (MHL)
Bruce Graham - Assistant Coach, County Aces
Liam Huculak - Director of Business Develpment, Bakersfield Condors (AHL)
John Snowden - Assistant Coach, Orlando Solar Bears, (ECHL)
Steve Silverthorn - Assistant Coach, Bentley University
Jason Deitsch - Head Coach, Allen High School
Erik Adams - Assistant Coach, Allen Americans (ECHL)
Todd Robinson, Assistant Coach, Muskegon Lumberjacks (USHL)
Phil Fox, Hockey Operations Manager, Northern Michigan University

Wednesday, September 23, 2015

Allen Players From The Past Thriving - The Details, Behind The Bench With Steve Martinson & More

Spencer Asuchak had a goal, three hits and was +1 for the St. Louis Blues last night - photo by Scott Rovak


- It is always fun tracking the progress of Allen Americans players that have moved on from Allen and continue to succeed. I am sure by now most of you have heard that Spencer Asuchak scored a goal in his first game in the NHL with the St. Louis Blues as his team beat the Columbus Blue Jackets 5-2 in a split squad preseason game that took place in St. Louis. Spencer not only scored a goal but led the team in hits with three and was a +1 in the 9:26 ice time he had in the game. He also got a shout out from coach Ken Hitchcock who had this to say in his post game press conference, "I like some of the guys we brought in like Caron and Asuchak, they did a heck of a job."

- This morning St. Louis released six players to their junior clubs and now have 55 guys in camp.

- Aaron Dell is still in camp with the San Jose Sharks. As of this morning they still have five goalies in camp. With the AHL San Jose Barracuda starting camp in a few days look for some of the goalies to be assigned to the AHL team.

- Allen coach Steve Martinson will be leaving Sunday and spend next week at the San Jose Barracuda training camp where he will have a chance to see the players during practice and at a preseason game on Thursday. When he returns to Allen on Friday (October 2nd) he will have a good idea on the players that will be assigned to Allen by San Jose.

- The last I heard there will be five players signed by Allen that will be attending the San Jose Barracuda camp. It is a great opportunity for these players. Gary Steffes, Greger Hanson, Justin Baker, Dyson Stevenson and David Makowski should be at the Barracuda camp if all goes as planned. Throw in players that were in Allen last year that are under contract to San Jose (Chris Crane, Vincent Arseneau, Mike DiPaolo, Aaron Dell & Joel Rumpel) and it is evident what a strong roster Allen could have this year. Let's hope some of these players make the Barracuda roster but if they don't they will be welcomed with open arms in Allen.

- Had a question about where Jack Combs will be playing this season. Jack signed a one way contract with the Hartford Wolf Pack (AHL) and will be starting camp with them. If Jack doesn't make the final roster in Hartford my understanding of the rules, since he has a one way contract, is he could then sign with any ECHL team. Bottom line, it is possible he could return to Allen but a lot would have to happen to make that a reality.

- Colton Yellow Horn continues to led his league in scoring. He is playing in the Austria league this year and has nine points (5 goals 4 assists) in the first four games and leads the scoring race by three points. Colton's team is in first place in the 12 team league.

- Brian McMillin has gotten off to a great start with his team in France (Dijon). In three games Brian has four points (1 goal 3 assists).

- Alex Lavoie was traded yesterday from the Atlanta Gladiators to the Indy Fuel for "future considerations."

- The Americans will have one preseason game but it will be in Wichita on Saturday, October 10th with a puck drop at 4:00 pm.

- Rusty Aldridge who was the Allen equipment manager last year is now the equipment manager for the Fayetteville FireAntz (SPHL). The Americans have not named an equipment manager for the upcoming season.

- Don't forget there will be a player announcement tonight at Abuelo's in Plano which starts at 7:05. Everyone is invited.

- The Americans announced today that Abuelo's is sponsoring, for a limited time, a six game ticket package. If you buy just six games you not only get a great price but a $20 gift card from Abuelo's. Get the details at the Allen Americans web site. (allenamericans.com)

- The ECHL has a series they call "Behind the Bench" where they highlight the league coaches. Today was the story about Steve Martinson. It is a great article but my count shows Martinson played professionally for 14 years as opposed to 12 in the ECHL story and he has coached for 19 years (nine championships) rather than the 16 years cited in the story. Here it is courtesy of the ECHL.

Steve Martinson joined the Allen Americans in 2012-13 as head coach and general manager, and has led the Amercians to three straight titles, capturing Central Hockey League championships in 2013 and 2014 before winning the Kelly Cup title in 2015 with a seven-game victory over South Carolina. Prior to Allen, Martinson coached the Chicago Express in their only season in the ECHL in 2011-12.

A native of Minnetonka, Minn., he played professionally for 12 years spanning from 1981-96, at several different levels. Martinson played in 50 games in the National Hockey League, for parts of four seasons with the Detroit Red Wings, Montreal Canadiens and Minnesota North Stars.

Martinson began his coaching career in 1996 with the San Diego Gulls of the WCHL, where he coached for nine seasons and over 600 games, winning five championships. During his ECHL expansion season in 2003-04 with San Diego, his club set an ECHL record for most points by an expansion team with 100 points. Following San Diego, he spent three seasons in Rockford of the UHL, where he won a championship with the IceHogs in 2006-07. In his 16 years of coaching, Martinson has failed to reach the post-season only once. He won his first championship in the Central Hockey League in 2012-13 as Allen defeated Wichita in seven games. He won his 800th game against the Rapid City Rush on March 14, 2014.

Martinson was a tough, gritty player during his playing days, racking up more than 3,000 penalty minutes over his 12-year career. He holds the single season American Hockey League mark for most major penalties in a season with 49, in 1985-86. Off the ice, Martinson earned his Business Management degree in 1981, from St Cloud State University. Martinson and his wife, Michelle, reside in Illinois in the offseason along with their two children, Logan and Lily.
Coaching Record


Reg. Season




Playoffs


Season
Team

Gms
W
L
T

Gms
W
L
1995-96
San Diego (WCHL)

58
49
7
2

9
6
3
1996-97
San Diego (WCHL)

64
50
12
2

8
7
1
1997-98
San Diego (WCHL)

64
53
10
1

13
11
2
1998-99
San Diego (WCHL)

71
45
19
7

12
7
5
1999-00
San Diego (WCHL)

70
46
16
6

9
4
5
2000-01
San Diego (WCHL)

72
50
17
5

13
10
3
2001-02
San Diego (WCHL)

72
47
22
3

7
4
3
2002-03
San Diego (WCHL)

72
45
22
7

12
8
4
2003-04
San Diego Gulls (ECHL)

72
49
13
10

3
0
3
2004-05
Rockford (UHL)

80
46
25
9

11
7
6
2005-06
Rockford (UHL)

76
48
19
9

9
4
5
2006-07
Rockford (UHL)

76
48
21
7

17
12
5
2007-08
Elmira Jackals (ECHL)

72
41
24
7

6
2
4
2008-09
Elmira Jackals (ECHL)

72
39
26
7

11
4
7
2009-10
Elmira Jackals (ECHL)

72
37
26
9

5
2
3
2011-12
Chicago Express (ECHL)

72
34
26
12

---
---
---
2012-13
Allen (CHL)

66
39
18
9

19
12
7
2013-14
Allen (CHL)

66
39
22
5

17
12
5
2014-15
Allen Americans (ECHL)

72
48
14
10

25
16
9

ECHL Totals

432
248
129
55

50
24
26
 




DID YOU KNOW: Allen led the ECHL in penalty minutes last season with 1644 with Brett Lyon leading the team with 256 minutes. In 1985-1986 the Hershey Bears led the AHL in penalty minutes with 2849 minutes. Steve Martinson led the team with 432 penalty minutes. Hershey had three players with over 300 penalty minutes that year. How times have changed.