Training Camp Part 2 - Where Does Everyone Fit?

There was little doubt when observing the Allen Americans practice yesterday that there was a different look and feel. The tryout players were all gone, Greger Hanson, Kyle Neuber, Eric Roy, Travis Brown and Chris Crane were back and the competition for opening night playing time was in full swing. This team is loaded with talent but the old adage of hard work beats talent if talent doesn't work hard will be a difference maker, even in practice. 

- Dyson Stevenson was at the rink but in street clothes after being injured in a preseason game in San Jose. I would not expect Stevenson to be ready for the home opener on Saturday. 

- Tanner Eberle was released by San Jose and returned to Allen last night. He will be at practice today (Tuesday).

- While additional players will be assigned to Allen in the near future, it is unlikely any more players will be assigned this week. With the addition of Eberle there are now 20 players on the roster. 

Goalies:

Riley Gill

Jamie Murray

Defensemen:

Aaron Gens

Joel Chouinard

Eric Roy

Rick Pinkston

Travis Brown

Mike Gunn

Nolan Descoteaux 

Forwards:

Chad Costello

Gary Steffes

Dyson Stevenson

Greger Hanson

Spencer Asuchak

Tristan King

Chris Crane

J.P. LaFontaine

Kale Kerbashian 

Kyle Neuber

Tanner Eberle 

- One of many things coach Martinson will be deciding this week is line combinations for opening night. The lines at practice yesterday were King-Kerbashian-Steffes, Costello-Crane-LaFontaine, Hanson-Asuchak-Neuber. With Eberle returning today, you might see him with Costello and Crane and LaFontaine with Hanson and Asuchak. It is always nice to have a tough guy with Costello and Eberle fits the bill. One thing is clear and that is, however the lines end up all three will be scoring threats. 

- Defenseman Travis Brown may be a new name to Allen fans. He was a fifth round draft choice of the Chicago Blackhawks in the 2012 NHL draft.  Brown is described in scouting reports as a balanced defenseman who combines puck moving ability with a 6'2" frame and commitment to the physical game. He skates very well and has good mobility in all directions. When the puck is on his stick, he can make safe plays on the breakout as well as get his shot through on the offensive end. He played in Brampton last season. Here are his stats courtesy of hockeydb:

 

Travis Brown

Defense -- shoots R
Born Mar 15 1994 -- Winnipeg, MAN
[22 yrs. ago]
Height 6.02 -- Weight 194

Drafted by Chicago Blackhawks

- round 5 #149 overall 2012 NHL Entry Draft

			Regular Season						Playoffs
Season	Team	Lge	GP	G	A	Pts	PIM	+/-	GP	G	A	Pts	PIM
2010-11	Winnipeg Blues	MJHL	1	0	0	0	0
2010-11	Moose Jaw Warriors	WHL	3	0	1	1	0	-1	3	0	0	0	0
2011-12	Moose Jaw Warriors	WHL	66	7	24	31	45	19	10	0	2	2	4
2012-13	Moose Jaw Warriors	WHL	70	9	30	39	54	-22	--	--	--	--	--
2013-14	Moose Jaw Warriors	WHL	43	9	29	38	48	-32	--	--	--	--	--
2013-14	Victoria Royals	WHL	28	5	10	15	24	20	9	2	5	7	4
2014-15	Victoria Royals	WHL	71	18	39	57	77	4	10	2	2	4	12
2015-16	St. John's IceCaps	AHL	3	1	0	1	2	0	--	--	--	--	--
2015-16	Brampton Beast	ECHL	55	8	14	22	32	-12	--	--	--	--	--

This video is from when Travis was called up to the St. John's IceCaps (AHL) last season:

- Here are some photos from yesterday's practice courtesy of Dianne Webster:

Joel Chouinard get new laces from trainer Jaime Garcia

Goalie coach Thomas Speer working with Jamie Murray

Drills were serious yesterday

Travis Brown

Eric Roy cheering on the guys

All eyes on the whiteboard

DID YOU KNOW: One year ago today this was news in the blog. In a move that caught many by surprise the Allen Americans traded Trevor Ludwig yesterday to the Missouri Mavericks for forward Tristan King. With the trade the four players that were in Allen for all three championships (Brian McMillin, Jamie Schaafsma, Trevor & Tyler Ludwig) are now gone.