Allen Americans Weekly Update Plus Some News and Notes, Steve Martinson Coaching Again

Allen general manager Chad Costello continues to build the Americans 2023-24 roster with the addition of three players since my last update. The addition of forward Chad Butcher, goalie Chase Perry and defenseman Eric Williams brings the announced roster to 13 players. It is still relatively early in the process. You can expect one or two AHL level players signing with Allen, an older player or two and more rookies. This is the time of the recruiting process when the puzzle pieces become more difficult as ECHL coaches/general managers have to deal with the realities of affiliation help, salary cap, housing and a myriad of other issues.

– Chad Butcher has played 110 games for the Allen Americans over four seasons (23G, 60A) averaging .75 points per game. A fearless player that doesn’t hesitate to go into the corners and tough areas to make a play. Chad is not a big player, and his fearless style of play makes him susceptible to injury. If he can stay healthy, he will be a big help up the middle for the Americans. Here is the press release from the Allen Americans: https://allenamericans.com/media/americans-add-depth-up-the-middle/

– Chase Perry arrived in Allen in January last season and was a big part of the Americans comeback from last place to second place. His record was 14-7-0-1 with a .921 save percentage. Chase won four of his last five starts in the regular season and in his lone loss he gave up one goal in a 2-0 shutout. Perry has a great attitude which is critical when you assume the Americans will get goalies from Belleville rotating to Allen to get playing time. Here is the press release from the Allen Americans: https://allenamericans.com/media/after-a-solid-2022-2023-season-between-the-pipes-goalie-chase-perry-returns/

– Eric Williams was a late season acquisition by the Americans in 2022-23 in a trade with Norfolk where he served as captain of the team. He played 16 regular season games in Allen (2G, 2A) and 11 playoff games (1G, 3A). Look for Williams to play a bigger role for the Americans is 2023-24. Here are a few bullet points from my player profile when Eric arrived in Allen and the press release from the Allen Americans: https://allenamericans.com/media/eric-williams-signed-for-the-upcoming-season/

• Two conference championships (Hockey East) at Northeastern University.
• #2 in blocked shots (81) as a junior in college, one behind the leader.
• Did not miss a single game in his college career (156 straight games).
• Scouting report says Eric has a cannon of a shot from the point along with the ability to get the puck to the net. A puck moving defenseman who is very cerebral.
• Eric has anchored the power play in juniors, college and as a pro.

– Here is the updated Allen roster with the 13 players announced for 2023-24:

GOALIES

• Chase Perry

DEFENSEMEN

• Matt Brassard
• Ty Farmer
• Ryan Gagnon
• Kris Myllari
• Eric Williams

FORWARDS

• Chad Butcher
• Liam Finlay
• Jordan Ty-Fournier
• Colton Hargrove
• Grant Hebert
• Colby McAuley
• Mikael Robidoux

NEWS AND NOTES

– I talked to Steve Martinson yesterday and he has expanded his portfolio. In addition to his solar business, which he operates with his wife, Michelle, he has taken on the role of head coach of the Roosevelt University Woman’s Hockey Team. Roosevelt is a small private college in Chicago. Per Martinson it is a great situation where he can continue to build the solar business from his home in Rockford and commute for his coaching duties. Martinson has been involved with women’s hockey throughout his daughter, Lily’s hockey career. She is a junior, playing hockey at NCAA Division I Providence College.  

Here is what Martinson had to say in his own words, “It’s really nice to be able to coach from home and continue to build the solar business.  We partnered with JC Solar in Texas, so that we can now also offer financing and we don’t have to be in Texas full time. I probably should have gone into coaching college hockey years ago, but I was enjoying pro hockey. Anyone that knows me gets my passion for women’s hockey. I will have much more control coaching college hockey with fewer outside influences impacting the team.

Here is the press release from Roosevelt University announcing Steve Martinson’s selection as the head coach of the Woman’s Hockey Team:  https://www.rooseveltlakers.com/sports/wice/2023-24/releases/20230810jardax

– 3ICE wrapped up the season with the typical Allen Americans flair. In year one Chad Costello was the 3ICE MVP and his team won the championship (Patrick Cup). In year two Chad passed the torch to Hank Crone who was the 3ICE MVP and his team won the Patrick Cup. Ironically in the championship tournament (four of eight teams made the playoffs) Chad’s team (Team Johnston) lost to Crone’s team (Team Murphy) with the winner advancing to the championship game.  In the championship game Crone scored the only goal for his team in regulation and then score a shootout goal to win the championship. It was a dramatic ending to a dramatic 3ICE season.

– The SPHL has followed the lead of the ECHL and is now going by just SPHL instead of Southern Professional Hockey League. This may in fact be an easier transition for the SPHL as it is commonly known as the “SP” while the ECHL is still called the “Coast” by players and fans alike. Here are the details of the SPHL rebranding. https://www.thesphl.com/sphl-announces-rebrand

– The QMJHL, one of the three major junior hockey leagues in Canada has taken a big step in banning fighting starting with the upcoming season. Players who fight during a game will be automatically ejected and face additional suspensions as well. Here is a story with the details: https://bleacherreport.com/articles/10085758-quebec-major-junior-hockey-league-bans-fighting-will-result-in-automatic-ejection

– Saw this article in a local paper about long time Allen Americans sponsor Gary Hirsch, the owner of Hirsch’s Meats. Gary is easily identifiable at Allen games with his distinct handlebar mustache. Fans will also recognize him as the sponsor of the “steak race” at each game. Gary has a great story about his business in Plano: https://starlocalmedia.com/planocourier/this-plano-business-owner-supplies-quality-meats-for-residents-and-area-restaurants/article_af330348-37af-11ee-847d-63542e91d2fb.html

DID YOU KNOW: Here is my ECHL stats post for today. Allen’s points per game leader was Hank Crone who has signed and AHL deal with Chicago. Here are the 2023-24 plans for 2022-23 average points per game leaders for each ECHL team (minimum 30 games played):Re-signed with same ECHL team: ATL, IDH, NOR, WIC*Unsigned: ADK, CIN, FLA, IND, JAX, ORL, RC, TOLEurope signed: GVL, IA, NFL, REA, SC, TULAHL signed: ALN, FW, KC, SAV, TR, UTA, WHLRe-signed with different ECHL team: KAL, MNE, WOR*These players could be signed but just not yet announced.