Americans All About the AHL
October 19, 2010 - Central Hockey League (CHL)
Allen Americans News Release
The 2009-2010 Allen Americans enjoyed tremendous success. Their accomplishments did not go un-noticed. 14 Americans players are going camping with various American Hockey League clubs from late September to early October, in hopes of landing a spot just a notch below the NHL.
In Cedar Park, the Texas Stars got a good look at several Americans players over the course of camp. Wingers Colton Yellow Horn, Bobby Bolt, Nino Musitelli and Alexandre Quesnel made the trip down south, along with Center Judd Blackwater and goaltender Adrien Lemay.
Musitelli, an original American, was one of the most consistent offensive contributors in 09-10, registering 89 points (36+53=89) in 82 games. Yellow Horn quickly became a fan favorite upon his arrival in Allen last season, notching an impressive 55 points (20+35=55) in just 63 games.
While the Americans share a strong organizational affiliation with the Texas Stars (Dallas Stars AHL affiliate), contracts do not restrict players from pursuing opportunities when approached by other American Hockey League teams.
"The only boundary the affiliation has is if a player signs a two-way contract with the organization," Head Coach and General Manager Dwight Mullins said. "Unless they are on the two-way contract, players can attend camp or be called up to any other team in the American Hockey League."
Returning defenseman Brandon Straub also headed South for camp, taking the opportunity to skate with the San Antonio Rampage(Phoenix Coyotes). Straub, who registered 220 penalty minutes in 78 games last season, impressed the black and silver with his bruising presence on the blue line.
Center Tobias Whelan, another mainstay in the Americans 09-10 offensive lineup, headed out East to compete for a spot with the Rochester, NY Americans(Florida Panthers). 2009-10 saw Whelan put together a solid rookie season in the CHL, consisting of 40 points (22+18=40) in 76 games.
Goaltender Chris Whitley and winger Liam Huculak were re-united with former Americans Athletic Trainer Brent Woodside when they attended camp with the Lake Erie Monsters(Colorado Avalanche).
Having the opportunity to skate in front of AHL brain trust can benefit players in more ways than just potentially getting a crack at the roster of the team with which they are skating, however. Americans forward Jarret Lukin, who went to camp with the Oklahoma City Barons(Edmonton Oilers), said that it is not uncommon for a player to go to camp with one AHL club, and have their talents recognized by a different scout or organization.
"Word travels fast," Lukin said. "You go out there and play your game, and you really never know who's watching, or what it could lead to."
Joining Lukin in Oklahoma City was winger Dustin Donaghy, and new Americans signings, center Dave Bonk and defenseman Justin Dacosta.
Since its inception, the Americans organization has been committed to moving players on to the next levels of hockey.
"We have structured, and recruited our team based on acquiring players who have an interest in playing in the American Hockey League," Mullins said. "Last year we set the standard, and this year we have even more guys getting the chance to skate in AHL camps."
Prior to last season, several players attended camps throughout the AHL. In addition, during the 2009-10 season, goaltender Chris Whitley, defenseman Brandon Straub and forward Justin Bowers enjoyed call-ups to AHL cities. Whitley with the Lake Erie, Straub with the Houston Aeros(Minnesota Wild) and Bowers with the Abbotsford Heat(Calgary Flames).
"We've made a huge effort to provide these kinds of opportunities for our players," Mullins said. "I'm excited that we are able to again show our commitment to getting these guys chances."
Mullins was quick to point out that the support for Americans players attending AHL camps starts at the top, with Owner Doug Miller.
"Mr. Miller has been instrumental in providing us with all the tools we need in order to facilitate these guys going to camps," Mullins said. "I just can't say enough about the support he gives this organization."
The 14 players sent to AHL camps by the Americans far outnumbered the next closest team in the Central Hockey League, but don't except Allen to slow down its efforts to advance player, Coach Mullins said.
"Overall it's such a good thing for our organization's identity," Mullins said. "It just helps what we are trying to do here with building an organization that develops and advances players."
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The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.
