Americans Return Key Player from Last Season
Published on August 12, 2026 under ECHL (ECHL)
Allen Americans News Release
Dallas/Allen, Texas - The Allen Americans, ECHL affiliate of the NHL's Ottawa Senators, announced today that the team has signed forward Michael Gildon for the 2026-2027 season.
"Playing hockey with the Americans is a huge honor," said Gildon. "This area of DFW helped me grow into the person and player I am today. Playing in front of friends and family, along with the best hockey fans in the ECHL, motivates me to bring my best to the ice every day. I can't wait to get this started and make a deeper run into the playoffs."
The Plano, Texas resident returns to the Americans after playing in all 72 games last year. Gildon finished tied for fifth on the team in scoring with a career high of 55 points (21 goals and 34 assists).
"We are looking forward to seeing what Michael (Gildon) can accomplish this year," noted Americans Head Coach Steve Martinson. "Last season was a breakout year for him statistically, but I think he has more to give, and will be a 70-plus point player this year, and help us win a lot of games."
He was acquired by the Americans late in the 2024-2025 season in a trade with the Fort Wayne Komets involving former Americans forward Kyle Crnkovic.
He played his collegiate hockey at Ohio State University in the Big-10 (2019-2024) where he played in 118 games and had 38 points.
He was also a prominent member of the US National Under 17 Team where he won a Gold Medal in 2017-2018, and a Bronze Medal with the US National Under 18 team in 2018-2019.
The Americans open their 18th season of professional hockey this October. The team is excited to play for the first time at Comerica Center in Frisco, Texas, for opening weekend on October 29th and 30th against the Idaho Steelhead s. Call 972-912-1000 for tickets. 2026-2027 Regular Season Schedule.
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