ALLEN, Texas -- The upstart Allen Americans may be one of the new expansion teams within the Central Hockey League, but they have proven themselves to be a force to be reckoned with and taken seriously.

 

Chris Whitley

Firmly seated in second place in the Southern Conference, the Americans have compiled a 27-9-3 record in 39 games for 57 points. They are currently eight points behind conference leader Odessa and 12 points in front of the defending league champion Texas Brahmas, who have Laredo, Amarillo and Rio Grande Valley breathing down their necks for position in the final three playoff slots.

Led by goal scorers Justin Bowers and Bruce Graham, both of whom were selected to this years CHL All-Star squad, (both are also currently tied for 2^nd and 10^th respectively in points) and a solid defense anchored by netminder Chris Whitley, the Americans are looking to make a deep run in the playoffs this year. Given Allen’s performance thus far, that might not be too lofty a goal.

The Americans began their inaugural season on the road for their first seven games as finishing touches were being put on their new home, the Allen Event Center. They started out on the right foot, with a pair of wins in Arizona, following that with two more for the W column against Bossier-Shreveport and Laredo before losing back to back against Texas and Tulsa.

By the night of their home opener, Allen was 5-2 but their hopes of rewarding their first sellout crowd with a win were dashed by Corpus Christi, 4-1. The Americans bounced back four days later at home on Veteran’s Day against the Texas Brahmas, in what was quickly becoming a true cross town rivalry. Foregoing their standard home garb of Americans red, and sporting digital camouflage jerseys, in honor of the holiday, Allen dished out their own version of shock and awe with an impressive 5-1 victory.

Although the Americans have earned a reputation as a big, hard-hitting team, not afraid of the rough stuff, they’ve also shown a high degree of discipline and the ability to rise to the occasion when down a man. Allowing only 31 goals against, in 207 times short handed for a rating of 85.02%, Allen ranks 3^rd in the league on the penalty kill. With the impending return of steady backliner Erik Adams, that success should continue, if not improve.

Interestingly, their power play stats are nearly identical yet show a shortcoming that needs to be addressed. With the man advantage 209 times, Allen has only been able to light the lamp on 34 occasions, leaving them right in the middle of the pack in 8^th place. For success in the playoffs, special team conversions will play a vital role. With some recent acquisitions and continued refinement of the lines by head coach Dwight Mullins, it will be interesting to watch and see if they can make headway there.

Since their disappointing home opener loss, Allen has proven to be tough on their own ice, going 15-3-2. To date, the teams that have given the Americans the toughest time have been conference rivals Texas and Odessa. Both have beaten Allen three times, accounting for half of Allen’s losses this season. This will make for quite an interesting playoff; will all three teams angling for a shot at the 2010 President’s Cup.

Regardless of what happens in the post-season, one thing is guaranteed; professional hockey in Allen, Texas is a new American tradition.

Contact the author at maurice.fitzgerald@prohockeynews.com

Contact the photographer at robert.keith@prohockeynews.com