Americans show their true depth

ALLEN , Texas – Life in the Central Hockey League is tough, not just for the players, but for coaches as well. Maintaining a consistently strong roster throughout the season as players fall out of the lineup due to injury or call ups to the American Hockey League can cause many a sleepless night for a CHL coach. Unless you have strong scouting and build a good rapport with skilled players that can be picked up as the season grinds along, coaches can easily find themselves in a bind.  The Allen Americans coaching and scouting staff did a remarkable job in building the team from the ground up in its inaugural season last year. This season, their hard work continues to pay dividends as they’ve obtained skilled personnel to maintain a consistently strong roster in dealing with the hardships of a short bench.   Head Coach Dwight Mullins and Associate Coach and Director of Player Personnel Bill McDonald have seemingly built a depth chart longer than most kids’ Christmas lists and the organization is reaping the benefits of their hard work. The Americans currently sit in first place in both the Berry Conference as well as number one overall in the Central Hockey League with a 19-5-1 record for 39 points, despite losing essential personnel.   Key players like netminder Chris Whitley, forwards Dave Bonk, Jarret Lukin, Liam Huculak and defensemen David Simoes and Iain Mcphee have been in and out of the lineup due to injury or AHL call ups leaving big holes to fill, which the American have done well.    Scott Langdon showed he’s not just a big hitter, but can bury the puck as well. The defenseman notched his first goal just 43 seconds into the opening frame against the Bossier-Shreveport Mudbugs Tuesday night, helping to propel the Americans back into first place. The 6’ 2” 195 pound, Ancaster, Ontario native is fast becoming a fan favorite with his strong defensive play and glass rattling checks.   Another newcomer, Kip Brennan, continues to be an intimidating factor on the ice. The big 6’ 4”, 220 pound winger brings some top tier experience to the club, having played for the several teams in the AHL and NHL. Brennan can dish the hits as well as the puck, picking up four points (1 G, 3 A) in his first six games with the Americans.   Forward Brian McMillin is reserved and quiet off the ice but he’s already made an impact on it. McMillin also has four points (2 G, 2 A) in just six games with the club – a promising start for this rookie, proving he can compete at this level.   The loss of goalie Chris Whitley to injury and the Texas Stars calling Adrien Lemay up to the American Hockey League left a large pair of skates to be filled between the pipes for the Americans. Answering the call has been Scott Campbell who has done a very solid job for Allen, going 3-0 in his first 3 starts.   Campbell’s 6’ 4” frame belies his agility in the crease; he manages his angles well and has looked pretty good with his stick, both defensively and offensively. He’s not a passive goaltender, choosing to attack the shooter with the poke check and he can pass the puck like Marty Brodeur. If the Americans can work his passing into their breakout, expect to see some fast transition in the neutral zone adding yet another offensive tool for the Americans to assault their opponents.   The Americans are now on their Christmas break and will resume their schedule in a matinee game on Sunday when they host the Mississippi RiverKings at the Allen Event Center.   Contact the author at maurice.fitzgerald@prohockeynews.com Contact the photographer at les.stockton@prohockeynews.com