Allen firing on all cylinders

ALLEN, Texas – The opening month of the 2010-11 Central Hockey League season is behind us and the first 10 games are in the books for the Allen Americans. Allen is off to an impressive 8-2 start and sits atop the Berry Conference in first place. Given the level and depth of talent spread across the roster, this is definitely no October surprise.
 
The Americans got down to business immediately, when Alex Quesnel scored the first and fastest goal of the season just 22 seconds into their home opener against the Texas Brahmas on October 15th. The following eight days saw the Americans win four more games in a row before the Bossier-Shreveport Mudbugs put a stop to the streak at the Allen Event Center, 6-3.
 
The Americans look to be a vastly matured team from their inaugural season debut last year. Allen is moving the puck well and is playing a wide open, aggressive style of offense that is being creative and showing a confidence that befits their 2010 Southern Conference Champion title. This style has led to plenty of shots generated, averaging 35.5 shots per game but has also allowed 31.1 shots against.
 

The new players on the roster are fitting right in, with the returning veterans and making their presence known, rounding out the offensive production for the Americans. Defenseman Justin DaCosta is right in the thick of the scoring leaders through the first 10 games of the season with 10 points (3 G, 7 A, +4), followed by fellow newcomers Judd Blackwater with eight points (4 G, 4 A, +1), Dave Bonk, also with eight points (1 G, 7 A, +6), David Nimmo with six points (3 G, 3 A, +6) and David Strathman with 5 points (1 G, 4 A, +1).
 
The depth and talent of the Americans is evidenced by the stats; through the first 10 games of the season, only one player who has participated in every game has yet to notch a point. The scoring production is coming from every position, even goaltender Chris Whitley has earned a point with an early assist. If this continues, the Americans’ offensive production should have no problems throughout the campaign.
 
Speaking of Chris Whitley, the Americans dependable net minder has been sharing the duties with newcomer Adrien LeMay. The Moncton, NB native has proven himself to be a solid goaltending partner who can handle the duties between the pipes, on par with Whitley. This bodes well for the Americans’ continued success this season. 
 
It’s still very early in the season, but if the Americans can remain consistent through the grueling regular season, not to mention healthy, their second season success could very well match, if not surpass that of their inaugural season.
Contact the author at maurice.fitzgeral@prohockeynews.com

Contact the photographer at chip.crail@prohockeynews.com