ALLEN, Texas – Allen Americans All-Star and the ECHL’s top scorer, Jack Combs, has departed North America to play for Bjorkloven in Umea, Sweden. According to the Bjorkloven website, it is hoped he will be ready to play his first home game January 23rd, according to the Bjorkloven website. Upon announcing his decision to leave, the Americans suspended Combs, retaining his rights should he return to the ECHL this season.
Recently nominated as a starter for the ECHL All-Star Game, Combs leads the league with 56 points (22G, 34A) and is a +24 in just 32-games played. While a big loss for the Americans, it does not come unexpected. Allen Head Coach Steve Martinson has said repeatedly that he did not expect Combs to be around all season, with the expectation being that he would get a call from the AHL or possibly even Europe.
Jack Combs moves the puck past Rapid City’s Taylor Law on Jan. 2 / Photo by Kimberly Sauer
Combs has been a major component in the success the Americans have had this year, their first in the ECHL. The Americans currently own the number-one spot in the Western Conference with 53 points and are second overall in the league. The club holds a four-point lead over second place Idaho in the conference and a commanding 11-point lead over Wichita in the Central Division with three games in hand over both teams.
Although losing Combs will have a big impact on the Americans, it will not be as devastating as it could be if Martinson didn’t already have a stable full of talent. The Americans have a potent offensive attack, averaging 4.18 points per game, led by second ranked Chad Costello at 54 points (17G, 37A), Gary Steffes 32 points (21G, 11A), Ian Schultz 29 points (14g, 15a) and strong offensive support from blue-liners Aaron Gens, Kevin Young and Tyler Ludwig.
Combs netted 56 points in 32 games for Allen / Photo by Kimberly Sauer
Recently acquired center Rylan Schwartz is another to keep an eye on, as he has already notched 11 points (5G, 6A) in just 12 games. Schwartz, who was re-assigned to Allen by the Worcester Sharks, the AHL affiliate of the Americans, has been on fire since joining Allen. He has proven to be a good fit on special teams and has found solid chemistry with line-mates Steffes and Jamie Schaafsma.
The Americans are at home this weekend for three games in four days with a pair of important games against the Wichita Thunder, and a Monday matinee contest against Missouri, who have been snake bit against Allen, going 0-6 against the Americans so far this season.
Contact the writer: maurice.fitzgerald@prohockeynews.com
Contact the photographer:Kimberly.Sauer@prohockeynews.com
You must be logged in to post a comment.