Allen Americans forward Nino Musitelli scores a goal against the Laredo Bucks in the opening round of last season's playoffs. On Friday, the Americans re-signed Musitelli for the 2010-11 season. (Photo Credit: John O'Neill)
The Allen Americans have signed their first player for the 2010-11 season, and it will be a very familiar name to Americans fans. Forward Nino Musitelli is the first player to sign with the Americans for the upcoming season. Musitelli was a big part of Allen’s success last season, tallying 63 points (23G, 40A) in 62 games. In the post-season, Nino continued to contribute in a major way, racking up 26 points (13G, 13A) in the Americans’ 20 post-season games.
The team’s press release about the signing is below, and has head coach Dwight Mullins’ thoughts on the signing as well:
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ALLEN, Texas – The Allen Americans started the summer with a bang by re-signing fan favorite Nino Musitelli for the 2010-11 season. The forward played on Allen’s top line during its inaugural year and was an integral team member.
“Nino was a huge part of our success last season. He is an exciting, dynamic player that can break open a game,” Americans Head Coach and General Manager Dwight Mullins said.
The Macomb, Michigan, native scored 63 points in 62 games during the regular season, which is 13 points higher than his first professional year. Musitelli only trailed linemates Justin Bowers and Bruce Graham in scoring for the Americans. His above average play continued in Allen’s first postseason. The 23-year-old finished the 2010 playoffs with 26 points in 20 games, tied for second overall in his first postseason. Three of his 13 playoff goals were game winners.
Musitelli strung together the longest point streak of the 2009-10 season, garnering 21 points in 17 straight games. He was also the last player of the year to earn the Oakley CHL Player of the Week award.
He is looking forward to another year with the Americans. “Allen can only get better, and we as a team can only get stronger,” Musitelli said Wednesday. “I can’t wait to get back on the ice.”
Musitelli also expressed gratitude for the community’s support of the first-year team. “We appreciate what they do for the organization.”
The Americans made a strong impression in their first season in the CHL. Allen compiled a 23-5-4 record at the Allen Event Center in the regular season and finished with an overall record of 42-17-5. They ended the year in the Ray Miron Presidents’ Cup Finals, falling to the Rapid City Rush 4-games-to-2 after winning back-to-back seven-game series over Laredo and first-place Odessa.
Season tickets for Allen’s second season are on sale now. Ticket prices start as low as $9 per game with free parking at the Allen Event Center. For more information, call 972-912-1000.
