Brandon Straub makes a play in Game 5 of the 2010 CHL Finals against Rapid City. The Americans announced Straub will be returning for the 2010-2011 season on Wednesday. (Photo Credit: John O'Neill)
The Allen Americans brought back the 7th player from their inaugural season today, signing defenseman Brandon Straub for the 2010-2011 season.
Straub is a big, gritty defenseman, and was a staple on the blue line for Allen all season. He played in 58 games for the Americans, totaling 158 penalty minutes and maintaining a +8 plus/minus rating for the regular season.
This is another strong signing by Allen. At 6’4″, 223 pounds, he’s one of the bigger guys on the team, and he’s not afraid to drop the gloves. Straub is never a big threat to score from the blueline, but plays a strong defensive game and is tough for opposing players to face.
On a more personal note, Straub was very recently married, so congrats to him and his wife from BDH! This is hopefully more good news in their lives.
Here’s the press release out of Allen:
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ALLEN, Texas – Brandon Straub became the seventh player from the inaugural team to re-sign with the Americans today.
“Brandon’s return is a great addition to our defensive core. He will be a big leader for us this year,” Americans Head Coach and General Manager Dwight Mullins said.
Straub was one of five Allen players called up to the American Hockey League last year. The Colorado Springs native held down the blue line for the Americans, earning 185 penalty minutes and going +8 in 58 games during the regular season last year. He had seven points (2g-5a=7) in that time and assisted twice in the 20-game run for the Ray Miron Presidents’ Cup.
The six-foot-four, 223-pound defenseman graduated from Colorado College in 2007 before playing two seasons in the ECHL. Straub had stints in the AHL during both of those years.
He is looking forward to his fourth professional season. “As far as the team goes, last year was a great year. There’s a great core of guys coming back. We got so close, and I think we can win it this year.” Straub said.
Like many other players, the defenseman also cites the Allen community as reason for returning. “I’m really excited. My wife and I had a great time last year. Allen was great, and the people were awesome. We’d love to live there again,” Straub said Wednesday.
Individual tickets go on sale Sept. 3, but season tickets and partial plans for Allen’s second season are on sale now. Ticket prices start as low as $9 per game. As always, there is free parking at every game. For more information, call 972-912-1000.
2010-11 Signings To-Date
Bruce Graham
Liam Huculak
Nino Musitelli
David Nimmo
Brandon Straub
Tobias Whelan
Chris Whitley
Colton Yellow Horn
