The training camp will wrap up on the weekend of October 8th and 9th with two pre-season games against the Texas Brahmas.  Tickets for both games are on sale right now.  October 8th’s game is at the NYTEX Centre, and you can click here to order them.  October 9th game is in Allen at the AEC, but pre-season tickets don’t appear to be available for purchase online.  However, you can call 972-912-1000 and order them.

Read the following press release for training camp dates/times as well as other information:

***

ALLEN, Texas – The defending Southern Conference Champion Allen Americans announced their 2010-11 training camp schedule today, which is highlighted by a weekend exhibition series with the Texas Brahmas.

The on-ice portion of camp is set to begin Monday, October 4th, with the team taking the ice at 10 AM. The practices are open to the public, and will take place at the Allen Community Ice Rink. Admission is free.

The camp will lead the Americans into two preseason tune-ups with the Brahmas, Friday October 8th, at NYTEX Sports Centre, and Saturday, October 9th at the Allen Event Center. Both games will begin at 7:30 PM. Tickets are on sale now for the October 9th contest, and can be purchased by calling 972-912-1000.

Allen Americans 2010-11 Preseason Camp Schedule:

Monday, Oct. 4th
10:00 AM-On-Ice

Tuesday, Oct. 5th
9:00 AM-On-Ice
4:00 PM-On-Ice

Wednesday, Oct. 6th
10:00 AM- On-Ice

Thursday, October 7th
9:00 AM-On-Ice
4:00 PM-On-Ice

Friday, October 8th
7:30 PM- Exhibition game vs. Brahmas @ NYTEX

Saturday, October 9th
7:00 PM- Exhibition game vs. Brahmas @ Allen Event Center

***

Cedar Park, TX – The Texas Stars announced on Friday the Training Camp schedule for the upcoming 2010-11 season.

The team will report to camp on Monday, September 27th for physicals, before hitting the ice for the first time on Tuesday, September 28th at 10:00 am until 12:10 pm. The team will also hold a scrimmage in the afternoon from 2:00 pm – 3:00 pm. The Stars will repeat the same schedule for the third day of camp on Wednesday, September 29th.

The Texas Stars have opened selected practices at Cedar Park Center to the general public, Practices and scrimmages on Tuesday and Wednesday will both be open for fans to get their first glimpse of the 2010-11 Stars. Fans may also catch the game-day skate on Thursday morning at Cedar Park Center, prior to the team’s first preseason game at San Antonio. The final practice open to the public will be on Friday, October 1st. Fans will be able to park and gain entrance to the arena on the north side of the building, via the State Farm Plaza entrance.

Texas will head to San Antonio on Thursday, September 30th for a 7:00 pm preseason game with the Rampage. The game will be held at Northwoods Ice Center in San Antonio, located at 17530 Henderson Pass. Northwoods Ice Center has limited seating and is charging $5.00 per person for the game.

Texas will host a pair of preseason games at Cedar Park Center, with the first game at 7:00 pm against the Oklahoma City Barons on Saturday, October 2nd. The Stars will host in-state rival Houston for their final preseason game on Sunday, October 3rd at 5:00 pm at Cedar Park Center.

After an off day on Monday, October 4th, the Stars will practice at Cedar Park Center from Tuesday, October 5th through Thursday, October 7th from 10:00 am – 12:00 pm. The practices from October 5th through the 7th are closed to the general public.

Ice Schedule for Training Camp Open to Public – at Cedar Park Center
Tuesday, September 28th
Practice: 10:00 am – 12:10 pm
Scrimmage: 2:00 pm – 3:00 pm

Wednesday, September 29th
Practice: 10:00 am – 12:10 pm
Scrimmage: 2:00 pm – 3:00 pm

Thursday, September 30th
Game Day Skate: 10:00 am – 11:00 am

Friday, October 1st
Practice: 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm

Individual tickets for all games are on sale now, including Opening Weekend on October 16th and 17th, as well as both home preseason games on October 2nd and 3rd. Tickets are available online at www.TexasStarsHockey.com or by calling 512.GO.STARS (467.8277).

All invitees will get a chance to show what they can do in front of AHL coaches and executives, and if they impress, they have the opportunity to win a contract with the AHL club.

It would seem that winning a conference championship attracts attention, both from incoming players and from AHL clubs.  Obviously, thanks to the affiliation with Dallas and the proximity, Texas is inviting the most players to camp.  But, close behind in number of invites is Oklahoma City, inviting four players.

Also notable:  Chris Whitley, who spent several games up in the AHL with Lake Erie last season, will get a chance to return to Cleveland, Ohio and show what he can do in their camp.

The Americans also list three players who will be attending camp that had so far not been announced as signings.  As they are listed in the press release, it’s likely that they are recent additions to the team.  They are:  goaltender Adrien Lemay, defenseman Justin Dacosta and forward Alexandre Quesnel.  I’ll try and get you more information about them as soon as I have it.

Here is a full list (alphabetical) of players and the AHL clubs who extended invitations to them:

Judd Blackwater – Texas Stars

Bobby Bolt – Texas Stars

Dave Bonk – Oklahoma City Barons

Justin Dacosta – Oklahoma City Barons

Dustin Donaghy – Oklahoma City Barons

Liam Huculak – Lake Erie Monsters

Adrien Lemay – Texas Stars

Jarret Lukin – Oklahoma City Barons

Nino Musitelli – Texas Stars

Alexandre Quesnel – Texas Stars

Brandon Straub – San Antonio Rampage

Tobias Whelan – Rochester Americans

Chris Whitley – Lake Erie Monsters

Colton Yellow Horn – Texas Stars

And, here is the press release issued by Allen:

***

The 2009-2010 Allen Americans enjoyed tremendous success. Their accomplishments did not go un-noticed. 14 Americans players are going camping with various American Hockey League clubs from late September to early October, in hopes of landing a spot just a notch below the NHL.

In Cedar Park, the Texas Stars will get a good look at several Americans players over the course of camp. Wingers Colton Yellow Horn, Bobby Bolt and Alexandre Quesnel will make the trip down south, along with Center Judd Blackwater and goaltender Adrien Lemay.

Musitelli, an original American, was one of the most consistent offensive contributors in 09-10, registering 89 points (36+53=89) in 82 games.

Yellow Horn quickly became a fan favorite upon his arrival in Allen last season, notching an impressive 55 points (20+35=55) in just 63 games.

While the Americans share a strong organizational affiliation with the Texas Stars (Dallas Stars AHL affiliate), contracts do not restrict players from pursuing opportunities when approached by other American Hockey League teams.

“The only boundary the affiliation has is if a player signs a two-way contract with the organization,” Head Coach and General Manager Dwight Mullins said. “Unless they are on the two-way contract, players can attend camp or be called up to any other team in the American Hockey League.”

Returning defenseman Brandon Straub will also be heading South for camp, taking the opportunity to skate with the San Antonio Rampage(Phoenix Coyotes). Straub, who registered 220 penalty minutes in 78 games last season, is sure to impress the black and silver with his bruising presence on the blue line.

Center Tobias Whelan, another mainstay in the Americans 09-10 offensive lineup, is headed out East to compete for a spot with the Rochester, NY Americans(Florida Panthers). 2009-10 saw Whelan put together a solid rookie season in the CHL, consisting of 40 points (22+18=40) in 76 games.

Goaltender Chris Whitley and winger Liam Huculak will be re-united with former Americans Athletic Trainer Brent Woodside when they attend camp with the Lake Erie Monsters(Colorado Avalanche).

Having the opportunity to skate in front of AHL brain trust can benefit players in more ways than just potentially getting a crack at the roster of the team with which they are skating, however. Americans forward Jarret Lukin, who will be in camp with the Oklahoma City Barons(Edmonton Oilers), said that it is not uncommon for a player to go to camp with one AHL club, and have their talents recognized by a different scout or organization.

“Word travels fast,” Lukin said. “You go out there and play your game, and you really never know who’s watching, or what it could lead to.”

Joining Lukin in Oklahoma City will be winger Dustin Donaghy, and new Americans signings, center Dave Bonk and defenseman Justin Dacosta.

For Lukin, the objective of going to camp is clear.

“I’m going there to make the team,” Lukin said. “If you’re not going with the intentions of making the team, you’re probably not going to play your best.”

Since its inception, the Americans organization has been committed to moving players on to the next levels of hockey.

“We have structured, and recruited our team based on acquiring players who have an interest in playing in the American Hockey League,” Mullins said. “Last year we set the standard, and this year we have even more guys getting the chance to skate in AHL camps.”

Prior to last season, several players attended camps throughout the AHL. In addition, during the 2009-10 season, goaltender Chris Whitley, defenseman Brandon Straub and forward Justin Bowers enjoyed call-ups to AHL cities. Whitley with the Lake Erie, Straub with the Houston Aeros(Minnesota Wild) and Bowers with the Abbotsford Heat(Calgary Flames).

“We’ve made a huge effort to provide these kinds of opportunities for our players,” Mullins said. “I’m excited that we are able to again show our commitment to getting these guys chances.”

Mullins was quick to point out that the support for Americans players attending AHL camps starts at the top, with Owner Doug Miller.

“Mr. Miller has been instrumental in providing us with all the tools we need in order to facilitate these guys going to camps,” Mullins said. “I just can’t say enough about the support he gives this organization.”

John Swanson, one of the Idaho Steelheads leading scorers from last season, agreed to a contract with the club on Tuesday to return for the 2010-2011 season (Photo Credit: Idaho Steelheads hockey club)

The Idaho Steelheads brought back another big player from last season on Tuesday, re-signing forward John Swanson for the upcoming 2010-2011 season.

Swanson was a huge role player for the Steelheads, filling in at several positions and contributing 53 points (23 G, 30A) in 70 games played during the regular season.  His signing might not be the flashiest in the ECHL, but it’s a very solid signing.  The intangibles he brings to the rink are invaluable throughout a hockey season.

In addition to the Swanson signing, the club also announced they have added forward Bear Trapp to the training camp roster.  CHL fans will recognize his name – partly because it’s such a great hockey name – but also because he played with the Laredo Bucks and Bossier-Shreveport Mudbugs last season.

Here is the release from the Steelheads:

***

(Boise, ID) – Versatile forward John Swanson, a 2010 ECHL All-Star, has re-signed with the Idaho Steelheads.

Head coach and director of hockey operations Hardy Sauter made the announcement on Tuesday. Joining Swanson is forward Bear Trapp, who skated for the Elmira Jackals and Johnstown Chiefs last season.

Swanson, 25, was one of the most versatile players for last season’s National Conference champions. He played wing, center, and defense for the Steelheads, finishing the season with 53 points (23 goals, 30 assists) in 70 regular season games and chipped in with ten more points (eight goals, two assists) to help the team reach the Kelly Cup finals.

The Minnesota native also participated in the 2010 ECHL All Star Game, handing out an assist and registering a plus-four rating for the National Conference on January 25 in Ontario, CA. One of his teammates on the National Conference squad was defenseman Brendan Milnamow, who has also re-signed with Idaho.

Sauter also announced that 25-year-old Bear Trapp has been added to the Steelheads’ training camp roster. He appeared in 31 games in the ECHL last year, totaling six goals and 11 assists in that span. Prior to that, he scored 56 goals in four seasons for Sacred Heart University.

Sauter now has sixteen skaters on his training-camp roster, including ten who played for the Steelheads at some point last season.

Former San Jose Sharks right wing Jonathan Cheechoo (pictured above in a 2008 game against the Anaheim Mighty Ducks) accepted an invitation to the Dallas Stars training camp on Saturday. (Photo by sjsharktank)

In a no-risk move that could turn out to be a smart, money-saving signing if all goes well, the Dallas Stars have invited Jonathan Cheechoo, a one-time Maurice Richard Trophy winner for most goals in a season, to their training camp later this month.  Cheechoo, who Stars fans will remember for his days with the San Jose Sharks, most recently played for the Ottawa Senators, but failed to live up to expectations.  Many critics have called him “washed out” after he posted a five-goal, nine-assist season with the Sens, despite playing 61 games.

The upside out of this is that Cheechoo is just 29 years old, and was once a dominant scorer at the NHL level.  Whether the issues that kept him from scoring with any regularity for the past couple of seasons are physical or mental remain to be seen, but it’s a really low-risk move for the Stars to invite him to camp, and he’d probably sign for a very reasonable salary.  Cheechoo is a right-hand shot on the right wing, just like Jere Lehtinen, who is still undecided about playing next season.

Here is the Stars’ press release about the invite:

***

Frisco, Tex – Dallas Stars General Manager Joe Nieuwendyk announced today that right wing Jonathan Cheechoo has accepted an invitation to attend the Dallas Stars’ training camp for a tryout.

“We’re pleased that Jonathan has accepted our invitation to come to our training camp,” Nieuwendyk said. “He has shown the ability to be an effective scorer in this league. He’s a competitor and we’re going to give him an opportunity.”

Cheechoo, 29, played in 61 games with the Ottawa Senators in 2009-10, registering five goals, nine assists and 20 penalty minutes.

The native of Moose Factory, Ont., was San Jose’s second-round pick (29th overall) in 1998 NHL Entry Draft. In 501 career National Hockey League games, the right-winger has scored 170 goals, added 135 assists and 324 penalty minutes. He also recorded 35 points (16 goals and 19 assists) and 32 penalty minutes in 59 career playoff games.

The 6-foot-1, 200-pound Cheechoo won the Maurice “Rocket” Richard Trophy as the NHL’s leading goal scorer when he tallied 56 goals for the Sharks in 2005-06. Cheechoo was also voted in as a starter for the 2007 NHL all-star game.

Stars training camp begins on Sept. 17 in Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island.

Photo by sjsharktank on Flickr, used under Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License.

Texas Stars forward Colton Sceviour (above) was just one of many invites to the 2009-10 Dallas Stars Development Camp in Frisco, TX. (Photo by: Ben Ellis)

Ask most people what they think of when they think of summer in Texas, and you won’t likely get too many “hockey” responses.  But, for a group of talented prospects and hopefuls, that’s what the first week of July brought to the Dr. Pepper Starscenter in Frisco, TX.

Deep in the midst of some hockey withdrawal, I took the opportunity to go check out the Dallas Stars Development Camp, and see a few of the players who one day hope to make a name for themselves in the NHL.  This year’s camp invites included the 2010 first round pick of the Dallas Stars, Jack Campbell, as well as the eighth overall selection from last year’s draft, Scott Glennie.  In addition, most of the picks from the last couple of years were on the ice, and all of the Stars’ minor league affiliates had at least one representative in camp, including Allen Americans defenseman Jordie Benn.

I was able to catch most of the first group in the morning, a squad that included Glennie and Benn, as well as some players hoping to move up in the organization like defenseman Guillaume Monast, who played last season for Idaho, and forward Colton Sceviour.

But, out of all the players in that first group, the player who stood out the most to me was this year’s second round pick, Patrik Nemeth.  The kid has great size, especially for an 18 year old, and has a lot of the mechanics to be playing in the pros right now.  I imagine the Stars want him to begin the year in Cedar Park, depending on how training camp goes, but he looked every bit as polished as any AHL defensemen I’ve seen in the last year.

I didn’t get to see as much of the second group, who skated in the afternoon, but I made sure to watch the first half of the on ice workout, as I really wanted to get a look at Jack Campbell and Philip Larsen, both of whom skated in that later grouping.

Campbell is pretty much what I had heard advertised – a big kid with strong mechanics, but definitely in need of some work and instruction before he’s ready for the pros.  I liked his attitude, though, and he looks like he’s ready to take on whatever the Stars are ready to give him.

Larsen was another pleasant surprise to see – He’s another European blue liner that looks ready to play in North America.  Larsen is definitely ready for the AHL, and like Nemeth, might be a good call up this season for Dallas, depending on how things shake out in the off-season.

It’s sometimes hard to judge talent in these camps, because very little of the on-ice talent is NHL-ready, but going by mechanics, and watching the drills, you get a good feel for what these players are capable of, and what kind of decisions they make with the puck, how they think, and what they’re feel for the game is like.

Photos from Monday’s activities are below – I hope you enjoy them and get a little bit of a feel of what it’s like out there.  The pictures are intermixed, so there’s no order to things.  Enjoy.

[Show as slideshow]

[View with PicLens]

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Odessa's Jeff Pierce will attend an AHL training camp this week with the Jacks' affiliate club, the Bridgeport Sound Tigers. (photo credit: David Byerly and/or DavyShell Photography)

Jeff Pierce of the Odessa Jackalopes will be attending training camp with the Bridgeport Sound Tigers of the AHL this week, according to a press release from the team this morning.  Pierce, who was one of the top rookies in the CHL last year, posted 66 points (22 G, 44 A) while helping the team to the President Cup Finals against the Texas Brahmas.  He will have plenty of teammates in the Bridgeport camp, as he is the 5th player from last year’s roster to accept an invitation.  Also in camp for the Sound Tigers will be Juha Toivenen, Jean Bourbeau, Mike Lesperance, and Garrett Gruenke.  The Jacks’ press release follows:

***

(Odessa, TX) – The Odessa Jackalopes announced today that returning forward, Jeff Pierce, will attend training camp with the Bridgeport Sound Tigers. Bridgeport is the AHL affiliate of the Jackalopes.

The 25-year-old Pierce put together an impressive rookie campaign for the Jackalopes last season with 66 points (22 goals, 44 assists) in 64 games – making him a finalist for the CHL’s Rookie of the Year Award. Pierce was also named to the league’s All-Rookie Team alongside Toivonen.

Before turning pro, the Michigan native was a four-year player at Western Michigan University and graduated in 2008.

Pierce will be the fifth member of the Jackalopes, from last season, to attend AHL camp this month. Fellow teammates Juha Toivonen (YOO-hah TOY-vuh-nin), Jean Bourbeau (bor-BOH), Mike Lesperance (LES-per-ahns), and Garrett Gruenke (GREEN-kee) are also attending. Toivonen and Bourbeau are on two-way contracts with the Sound Tigers.

Sound Tigers training camp begins today in Bridgeport, CT.

Allen Americans rookie forward Bill Loupée was invited to attend training camp with the AHL's Worcester Sharks on Tuesday. (photo credit: Jeffrey Sabo/Miami University)

The Americans sent out a press release this morning announcing that rookie forward Bill Loupée has been invited to attend training camp with the AHL’s Worcester Sharks.  As the presser clearly states, Loupée is the fifth (!) Americans player to receive an invitation to either an AHL or NHL camp this season.  I can’t help but think that’s a very telling sign that the Americans are going to be a talented team this season.  Here is the release out of Allen, TX:

The Allen Americans announced today that they are sending another player to an American Hockey League training camp. The Worcester Sharks invited forward Bill Loupée to their camp Sept. 21.

Loupée is excited about the invitation. “It’s a good opportunity and will be a good experience before coming to Allen,” Loupée said Tuesday.

Americans Head Coach and General Manager Dwight Mullins has similar thoughts.

“To be able to go and compete at the American League level will be a great learning experience for Billy. With his strong work ethic and ability to skate, I think he’ll make a positive impression,” Mullins said.

Loupée, 24, is known for his strong skating ability and has a knack for creating scoring opportunities. He can play wing or center, making him a flexible asset for any club.

The 5-foot-10 forward weighs 183 pounds. He graduated from Miami University in Ohio this year and was part of the school’s first trip to the Frozen Four.

Loupée joins the growing list of Americans attending AHL or National Hockey League camps. Goaltender Chris Whitley and forward Justin Bowers will be skating with the Detroit Red Wings and Phoenix Coyotes respectively, while Liam Huculak and Bruce Graham have been invited to attend the Texas Stars’ training camp.

The Laredo Bucks' Darryl Smith has been invited to attend a prospects camp for the NHL's Atlanta Thrashers.

The Laredo Bucks have announced that 2008-2009 CHL Rookie of the Year, Darryl Smith, will be attending the NHL Prospects Camp in Traverse City, MI, for the Atlanta Thrashers.  Smith was signed to a “PTO” (player try out) contract, and will be part of the Atlanta team for September 6th – 10th.  The Thrashers team is scheduled to play four games in the five-day period, so Smith should get a good workout, at the very least.  Last season, Smith took part in the AHL Houston Aeros’ training camp, and was called up to the Aeros in December.  The invitation from the Thrashers is another indication that Smith has the talent to play at a higher level one day.  Below are the press release from the Bucks and Smith’s career stats:

TRAVERSE CITY, MI- The Laredo Bucks announced Thursday that 2008-09 Central Hockey League Rookie of the Year Darryl Smith will attend NHL Prospects Camp with the Atlanta Thrashers from September 6th-10th. Smith signed a PTO (player tryout) last week with the club.

“To have one of our players at an NHL prospects camp is fantastic, I couldn’t be happier for Darryl,” said Bucks President/General Manager and Head Coach Terry Ruskowski. “This is a great opportunity for him to try and move up to the next level.”

“Im very excited to play in the tournament with the Thrashers,” said Smith. “I hope I can play well and show everyone that i’m capable of playing at the next level.”

Smith will wear #72 on the Thrasher’s roster at the 2009 Prospects Tournament in Traverse City, Michigan from September 6th-10th. Atlanta will play four games in five days at the camp, as well as hold team practices every day.

At the conclusion of the tournament, players will be selected to participate in the Thrashers main training camp, which begins with physicals and medical testing on Sept. 12th at the Duluth Ice Forum in Duluth, Georgia.

The 22-year-old Smith had a banner year for the Bucks in 2008-09. In addition to being named Rookie of the Year, Smith was the All-Star Game MVP, All-Rookie team, and Team MVP. Smith put up 70 points (36-34=70) in the regular season, to go along with eight points 5-3=8) in five playoff games. Smith led all CHL rookies in scoring, while his 36 goals were second-most in the entire league.

On December 30th Smith was called up to the AHL’s Houston Aeros, the team he attended training camp with last October. The Bucks rookie phenom played four games with the Aeros.

Smith, from Thorold, Ontario, was named CHL Player of the Week on December 8th, as he picked up nine points (5-4=9) in three games.

The Thrasher’s AHL affiliate is the Chicago Wolves, and Smith could attend their training camp as well.

*ATLANTA THRASHERS PROSPECT TOURNAMENT SCHEDULE*

-Sun. Sept. 6th vs. Detroit, 5:30pm CST
-Mon. Sept 7th vs. NY Rangers, 2pm CST
-Wed. Sept 9th vs. Carolina, 3:30pm CST
-Thur. Sept 10th, Final Round TBD

The Allen Americans announced Monday that center Justin Bowers has been invited to the Phoenix Coyotes Rookie Camp this season.

Justin Bowers, one of the original three signings for the Allen Americans, has been invited to the Phoenix Coyotes Rookie Camp this year.  Bowers averaged over a point-per-game playing in the ECHL for the Dayton Bombers last season, and is one of the Americans’ brightest stars.

Update (7/27/09  5:59PM):  The Phoenix Coyotes’ rookie camp will take place September 5th – 10th.

Here is the press release from the team:

ALLEN, TX – The Allen Americans of the Central Hockey League announced that center Justin Bowers will attend the National Hockey League rookie camp of the Phoenix Coyotes.

Bowers first heard about the Coyotes’ interest from Americans Head Coach and General Manger Dwight Mullins. “I was immediately excited. When you get invited to your first NHL camp, it’s huge,” the Nova Scotia native said.

Bowers is looking forward to getting a chance to compete with players of NHL caliber. “I’ll be with other draft picks and players they’ve invested money in. It’ll be my chance to show them what I’ve got,” the 24-year-old said.

Mullins believes that Bowers’ passion for hockey will intensify after the camp. “Justin has such a competitive drive and he loves to play. This happening for him will only fuel that fire,” the head coach said.

Bowers is the second Allen American to receive an invitation to a NHL rookie camp. Goalie Chris Whitley will be going to play with the Stanley Cup Finalist Detroit Red Wings in September.

Bowers isn’t nervous yet. “I’m sure I will be [nervous], but I like to think of myself as a confident hockey player. I’m going to go there and play my game. I’m sure nerves will be part of it, but, as of right now, I’m just looking forward to it.”

Bowers racked up 15 goals and 30 assists in 44 games for the Dayton Bombers of the ECHL last year. He also played a total of 27 games in the American Hockey League with the Lake Erie Monsters and Quad City Flames. The forward is six feet tall and weighs 186 pounds.