ECHL News

Allen Americans to Change Name for 2017-18 Season

In an announcement released on Friday, the Allen Americans announced changes that will be made to the club next season. Changes to come are part of the big visions set by the team’s new owner, Jack Gulati. The visions include keeping the team in Allen, Texas at Allen Event Center, but letting fans know that this is truly a Dallas-Fort Worth area sports team. The team will change the “location” of their name while keeping nickname Americans. Ideas for the name change include Texas Americans, Dallas Americans, DFW Americans, and North Texas Americans. The team will be allowing their fans to vote or write in their own idea on the team’s website.

Railers HC News

Rucker to Deliver Commencement Address for Becker College

Worcester Magazine broke news this week that Worcester Railers owner Cliff Rucker would be delivering the commencement address for Becker College’s graduation later this year. Rucker will receive an honorary degree, along with E. Boston healthcare innovator Manny Lopes. “There are no better examples of innovation and social impact than Cliff Rucker and Manny Lopes,” Becker president Robert Johnson said. “Every day these leaders exhibit skills that our upcoming graduates will need in the future, so I hope the Class of 2017 listens closely to their words. Cliff and Manny are continuously transforming their communities, inspiring individuals, and changing lives for the better – something we expect from every Becker graduate.” Becker College’s commencement ceremony will take place on Saturday, May 6 at the DCU Center.

Worcester Railers Event Postponed to April 2

Due to the ongoing winter storm for the New England Area, the scheduled members event has been re-scheduled Sunday, April 2 at 3PM. The event was a trip Manchester Monarchs vs Elimra Jackals game at the SNHU Arena in Manchester, NH. As of this writing, the game is still on but the same teams will be playing in Sunday’s game. An email was sent out to all members about the postponement.

Worcester Sharks Alumni News

Alex Stalock Returns to NHL Play

After over a year away from the NHL, former Worcester Shark Alex Stalock has made his return to the NHL net.  Stalock had previously played in 50 games with the San Jose Barracuda, Toronto Marlies, and the Iowa Wild since his last NHL start. He was recalled to the Minnesota Wild on Wednesday and made his debut that night. He made 18 saves and allowed just 1 goal in Minnesota’s 5-1 win over Ottawa.

Thomas Greiss Nominated for the Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy

Former Worcester Shark Thomas Greiss was nominated by the New York Chapter of the Professional Hockey Writers Association for the Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy last week. PWHA member Arthur Staple explained why Greiss recieved the nomination for the team:

“Greiss’ rise from journeyman backup to Islanders’ No. 1 is fairly unprecedented for someone like the 31-year-old Greiss, who rose up through the ranks in his native Germany before joining the Sharks as a backup for four seasons.”

Aaron Dell Nominated for the Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy

Former Worcester Shark Aaron Dell was nominated by the San Jose Chapter of the Professional Hockey Writers Association for the Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy last week. Dell was nominated after making his way to the NHL after originally being signed to the ECHL as an undrafted free agent.

“It’s a great story for kids that are playing out there that either don’t get drafted or are told they’re not good enough or whatever obstacles you hit on your career road,” Sharks coach Pete DeBoer said. “Keep playing through it, and I think Aaron’s a real testament to that.”

Matt Irwin Nominated for the Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy

In addition to Greiss and Dell, Matt Irwin was nominated by the Nashville Chapter of the Professional Hockey Writers Association for the Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy last week. Irwin was nominated after making a comeback after his stint with the Boston Bruins during the 2015-16 season. After playing just 2 regular season games, he was sent down to Providence for the rest of the season. He signed with the Nashville Predators this season and after 4 games with their AHL affiliate, he made his way back into the NHL.

“I think maybe you take your first 150 games or so a little bit for granted, and it’s so true that once you’re up here, it’s a grind and it’s a battle to stay up here,” Irwin said. “You have to be sharp every year and every game. It was an eye-opener and a learning experience [to go back to the AHL]. But you take those positives and those learning experiences from being sent down and spending the year back in the minors to looking to get that opportunity again. I’m just so thankful for that.”

Transactions

Greger Hanson was released from his PTO with the Charlotte Checkers (AHL) on March 26. He will return to the Allen Americans (ECHL), where he is still under contract.

Alex Stalock was recalled to the Minnesota Wild (NHL) from the Iowa Wild (AHL) on March 29.