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Coming and Going: Americans dismiss Mullins and McDonald, bring on Modano, Belfour, Matvichuk and Ludwig
BY Kevin Hageland, khageland@starlocalnews.com
When the Allen Americans failed to win a postseason playoff series for the first time in franchise history by falling to the Texas Brahmas in the Berry Conference Semifinals, it stood to reason the franchise would make some changes.
Those changes came in sweeping fashion Friday.
The club announced head coach and general manager Dwight Mullins as well as associate coach Bill McDonald, both of whom have been with the franchise since the beginning, will not be retained.
However, Allen has gotten further away from its ultimate goal since then, losing to the Bossier-Shreveport Mudbugs in the conference finals last year and falling to the Brahmas in the conference semis this season.
"This was a tough decision, but one we feel was necessary," said Doug Miller, Americans majority owner. "I would like to thank Dwight Mullins and Bill McDonald for their hard work and efforts the past three seasons. They were instrumental in helping launch and establish our franchise."
But while Allen let two people go, they have brought four notable names onboard.
Specifically Mike Modano, Ed Belfour, Richard Matvichuk and Craig Ludwig, all of whom were part of the Dallas Stars Stanley Cup Championship in 1998-99.
"This is an exciting day for the Americans organization and the Central Hockey League," said Duane Lewis, CHL Commissioner. "The resumes of the gentlemen joining the Americans speak for themselves and their experience and leadership will not only benefit the Americans, but the entire league as well."
Allen mayor Stephen Terrell seconded those sentiments.
"This is a great day for the city of Allen and the game of hockey in our community," he said. "On behalf of our citizens, I would like to welcome Mike Modano, Ed Belfour, Richard Matvichuk and Craig Ludwig to this great city."
Modano, Belfour and Ludwig have partnered as minority owners with majority owner Miller, owner Steve Duchesne and minority partner and team president Matt Canavan.
Matvichuk will serve as assistant general manager and defensive coach.
"We are excited to bolster our lineup with the addition of these NHL superstars," Miller said. "Their experience and relationships will bring a wealth of talent to the Americans."
Modano is widely recognized as the greatest American-born hockey player ever and was the face of the Stars franchise when they relocated to Dallas from Minnesota. Modano, who was selected first overall by the North Stars in the 1988 NHL Entry Draft, is the all-time goals and points leader among American players in the NHL.
Belfour, who won the Vezina Trophy as the league's best goaltender, played 18 seasons in the NHL and won 484 games, which is third best in league history.
Ludwig's experience includes 17 NHL seasons, two collegiate national titles and two Stanley Cups (Montreal Canadians and Dallas). He is also familiar with the Americans organization as his sons, Tyler and Trevor, played for Allen during the 2011-12 season.
Matvichuk played the majority of his 14 NHL seasons in Dallas and was most recently an assistant with the Stars Midget AAA team.
"I am excited to have such a great group of former NHLers joining our staff," Miller said. "They will help take us to the next level in all aspects of the organization, including hockey and business operations. One of their first tasks will be to identify and hire a coaching staff to build a championship team for the 2012-13 season."
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