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Recently, the new head coach of the expansion Allen American sat down for a Q & A discussing the team's upcoming inaugural season.
Dwight Mullins Head Coach Allen Americans What type of team is the Americans going to be? we have really put an emphasis on speed and grit, we believe with those two qualities are fans will be entertained and we'll compete every night. Has the transition into coaching been more difficult than you expected? to be honest, I have really enjoyed the process to this point. Having Bill McDonald here has really helped in a smooth transition. You hired CHL coaching great Bill McDonald, what do you see him bringing to the locker room and the ice? Having the opportunity to be reunited with macker has been exciting, we believe in the same things on and off the ice, and obviously his experience helps us aviod some of the normal expansion hick ups. I know you caught several playoff games, what was your opinion of CHL hockey? I was very impressed with the overall speed and pace of the games. The quality of coaching was very evident! What was the most important thing you brought with you from your playing days to your current coaching days? Honesty in everything you do day to day! The Dallas Metroplex area is hockey rich, how quickly do you need to present a winning team? Texans are competetive people and they love to see hard work and success, we only get 1 chance to make a first impression! In watching some CHL games in the past few months, what was the most surprising thing you saw? 2300 plastic bulls laying all over the ice..... I hope we don't have to watch that too many times .. LOL The ‘show’ is just as important in sports entertainment these days, how involved will you be in the entire American’s operation? We all have our roles in the success of this franchise and mine is to produce an entertaining and winning product on the ice Give me three types of players you are trying to pick off as your first three pieces to the puzzle (i.e. goalie, offensive defenseman, tough guy, etc.)? Securing a top goaltender has been our priority from day 1, and finding quality group of defenseman is challengeing at any level Who is going to win the Stanley Cup and why? Pittsburgh! their best players are "their best players" and they appear to be healthier heading into the finals If you could pick three NHL players to play on the Americans, who would they be? Martin Brodeur / Sydney Crosby / Nik Lidstrom What do you expect from the American’s relationship/affiliation with the Dallas Stars? they have been very supportive of us and it's our responsability to provide an organization that fits in their development chain |
