Utah Hockey Club Affiliates with ECHL’s Allen Americans

The Utah Hockey Club has just announced its first ECHL partnership.

They’ve teamed up with the Allen Americans for the 2024-25 season, marking a significant milestone.

Utah HC is still connected to the AHL’s Tucson Roadrunners, owned by Alex Meruelo. Previously, under Meruelo, they had no ECHL affiliate before moving to Utah. “The Americans are a first-class organization with a passionate fan base and a reputation of winning,” said John Ferguson Jr., Utah assistant GM and Tucson GM. He added that they look forward to collaborating with Myles and La Sonjia Jack this season. The Allen Americans have called the 6,275-seat Credit Union of Texas Event Center home since 2009, starting in the Central Hockey League before joining the ECHL in 2014 and clinching championships in 2015 and 2016 .

Rivalries and Upcoming Games:

One of Allen’s main rivals is the Utah Grizzlies from the Mountain Division. The Grizzlies play at the Maverik Center in West Valley City, which seats 10,100 fans. They are currently affiliated with the Colorado Avalanche and will face off against Allen eight times during the regular season.

Before this new partnership with Utah HC, Allen was affiliated with Ottawa Senators. Players like Jordie Benn, Alec Martinez, and Aaron Dell have moved up from Allen to play in NHL.

Fans might think this new affiliation will bring exciting changes for both teams involved!

Under Ryan Smith’s management (also owner of Utah Jazz), Utah HC will start its inaugural season at Delta Center in Salt Lake City this fall. Their preseason includes a game against Avalanche at ECHL Utah’s rink on October 5th.

What do you think about these changes?