"It's a great indicator that we as an organization are on track with our priority of player development," said Americans Head Coach and GM Dwight Mullins. "The Lake Erie Monsters have been big supporters of our organization and to have them make this kind of commitment to us is really a big show of trust, one that we will take pride in."

In the Americans first two years of existence, Allen has had a working relationship with Lake Erie, Colorado's only AHL affiliate. Americans two-time All-Star Bruce Graham, defenseman Scott Langdon, and former goalie Chris Whitley have all been in game action with the Monsters over the past two seasons.

“The culture that has been created in Allen mirrors the ways of the Avalanche and Monsters,” said David Oliver, Avalanche Director of AHL Operations and Lake Erie Monsters Assistant Coach. “We are excited to go to work with the Allen Americans, knowing our prospects are in good hands with Dwight Mullins and Bill McDonald.”

This new affiliation will give the Allen Americans yet another option to bring top young prospects to Collin County via the Colorado/Lake Erie partnership.

The Americans play in the 6,200 seat Allen Event Center, and begin their third season in the Central Hockey League this October.

The Americans sent a 14 players to American Hockey League Camps in 2010-2011.

The Americans won the Governors Cup Trophy in 2010-2011 for earning the best regular season record in the CHL.

Allen made it to the Central Hockey League Conference Finals in both seasons of existence, including a trip to the Presidents Cup Finals in 2009-2010.