ALLEN AMERICANS SIGN KIP BRENNAN

Allen, Tex. (Aug. 31, 2012) -- The Allen Americans announced today that the hockey club has signed Kip Brennan to a one-year contract for the 2012-13 season.
 
Brennan, 32, returns to Allen, where he played 31 games for the Americans in the 2010-11 season, scoring eight goals and 13 assists for 21 points. He also picked up 146 penalty minutes (4.71 PIM per game avg.).
 
The 6-4, 222-pound forward has 466 of professional hockey games under his belt, including 61 in the National Hockey League. Brennan played last season with Chekhov Vityaz of the KHL, appearing in 14 games, with one goal and 240 penalty minutes (17.1 PIM per-game-avg.).
 
“We welcome Kip back to Allen. Kip’s a player that fits the type of team that we are trying to build here,” said Americans Minority Owner and Associate Coach Richard Matvichuk. “We’re putting together a good mix of skill with size, strength and grit. Kip’s a true team guy and we are pleased to add him to our roster.”
 
Brennan was the LA Kings’ fourth round selection (103rd overall) in the 1998 NHL Entry Draft. He turned pro in 2000-01 and made his NHL debut with the Kings in 2002. He has also played for the Atlanta Thrashers, the Anaheim Ducks and the New York Islanders. Brennan has accrued season totals of 240-or-more penalty minutes six times in his professional career.
 
“I’m really excited to come back to Allen,” said Brennan. “It’s a great city and the Americans are a great organization to play for. I’ve played with a few of the guys on the team – (Darryl) Bootland, (Chris) Whitley, (Mike) Berube, so it’s going to be exciting to be back.
 
“We’re going to make a statement this year. It was a hard (playoff) loss that last time I was there (2010). We thought we should have won but the cards didn’t fall our way. This year we’re in it to win a championship and I want to be a part of it.”
 
Added Americans Minority Owner & Partner Craig Ludwig, “Kip’s a good player who brings several things to the ice every night. He can score a little bit and is as tough as they come. Kip’s the kind of player who will also help keep other teams honest when they play us. We’re here to win hockey games and we will be a tough team to play against. We want teams to dread facing the Allen Americans because of our work ethic. It should be a fun year.”
 
The Allen Americans begin their fourth season of play in the Central Hockey League this October, with the home opener scheduled for Oct. 20. Season tickets are available now and partial plans will be going on sale in the near future.