Americans sign another returner in Straub

ALLEN, Texas – Brandon Straub became the seventh player from the inaugural team to re-sign with the Americans today.

“Brandon’s return is a great addition to our defensive core. He will be a big leader for us this year,” Americans Head Coach and General Manager Dwight Mullins said.

Straub was one of five Allen players called up to the American Hockey League last year. The Colorado Springs native held down the blue line for the Americans, earning 185 penalty minutes and going +8 in 58 games during the regular season last year. He had seven points (2g-5a=7) in that time and assisted twice in the 20-game run for the Ray Miron Presidents’ Cup.

The six-foot-four, 223-pound defenseman graduated from Colorado College in 2007 before playing two seasons in the ECHL. Straub had stints in the AHL during both of those years.

He is looking forward to his fourth professional season. “As far as the team goes, last year was a great year. There’s a great core of guys coming back. We got so close, and I think we can win it this year.” Straub said.

Like many other players, the defenseman also cites the Allen community as reason for returning. “I’m really excited. My wife and I had a great time last year. Allen was great, and the people were awesome. We’d love to live there again,” Straub said Wednesday.