The Allen Americans are rejoining the Ottawa Senators organization on a one-year affiliation agreement for the 2025-26 season. Allen spent last season as the ECHL affiliate of the Utah Mammoth. The Americans had a year to forget as they went 16-45-8-3 and finished 29th in the league during the 2024-25 season. It was the first time since the 2018-19 season that Allen had missed the playoffs. This is the third season that the Allen Americans and Ottawa Senators have been affiliates, as Allen was Ottawa’s ECHL affiliate from 2022 to 2024.
“We’re proud to once again team up with the Allen Americans as our ECHL affiliate for the 2025-26 season,” said Belleville Senators General Manager Matt Turek. “Having a solid affiliate will be significantly beneficial to both clubs and provide a clear pathway to the NHL. We have the utmost trust in the leadership of Coach Steve Martinson and his staff, and we’re confident they’ll provide the right atmosphere for Senators players to continue to grow.”
Belleville Senators GM Matt Turek on the affiliation agreement (via Allen Americans Press Release)
It doesn’t come as a surprise that it’s a one-year agreement, as there have been rumours about the Bridgeport Islanders being moved to Hamilton, Ontario, after the 2025-26 season. The current agreement between Worcester and the New York Islanders is set to expire at the end of next season. It wouldn’t be a shock if Ottawa looks to move its ECHL affiliate a little closer to them if possible.
Ottawa and Allen Together Again
During their most recent affiliation from 2022 to 2024, three players from the Americans would make it to the NHL. Defenseman Donovan Sebrango is the latest player from the Americans to make his NHL debut, as he made his NHL Debut on January 16th, which was one of two games he played in last season at the NHL level. Goaltenders Leevi Meriliänen and Kevin Mandolese have also made stops in Allen on their way to the NHL. Meriliänen was impressive at the NHL level last year, putting up an 8-3-1 record with a 1.99 GAA, .925 SV%, and three shutouts in 12 games with Ottawa. Serbango spent two games in Ottawa last season as well. Kevin Mandolese was the only one out of the three not to see time in the NHL. He spent all of last season with the Colorado Eagles.
“This affiliation has so much potential for the Americans,” said Head Coach Steve Martinson. “Having many conversations with Matt Turek (Belleville Senators GM), and Sean McCauley (Manager of Hockey Operations Ottawa Senators), we know that they like the same style of play as we do in Allen. It’s great to be able to work in concert to add elite players to our roster.”
Head Coach Steve Martinson on the affiliation agreement (Via Allen Americans Press Release)
Since the 2009-10 season, when the Americans joined what was then the CHL, they have been affiliated with the Colorado Avalanche, San Jose Sharks, Minnesota Wild, Seattle Kraken, and Utah Mammoth. Some notable names that have passed through Allen include Jordie Benn, Aaron Dell, and Alec Martinez.
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