Allen Americans become Senators’ ECHL affiliate

Two teams from different countries are once again partnering with each other.

On Wednesday, the Allen Americans announced that the team has signed an agreement with the Ottawa Senators and their American Hockey League affiliate, the Belleville Senators, to serve as the organization’s ECHL affiliate for the 2025-26 season.

This will be the second time the Senators have had Allen as part of their pipeline. The Americans served as the NHL franchise’s secondary affiliate from 2022 to 2024. Last season, Allen was the ECHL farm team for the Utah Mammoth and the AHL’s Tucson Roadrunners.

Belleville general manager Matt Turek confirms the team’s excitement about being back with the Americans.

“Having a solid affiliate will be significantly beneficial to both clubs and provide a clear pathway to the NHL,” Turek said in a release. “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.”

Americans head coach Steve Martinson, who was re-hired this past May, believes the partnership will be beneficial for the team’s current batch of prospects.

“This affiliation has so much potential for the Americans,” Martinson said. “Having many conversations with Matt Turek, and (Manager of Hockey Operations Ottawa Senators) Sean McCauley, 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.” 

During Allen’s first stint as Ottawa’s affiliate, several players were promoted through Ottawa’s ranks, including goaltender Leevi Meriläinen, who has appeared in 14 games with the Senators over two seasons. Defenseman Donavan Sebrango and goaltender Kevin Mandolese both saw time with the Sens after their tenure with the Americans.

The Americans will be entering their 17th season of pro hockey this year. Over its time in both the defunct Central Hockey League and ECHL, Allen has won four league championships (two Presidents Cups and two Kelly Cups). The team has been previously affiliated with the San Jose Sharks, Minnesota Wild and Seattle Kraken.