Before I start the Allen vs Worcester series preview the Americans got some good news yesterday. Tucson has sent forward Miko Matikka to Allen. He is already in Allen, will wear #91 and I expect he will be in the lineup tonight, though I haven’t been told that.

Matikka, who is from Helsinki, Finland, signed a three year entry level NHL contract with Utah last July. He was the 3rd round (#67 overall) pick of the Arizona Coyotes in the 2022 NHL draft. The 21 year old is 6’3” and 201 pounds. He is a right shot which helps the Americans. 

The rookie played for Denver University last season and won NCAA national championship. He was second on the team with 20 goals in 43 games. 

Matikka has struggled offensively in Tucson. He has been with the Roadrunners all season, played in 28 of 45 Tucson games and has just two assists. I am sure he has been sent to Allen to regain his confidence and scoring touch. You don’t score 20 goals for the best college team in the nation last season and lose that ability. We have seen in the past where good players that are struggling get sent to Allen

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