The Allen Americans get a one-two punch at forward and on defense with the addition of twin brothers from Western Canada.
Two is better than one, especially from the same family.
The Allen Americans have announced the signing of twin brothers Rylan and Mike Van Unen to contracts for the 2024-25 season.
Rylan, a forward, just completed four years of collegiate hockey at Northern Michigan, where he totaled career highs in goals (4) and assists (6) for 10 points in 33 games as a senior, finishing eighth on the team. He also accumulated 55 penalty minutes and was named to the CCHA All-Academic Team.
"I'm super excited to get down to Texas and start my pro career," Rylan Van Unen said after the signings were announced. "I've heard great things about the city and the team."
Mike Van Unen, a defenseman, also played for Northern Michigan, where he served as an alternate captain and was a member of the CCHA All-Scholar Team his senior season.
While he missed some time with an injury in 2023-24, he still managed to skate in 17 games and record a goal and three assists for four points and blocked 49 shots.
Following his college career, the 6-foot-1, 190-pound defenseman signed his first professional contract with Adirondack and played in 11 games for the Thunder, including two against Allen last April.
"The fans and atmosphere around the rink are amazing," Mike Van Unen said. "I witnessed that firsthand last year when I played for Adirondack in Allen. I'm looking forward to being a part of the team."
In Rylan, the Americans are getting a forward who plays the puck hard and is solid on the forecheck. On the blueline, Mike brings above-average passing and blocking ability (he blocked over 300 shots at Northern Michigan), and does the little things well.