On Wednesday, the Allen Americans [https://thehockeynews.com/echl/latest-news/americans-leading-scorer-from-last-season-is-back-in-the-fold]and Head Coach and GM Steve Martinson announced the signing of three players. Defensemen Troy Murray and Braidan Simmons-Fisher, along with forward Malik Johnson, will join the Americans for the 2025-2026 season. Simmons-Fisher comes to the Americans after two seasons of collegiate hockey [https://thehockeynews.com/ncaa/]at the University of St. Thomas (CCHA), and three years of junior hockey, with stops at the Green Bay Gamblers of the USHL [https://thehockeynews.com/ushl/], and the Austin Bruins (NAHL). He played in 12 games last season with the Port Huron Prowlers (FPHL), where he had nine points and 23 penalty minutes. Simmons-Fisher is the son of former NHL defenseman Jiri Fisher, who played six seasons with the Detroit Red Wings [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/detroit-red-wings]. Murray (11 points and 77 penalty minutes) joins the Americans after playing in 32 games last season for Steve Martinson with the Athens Rock Lobsters (FPHL). The Toronto, Ontario native is a 6-foot-3 and 210-pound defenseman. He also spent time last season with the South Carolina Stingrays [https://thehockeynews.com/echl/community/latest-news/stingrays-and-charleston-international-airport-donate-to-local-nonprofit], where he had 50 penalty minutes in nine games. Johnson is a 6-foot-2, 200-pound left winger, who also played for Martinson last season in Athens. He finished second on the team in penalty minutes with 122. He also played briefly last season with the Stingrays, adding an assist, and eight penalty minutes in six games. “Malik Johnson and Troy Murray bring speed and physicality,” Martinson stated. “Both played for South Carolina last season, and Head Coach Jared Nightingale really liked both players. These guys are hitters but will also make plays and contribute to our offense.” As for Simmons-Fisher, Martinson believes the sky’s the limit. “At 6-7, 235, he will be one of the biggest players in the league,” Martinson said. “Braiden moves well and can play defense or forward. It’s rare when you see a young U.S. player that is as tough as Braidan. He will be going to our affiliates prospects tournament and will ensure they won’t get pushed around by anyone.” All three skaters will be a part of Americans Training Camp in October. They join the roster with announced players Harrison Blaisdell, Hudson Wilson, Brayden Watts, Colton Hargrove, Spencer Asuchak, Thomas Caron, Brad Morrison, Matt Register, Kevin Spinozzi, Anthony Costantini, and Marco Costantini.
