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Between the Pipes: Whitley returns to Allen to complete unfinished business

BY Kevin Hageland, khageland@starlocalnews.com

Published: Friday, July 27, 2012 2:04 PM CDT

The Americans mix of old and new faces for the 2012-13 season continues.

And the team's latest acquisition is apt to make many a fan happy as Allen has signed goaltender Chris Whitley, one of the most popular players in franchise history.

Whitley was traded to Wichita last summer, but never played for the Thunder as he instead spent the season with the Dundee CCS Stars, a team based in Scotland.

"I would like to thank (head coach) Steve Martinson and the Allen Americans for the opportunity to play in the red and white again," Whitley said. "You never expect to return to a place you got traded from, but I'm very excited to be returning to the city of Allen."

That excitement is no doubt mutual considering what Whitley did in Allen.

The team's primary goalie during the Americans' inaugural season in 2009-10, Whitley posted a 31-8-4 record during the regular season and patrolled the pipes as Allen advanced to the CHL Finals before losing the Ray Miron President's Cup to the Rapid City Rush.

Whitley, who spent five years at Lake Head University prior to turning pro, was at it again in 2010-11.

That season, the Oshawa, Ontario, native went 24-10-2 with a 2.86 goals against average and .904 save percentage as Allen claimed the Governors Cup Trophy for having the league's best regular season record.

The Americans, however, once again failed to win a title. And after a season away, Whitley is back to see the team accomplish that goal.

"To me, playing for Allen is the same feeling guys get when they play for their hometown," he said. "I always wanted to win a championship in Allen and being able to return with the guys coach Martinson has brought in, I know we have a great chance at doing that.

"I can't wait to be back playing at the AEC in front of the best fans in the CHL."

Whitley is the first netminder Allen has signed for the upcoming season, which begins in October. In its fourth year, the Americans will attempt to make a fourth consecutive playoff appearance.

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