Allen Americans Secure Rinaldi and De St. Phalle for 2026‑27
The ECHL’s Allen Americans have announced the addition of forwards Anthony Rinaldi and Mathieu De St. Phalle ahead of the 2026‑27 campaign, reinforcing a roster that already benefits from a partnership with the NHL’s Ottawa Senators.
Rinaldi, a Montreal native who has traversed four ECHL clubs and spent the most recent season in Europe with the Tilburg Trappers, brings a blend of North American grit and international experience. His 26‑point output in 56 games with Greensboro last year, followed by a brief stint with the South Carolina Stingrays, underscores his adaptability and scoring touch.
De St. Phalle, meanwhile, arrives after a standout season with the Wheeling Nailers, where he topped the team’s scoring charts with 37 points in 55 appearances and contributed 55 points in 62 games the prior year. His collegiate foundation at the University of Wisconsin, highlighted by a 2021‑22 campaign in which he led his team in scoring, adds a developmental pedigree that aligns with the Americans’ growth strategy.
Both signings reflect the Americans’ intent to blend proven ECHL talent with players who have tested higher competitive levels abroad and in college hockey. General manager comments emphasized that the moves are part of a broader effort to sustain competitiveness while nurturing future NHL prospects through the Ottawa Senators’ development pipeline.
Fans can expect a dynamic offensive push from the duo, who are slated to debut in the team’s season‑opening matchup against the Kansas City Mavericks. The club’s management hopes the new signings will translate into a deeper playoff run, building on the momentum generated by recent community engagement initiatives.
The announcements also highlight the growing interconnectedness of minor‑league hockey, where affiliations with NHL teams and European leagues create a steady flow of talent. As the Americans look ahead, the infusion of Rinaldi’s European‑seasoned perspective and De St. Phalle’s collegiate leadership may prove pivotal in shaping the club’s identity for the upcoming season.