Americans welcome back Crane, Eberle

Allen, Texas – The two-time defending Kelly Cup champion Allen Americans, ECHL affiliate of the San Jose Sharks, announced that the club has signed forwards Chris Crane and Tanner Eberle to contracts for the 2016-17 season.

Crane, who was the Americans best point-per-game player last year until injury cut his season short, will return for a third year with the Americans. The native of West Chester, Ohio had 21 goals in just 41 games last season for the Americans.

Crane played his college hockey at Ohio State University, where the former Buckeye played three seasons before beginning his pro career with the American Hockey League's Worcester Sharks.

Eberle had 18 points in 40 games last season with the Quad City Mallards. He played in five games with Allen in the 2014-15 season, before getting called up to Bridgeport of the AHL.

He played his junior hockey with the Moose Jaw Warriors of the Western Hockey League, from 2011-14. He averaged just under 43 points-per-season, in Moose Jaw, including 56 points (33g-23a) in 2014-15, which was third overall on the team.