Americans name Adams as head coach

Allen, Texas – The Allen Americans announced they have hired B.J. Adams, as their next Head Coach and Director of Hockey Operations.

“We are very excited to have B.J. Adams as our new Head Coach,” said Americans Owner La Sonjia Jack. “He is a great fit for our players, the community, and our organization. Adams comes with a breadth of experience, from his playing history and years as a fearless coach. Here’s to chasing victories and crafting champions together!”

Adams joins the Americans after two seasons as the Head Coach of the Erie Otters, of the Ontario Hockey League. Prior to that, he was the Associate Coach in Erie from 2015-20. During his time with the Otters, he was a part of the OHL Championship team which reached the Memorial Cup Finals in 2017. Adams was responsible in helping develop several current NHL players, including Jamie Drysdale (Philadelphia Flyers), Dylan Strome (Washington Capitals), Alex DeBrincat (Detroit Red Wings), and Anthony Cirelli (Tampa Bay Lightning).

He started his coaching career in the International HockeyLeague, with two seasons as an assistant at Port Huron, then five seasons as an Assistant Coach at Canisius College in Buffalo, New York, where he supervised a staff of six in Hockey Operations, Analytics, Video-Operations, Work-Studies, and Recruiting.

“I’m very excited, thrilled and humbled to lead the Allen Americans, one of the premier organizations in the ECHL, noted B.J. Adams. “I would like to thank Myles and LaSonjia Jack, Joe Ernst from Zawyer Sports Group, Jonny Mydra, and Kevin Sikes-Gilbert, for entrusting me with this opportunity to get the Americans back to where they belong. My family and I are ecstatic to be joining the Allen community.” 

Adams enjoyed a nine-year professional playing career, which included stops in the ECHL with Toledo and Pee Dee. He also suited up in the American Hockey League with Milwaukee, the United Hockey League with Rockford, the Central Hockey League with Odessa, while seeing action for Port Huron in the IHL and UHL.

Prior to turning pro, Adams skated in 144 career games at Bowling Green State University over four seasons from 1996-2000.