The Allen Americans joined the legions of Dallas Stars affiliates making changes at the top levels of their organization this offseason Friday, announcing significant additions to the ownership group and coaching staff.

The Americans, who made the CHL playoffs last season where they lost to the Texas Brahmas, announced the addition of former Dallas Stars greats Mike Modano, Eddie Belfour and Craig Ludwig as a group with minority ownership and added Richard Matvichuk to the coaching staff. Matvichuk will be an assistant general manager and team defensive coach. All four played key roles on the Stars run to the Stanley Cup in 1999.

In conjunction with the moves, the Americans also announced coach and general manager Dwight Mullins and associate coach Bill McDonald will not return next year.

The Americans are the Stars CHL affiliate and the third of the Stars three minor-league affiliates to fire their coach this offseason. The Idaho Steeleheads and Texas Stars previously announced they are also looking for new head coaches.

Full press release after the jump....

AMERICANS MAKE CHANGES AT THE TOP

Modano, Belfour, Ludwig and Matvichuk among group to join Allen

Allen, Texas-The Allen Americans Professional Hockey Team announces additions to its ownership and management. These changes are effective immediately.

Mike Modano, considered the greatest American-born hockey player, along with former Dallas Stars, Stanley Cup winning teammates Ed Belfour, Richard Matvichuk, and Craig Ludwig have all been added to the Allen Americans organization. Modano, Belfour and Ludwig have partnered as minority owners with current majority owner Doug Miller, owner Steve Duchesne, and minority partner and Team President, Matt Canavan. Richard Matvichuk will join the Americans in a hockey operations role.

In addition, the Allen Americans announced today that Head Coach & GM Dwight Mullins along with Associate Coach Bill McDonald will not be retained for the 2012-2013 season.

"This was a tough decision but one we feel was necessary," said Allen Americans Owner Doug Miller. "I would like to thank Dwight Mullins and Bill McDonald for their hard work and efforts over the past three seasons. They were instrumental in helping launch and establish our franchise. On behalf of the Allen Americans organization, I would like to thank them and wish them the best."

"Looking ahead to the new season, I am excited to have such a great group of former NHLers joining our staff. They will help take us to the next level in all aspects of the organization including hockey and business operations," said Doug Miller. "The group will begin immediately and one of their first tasks will be to identify and hire a coaching staff to build a championship team for the 2012-2013 season."

The group retains the experience of team owner Steve Duchesne. Duchesne was instrumental in building the franchise and brings a winning attitude and leadership to this already successful franchise. Duchesne played 16 seasons in the National Hockey League that included stops in Los Angeles, Philadelphia, Quebec, St Louis, Ottawa, and Detroit. He won a Stanley Cup with the Red Wings in 2002.

Craig Ludwig’s experience includes 17 NHL seasons, two collegiate National Championships and two Stanley Cups (Montreal and Dallas). Craig is very familiar with the Americans organization as his sons, Tyler and Trevor, played during 2011-2012 season.

Former Dallas Stars defenseman Richard Matvichuk played the majority of his 14 NHL seasons in Dallas. Richard was most recently an assistant coach with the Dallas Stars Midget AAA team. He was also a member of the 1999 Stanley Cup winning Stars. Matvichuk joins the team as Assistant General Manager and Defensive Coach.

Former Dallas Stars goalie, Ed Belfour, played 18 seasons in the NHL acquiring 484 wins between the pipes, third all-time in the NHL. Belfour won the Vezina Trophy and won the Stanley Cup as a member of the Dallas Stars in 1999.

Finally, the Americans are honored to have Mike Modano as a member of the Allen Americans organization. Modano was the face of the Dallas Stars franchise from the time the team relocated to DFW in the early 90’s until he left the organization in 2010. Modano was selected first overall by the Minnesota North Stars in the 1988 NHL entry draft. Mike is the all-time goal-scoring and points leader among American born players in the NHL. Modano won the Stanley Cup in 1999 as a member of the Dallas Stars.

"We are excited to bolster our lineup with the addition of these NHL Superstars. Their experience and relationships will bring a wealth of talent to the Allen Americans." said owner Doug Miller

"This is a great day for the City of Allen and the game of hockey in our community," said City of Allen Mayor, Stephen Terrell. "On behalf of the citizens of this community, I would like to welcome Mike Modano, Ed Belfour, Richard Matvichuk and Craig Ludwig to our great city."

The Allen Americans will begin their fourth season in the Central Hockey League this October. The Americans achieved success early on with the franchise by making a trip to the President’s Cup Finals in 2009-2010. The team owned the best regular season record in the 2010-2011 season winning the Governor’s Cup Trophy. This past season, Allen finished tied for the second most points in the league with 87 and earned a playoff berth.

Season Tickets for the 2012-2013 season are on sale now. Click here to e-mail your contact information to receive a phone call from one of these NHL legends to reserve your seats!