In this episode of The Face Off Spot, Adam Larson reconnects with Steve Martinson, head coach and GM of the Allen Americans, to discuss Martinson’s return to the team. Martinson reflects on the challenges of his previous stint — including ownership struggles, lost affiliations, and a lack of resources — and shares how a new ownership culture has reignited the team’s future. The pair dive into the importance of affiliations, building a skilled but tough roster, and why a physical, offensive brand of hockey is coming back in style. Martinson is optimistic about recruiting, the upcoming season, and bringing an exciting brand of hockey back to Allen.

00:00–01:30 — Introduction & Sponsor

Adam Larson opens the show, thanks listeners, and promotes Play It Again Sports Mansfield, sharing its address and offerings.

He introduces returning guest Steve Martinson, GM and head coach of the Allen Americans hockey team.

01:31–04:30 — Martinson’s Return & Frustrations with Past Season

Discussion of Martinson’s previous tenure with Allen, including a difficult final season marked by lost affiliations with NHL partners, lack of resources, and ownership issues.

Martinson explains how these challenges affected the team’s performance and player recruitment.

04:30–07:40 — Importance of Affiliations & Ownership

Steve explains how NHL affiliations provide critical player pipelines and why losing them hurts recruiting.

They discuss how ownership’s culture and commitment directly affect team success, giving examples of past owners who neglected the program.

07:40–14:00 — Player Treatment & Culture

Deep dive into how mistreatment of players (bad travel, lack of equipment, poor accommodations) damages recruiting through word-of-mouth in the hockey community.

Martinson highlights how the new ownership under Miles has restored a supportive culture, enabling him to attract talent again.

14:00–19:00 — Building a Competitive Roster

Martinson describes his recruiting philosophy: skilled, tough, hard-working players, especially offensive defensemen.

He talks about modern systems that activate defensemen more creatively, shifting away from the old static style.

19:00–25:00 — Physical Hockey’s Resurgence

Discussion about the popularity of physical hockey returning, using examples like the Florida Panthers and Tom Wilson.

Martinson explains the strategic benefits of a heavy, hard-to-play-against style, especially over playoff series.

25:00–32:00 — Adapting Systems & Play Styles

Martinson shares his strategies against systems like the neutral zone trap, including how to break them with puck movement and controlled breakouts.

Talks about transitioning between old-school and modern offensive philosophies.

32:00–38:00 — Officially Returning as Coach & GM

Martinson explains how he reconnected with Allen through conversations with ownership, how he sold his vision for an aggressive, exciting hockey team, and the final negotiations that brought him back.

He describes positive momentum and fan excitement for the upcoming season.

38:00–44:30 — Future of the Allen Americans

They explore what fans can expect: a skilled, fast, physical team, with players hungry to advance to higher levels.

Martinson outlines some recruiting plans, affiliation negotiations, and his excitement about reestablishing a winning culture.

44:30–end — Personal Reflections & Shout Outs

Adam and Steve discuss how minor league hockey impacts local communities and families, sharing personal stories.

They close with their traditional “shout-out” segment, where Steve offers the advice: “You can’t expect to be the best if you don’t work the hardest,” and Adam shares a reflection on staying humble while learning new things.