The league's critical date list and a wave of signings ahead of training camp kick-off highlight a busy week across the ECHL.
LEAGUE RELEASES CRITICAL DATES
The ECHL recently unveiled its list of critical dates for the 2023-24 season, which includes training camp details, all-star and playoff dates, and much more!
October 2023
5 Players may report to Training Camp for team meetings, registration, physicals, etc.
6 Training Camp opens, Members may begin on-ice sessions
18 Season-Opening Rosters due to League Office (3 p.m. ET)
19 ECHL regular season begins
November 2023
18 Active Rosters cut down from 21 to 20 (by 3 p.m. ET) - Florida and Orlando
19 Active Rosters cut down from 21 to 20 (by 3 p.m. ET) - all other teams
December 2023
23 Christmas Waiver/Trade Freeze begins (5 p.m. ET)
24-26 Christmas Break (no games)
27 Christmas Waiver/Trade Freeze ends (12 p.m. ET)
January 2024
15 2024 Warrior/ECHL All-Star Classic (Savannah, Georgia)
16-18 All-Star Break
19 Jersey Reversal Date
February 2024
15 Overseas Deadline (3 p.m. ET) & IIHF Transfer Deadline (6 p.m. ET)
March 2024
20 Recall/Assignment Deadline (11:59 p.m. ET)
21 ECHL Trade Deadline (3 p.m. ET)
April 2024
12 Last day to place Player on Waivers (5 p.m. ET)
14 Last day of 2023-24 ECHL regular season
15 Submission of Playoff Rosters due (3 p.m. ET)
17 2024 Kelly Cup Playoffs begin
June 2024
8 Protected Lists due (3 p.m. ET)
20 Future Considerations Trade Deadline (3 p.m. ET)
22 Season-Ending Rosters due (3 p.m. ET)
23 First day to sign contracts for 2024-25 Season
July 2024
7 Qualifying Offers due to Players (11:59 p.m. ET)
22 Qualifying Offer Acceptance Period ends (11:59 p.m. ET)
August 2024
8 Restricted Free Agency ends
GROWLERS TO ENHANCE IN-GAME EXPERIENCE
The Newfoundland Growlers, an affiliate of the Toronto Maple Leafs, are set to ring in a new season with an upgrade to their in-game presentation.
The club announced an innovative partnership with CUE Audio, a leader in fan engagement and cutting-edge data-over-sound technology, which promises to provide a level of fan experience at Growlers' games like never before, featuring state-of-the-art technology that will transform pre-game light shows, in-game trivia, in-your-seat selfie cams, and a platform for enhanced sponsorship opportunities.
CUE Audio's data-over-sound technology is set to revolutionize how fans engage with the Newfoundland Growlers, the club shared in a release. By harnessing the power of sound, this partnership will bring a whole new level of interactivity and excitement to every Growlers game day by providing:
Immersive Pre-Game Light Shows: CUE’s data-over-sound technology controls the screen, flashlight, speaker, and camera of participating fans’ phones to create one-of-a-kind light shows and other activations.
Interactive In-Game Trivia: Get ready to test your knowledge during stoppages in play. In-game trivia will be seamlessly integrated into the fan experience, allowing fans to participate and win exciting prizes in real time.
Selfie Cam: Growlers fans can utilize their mobile phone's camera to be featured on the video board during our interactive fan cam activations and be REWARDED for doing so!
Ken O’Leary, VP of Hockey Operations and In-Game Experience, expressed his enthusiasm for this partnership, saying, "We are constantly looking for innovative ways to enhance the fan experience at our games, and our partnership with CUE Audio allows us to do just that. The technology they bring to the table will take our in-game entertainment to a whole new level, and I can't wait for our fans to experience it."
“We’re excited to partner with the Growlers to elevate their in-game experience with dazzling light shows and interactive mobile-friendly games, we love being the cornerstone for memorable moments and new traditions,” said Ira Akers, Co-Founder of CUE Audio.
LEAGUE NAMES NEW VP OF MARKETING AND LICENSING
The ECHL announced that it has promoted Natalie Bernstein to Vice President of Marketing and Licensing. Bernstein had served as the League’s Director of Licensing and Events since the 2021-22 season after previously serving as Office & Marketing Manager for the previous three seasons.
Bernstein joined the League Office in February 2015 as the Executive/Marketing Assistant. She is responsible for managing the ECHL Licensing Program, consisting of more than 50 national and local licensees, executing leaguewide sponsorship programs and marketing initiatives, as well as leading efforts on League-hosted events including the annual ECHL Hockey Summer Meetings and All-Star Classic.
Originally from Ashburn, Virginia, Bernstein earned her M.B.A. with a concentration in analytics and strategic management at Villanova University in June 2020 after graduating from James Madison University in 2014 with a bachelor’s degree in sport and recreation management and a minor in business.
While at JMU, she worked in the school’s athletics department for two years, assisting the Athletic Events and Facilities departments with game days and special events. Bernstein completed an internship with the marketing department of the National Football League’s Washington Redskins, where she assisted with sponsorship activation and community outreach programs.
SIGNING SECTION
The following players have been signed, re-signed, or traded to the listed club in the. *Signing list may be incomplete as of press time
Fort Wayne Komets
- Brendon Michaelian (D)
Idaho Steelheads
- Kaden Fulcher (G), Jared Moe (G), Willie Knieriem (F)
Indy Fuel
- Zach Driscoll (G)
Jacksonville Icemen
- Joe Murdaca (G)
Kalamazoo Wings
- Jordan Seyfert (F), Brandon Yeamans (F), Mariah Fujimagari (G), Blachman (F), Erik Bradford (F)
Maine Mariners
- Branden Makara (F), Brad Arvanitis (G), Owen Norton (D), Troy MacTavish (F)
Norfolk Admirals
- Déreck Baribeau (G), Jordan Stallard (F), Nicolas Ouellet (F)
Orlando Solar Bears
- Alexandre Fortin (F), Kenny Johnson (D)
Rapid City Rush
- Conner Bleackley (F)
South Carolina Stingrays
- Josh Wilkins (F), Bryce Montgomery (D)
Wichita Thunder
- Ryan Finnegan (F), Ethan Roswell (D)
Worcester Railers
- Jake Schultz (D), Jack Quinlivan (F)