Your one-stop shop for news and notes from around the ECHL
From major injuries and call-ups to trades, signings, key games, and any other need-to-knows, Roundup is your weekly one-stop shop for THN's ECHL news.
ECHL ANNOUNCES PRESEASON SCHEDULE
The ECHL has announced their 2023-24 preseason schedule.
This year's preseason schedule clocks in at 20 games, kicking off on Thursday, October 12, and running through Sunday, October 15.
The ECHL's 36th season officially kicks off on Thursday, Oct. 19 when the Orlando Solar Bears host the two-time defending Kelly Cup champion Florida Everblades.
For dates and preseason matchups, click here.
ECHL OFFICIALS HEAD TO TRAVERSE CITY
The ECHL announced on Monday that eight ECHL on-ice officials, along with Manager of Officiating Riley Yerkovich, will work the 2023 NHL Prospects Tournament in Traverse City, Michigan from Sept. 14-17. This marks the 11th consecutive tournament that ECHL officials have worked games.
Debuting in 1988, the NHL Prospects Tournament will feature four clubs this year – Columbus Blue Jackets, Dallas Stars, Detroit Red Wings, and Toronto Maple Leafs.
“The ECHL Officiating Team would like to thank the NHL, Detroit Red Wings, and participating teams for hosting one of the best off-season events in hockey,” Yerkovich said.
“The Traverse City Prospects Tournament allows our officials to officiate high-caliber hockey and is incredibly important to the development of our on-ice staff. Furthermore, the ECHL Officiating Team would like to thank the support staff for all teams and Centre Ice Arena. Our officials always feel welcome at the event, and it is a highlight of many of their careers.”
GOALIE VETS HANG UP THE SKATES
A pair of veteran ECHL goaltenders have announced their retirements from professional hockey.
In the span of two days, Olympic bronze medalist and former Trois-Rivières Lions netminder Kevin Poulin, as well as Greenville Swamp Rabbits, Norfolk Admirals, Fort Wayne Komets, Wichita Thunder, and Adirondack Thunder alumni Jeff Theut both announced their retirement from the sport.
For more on the announcements, click here for Poulin, and here for Theut.
HEARTLANDERS LAND NEW PRESIDENT
The Iowa Heartlanders, proud ECHL affiliate of the Minnesota Wild and Iowa Wild, have named a new President.
Matt Getz brings nearly two decades of sales, advertising, and marketing experience to the Iowa Heartlanders, joining the club as their new President, the team shared in a Thursday release.
“I’m beyond excited to get started and continue the growth of the Iowa Heartlanders. I’d like to thank Michael Devlin and Heartlanders Hockey for this opportunity and Tom Hamilton for his help and leadership in the transition process," Getz shared of the new appointment. "This is my community and it is my goal to make the Heartlanders a much larger part of the fabric of eastern Iowa.”
For the full announcement, click here.
ROYALS RECEIVE TONS OF TEDDYS
The Reading Royals have received an early Christmas gift.
The club announced that they will be receiving 2,000 teddy bears from Artistic Toy in the spirit of National Teddy Bear Day. The donated teddy bears will be featured at the Royals' Teddy Bear Toss game on Saturday, December 9 at Santander Arena.
"The Royals have been long-time supporters of Artistic Toy, as we manufacture their Slapshot plush mascot," said President of Artistic Toy Katrina Marshall. "We appreciate the Royals continued support in our mission to bring joy and comfort to those who need it most. We look forward to seeing the impact of our toy donation in our local communities (and on the ice!). It’s going to be a great night!"
SIGNING SECTION
The following players have been signed, re-signed, or traded to the listed club in the past week. *Signing list may be incomplete as of press time
Allen Americans
- Dalton Skelly (D)
Cincinnati Cyclones
- Zack Andrusiak (F)
Greenville Swamp Rabbits
- Mark Louis (D), JD Greenway (F)
Idaho Steelheads
- Mark Rassell (F), Patrick Kudla (D), Jack Becker (F)
Indy Fuel
- Cam Gray (G)
Iowa Heartlanders
- Justin Wells (D), Justin Michaelian (F), Austin Eastman (F)
Jacksonville Icemen
- Michael Turner (F)
Kalamazoo Wings
- Luke Morgan (F), Jacob Nordqvist (D), Brandon Saigeon (F)
Maine Mariners
- Mackenzie Dwyer (D)
Orlando Solar Bears
- Jay Powell (D), Louka Henault (D), Ben Carroll (D)
Rapid City Rush
- Jason Pawloski (G), Tyson Fawcett (F), Will Riedell (D), Alex Carlson (D), Riley Ginnell (F)
South Carolina Stingrays
- Jarid Lukosevicius (F), Connor Moore (D)
Tulsa Oilers
- Julian Junca (G)
Wichita Thunder
- Devon Skoleski (F), Dmitri Yushkevich (D)
Worcester Railers
- Chris Ordoobadi (F), Connor Welsh (D)