Days away from training camp kickoff, rivalries, retirements, signings, and history-making moves highlight the latest installment of our ECHL Roundup!
LIONS BRING BACK HABS & NORDIQUES RIVALRY
The Trois-Rivières Lions are helping rekindle one of the iconic rivalries in the sport.
"The passionate rivalry between the Montreal Canadiens and the Quebec Nordiques, which electrified Quebec hockey fans for decades, is rising from the ashes!," the Lions shared in a release today.
"The Lions de Trois-Rivières are thrilled to announce that former players from the Montreal Canadiens and their most heated rivals, the Quebec Nordiques, will take to the ice on Saturday, February 17 at 3:00 p.m. at Colisée Vidéotron. This is a match we’ve all been looking forward to!"
For more, click here.
LEGENDARY ECHL GOALIE PAT NAGLE RETIRES
One of the most decorated goaltenders in ECHL history has called it a career.
Pat Nagle, owner of over 200 ECHL wins, has announced his retirement from pro hockey just days after his 36th birthday.
Nagle is the second-winningest goaltender in ECHL history with a whopping 223 victories. He shares the ECHL record for most playoff appearances (90), and his 50 playoff wins rank second all-time. He played more postseason minutes than any other ECHL goalie ever with 5,510.
For more, click here.
FORMER NAILERS TRAINER MAKES HISTORY WITH PENGUINS
A former member of the Wheeling Nailers training staff has made history in the National Hockey League.
Lauren Rittle, former athletic trainer for the Nailers, became the first female athletic trainer to work the Pens’ bench in Pittsburgh Penguins history during pre-season games with the club.
When first hired by the Nailers in 2022, Rittle became the club's first female athletic trainer.
RUSH EQUIPMENT MANAGER MOVES TO NHL, CLUB NAMES REPLACEMENT
The Rapid City Rush has announced that equipment manager Joe Wieszczek has accepted a role with the NHL’s Florida Panthers and will be departing the organization.
“Looking back on my time in Rapid City I get emotional thinking about how amazing these past two years have been,” said Wieszczek. “It was unbelievable to be a part of the Spire family and the project of building a winning culture with the Rush.”
Wieszczek joined the Rush in 2021 when former equipment manager Gavin Bechtol was hired by the AHL’s Iowa Wild.
The Rush also announced the hiring of Anthony Camelio as the new head equipment manager.
“I couldn’t be more excited to be in Rapid City and to join the Rush,” said Camelio. “It has always been my dream to work in pro hockey, and to have that first opportunity with an organization that values culture as much as performance, is an honor.”
SIGNING SEASON
A glut of signings has trickled in from across the league as clubs aim to strengthen their rosters before opening night.
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
Atlanta Gladiators
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Fort Wayne Komets
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Greenville Swamp Rabbits
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Idaho Steelheads
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Indy Fuel
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Kalamazoo Wings
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Maine Mariners
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Newfoundland Growlers
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Tulsa Oilers
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