Photo Courtesy of the Worcester Railers

The Worcester Railers and Head Coach & General Manager Nick Tuzzolino, announced on Monday that the club has signed forward Riley Piercey to an ECHL contract for the 2025-26 season.

The 23-year-old Piercey returns to Worcester for his third season with the team. This is his first contract with the Railers, having been under contract with the Bridgeport Islanders of the American Hockey League each of the past two seasons.

The 6-foot-3, 205-pound forward split the 2024-25 season between Worcester and Bridgeport, setting career highs in points, goals, and assists (22P, 10G, 12A) in 37 games with the Railers.

Piercey got into 20 games at the AHL level last season. All-time, he has 35 points in 89 games over the past two seasons with Worcester.

"Riley is a power forward and is still young in his development,” Tuzzolino noted. “We are super excited to play him in a high-end role and allow his physicality to create space. He is a huge part of our team this year and we look forward to having him.”

The Mississauga, Ont. native started his professional career after a six-year run in the Ontario Hockey League split between the Barrie Colts & Flint Firebirds. He did not play any games during the 2020-21 season.

In 248 OHL games, Piercey recorded 176 points (69-107-176). Across his final two seasons with the Firebirds, he notched 128 points in 124 games played (49G, 79A).

Piercey didn’t have to give much thought about returning to Worcester next season.

"I really didn't have to look too far," Piercey stated. "It's always nice to come back to a city that you're familiar with, and a city that's been awesome to me so far. I'm excited for the year and excited to get back into camp."

As of Monday, the Railers have announced eight forwards and four defensemen for a total of twelve players officially signed for the 2025-26 season. Piercey joins Darien Kielb, Matt DeMelis, Ryan Mahshie, Jake Stevens, Kolby Johnson, Ryan Dickinson, Cole Fraser, Cole Donhauser, Tyson Gilmour, Lincoln Hatten, and Anthony Repaci as the twelfth signee of the season.