Welsch returns to Adirondack
GLENS FALLS, N.Y. – The Adirondack Thunder, ECHL affiliate of the National Hockey League’s New Jersey Devils and American Hockey League’s Utica Comets, announced that the club has re-signed goaltender Henry Welsch to a contract for the 2026-27 season. Welsch, 25, went 0-1-1 in two games with the Thunder last season. During the 2024-25 campaign, the Lakeville, Minnesota native went 3-3-0 with a 2.67 goals-against average and a .908 save percentage in seven games with the Thunder. He also recorded his first professional shutout on March 29, 2025 in a 31-save effort against the Indy Fuel. Before arriving in Adirondack, … Continue reading
Smedsrud joins Swamp Rabbits
GREENVILLE, S.C. – The Greenville Swamp Rabbits, ECHL affiliate of the National Hockey League’s Los Angeles Kings and American Hockey League’s Ontario Reign, announced that the team has signed third year forward Chaz Smedsrud for the 2026-27 season. Smedsrud comes to the Swamp Rabbits following his second professional season, spent entirely with the Rapid City Rush. He played in all 72 games last season, posting 28 points (7g-21a), his second of as many full professional seasons with 20 or more assists. Smedsrud reunites with Head Coach Chad Costello, who originally signed him with the Allen Americans at the end of … Continue reading
Americans bring back Sillinger
Allen, Texas – The Allen Americans, ECHL affiliate of the National Hockey League’s Ottawa Senators, announced that the team signed forward Lukas Sillinger for the 2026-27 season. Sillinger returns to the Americans after recording 12 points (2g-10a) in 21 games last year with the club. He started the season with the Florida Everblades, playing in seven games, before being traded to Allen. The Regina, Saskatchewan native had a successful college career at Arizona State University, where he averaged more than a point a game in three of his four years, including a 48-point season in 2023-24.
Chiarot inks deal with Goatheads
RIO RANCHO, N.M. – The New Mexico Goatheads, ECHL affiliate of the National Hockey League’s Colorado Avalanche and American Hockey League’s Colorado Eagles, announced that the team has signed defenseman Aaron Chiarot to a contract for the 2026-27 season. Chiarot joins New Mexico following his first professional season, appearing in 22 games between the Rapid City Rush, South Carolina Stingrays and Cincinnati Cyclones in 2025-26. The Hamilton, Ontario native accumulated 41 penalty minutes last season, including 32 penalty minutes in 12 games with South Carolina. He finished the season with Cincinnati, recording his first career ECHL point with an assist … Continue reading
Hellebuyck makes trade request from Jets public
Connor Hellebuyck has made public his desire to be traded by the Winnipeg Jets. The three-time winner of the Vezina Trophy, which is awarded to the best goalie in the NHL, said in a statement on Thursday that he privately requested a trade “several months ago” but is now making it public with NHL training camps set to open on Sept. 16. “I have tried to handle the situation quietly and respectfully while giving the organization time to explore its options,” Hellebuyck said in the statement released by his agent, Ray Petkau. “With training camp approaching, I felt it was important … Continue reading
Moore targeting another step forward with Blaze
Coventry Blaze Head Coach Kevin Moore is preparing for his third season behind the bench, with his side set to begin pre-season at home to Gothiques d’Amiens this weekend. Moore was able to enjoy some time back in the United States over the summer, although recruitment remained a constant part of the off-season. “I had a great summer. The roster building is extremely time-consuming and you feel like Jerry Maguire sometimes, where you’re with family or friends and then you leave for an hour because you’re recruiting, but it was awesome,” said Moore. “I drove around America and was fortunate … Continue reading
