2025 IIHF Worlds: Watch These Former ECHL Stars Shine

The 2025 IIHF World Championship is already underway and will run through May 25 in Stockholm, Sweden, and Herning, Denmark, with 29 players boasting ECHL experience. So, if you haven’t already, tune in and cheer for these players as they represent their countries and make their mark on the world stage. The ECHL has always been a stepping stone for talent, and now it’s time to watch these stars shine in the IIHF World Championship!

Former ECHL players are represented on 13 of the 16 teams this year, with Latvia leading the charge with six players, followed by France with four. Three players who were active in the ECHL this season are also part of the tournament: Jules Boscq from Iowa (France), Zeteny Hadobas (Hungary), and Samuel Hlavaj (Slovakia).

As the 2025 IIHF World Championship continues, these former ECHL players are showing how far dedication and development can take you. Whether it’s their time in the ECHL that helped shape their careers or their determination to succeed, these athletes are proving that the journey from the minor leagues to international glory is possible.

Here’s a list of former ECHL players (listed by country) who are making their mark at the tournament:

Austria

Austria’s squad includes a mix of experienced ECHL players and coaches. Kirk Furey, who spent time with the Atlantic City Boardwalk Bullies (2001–04), serves as an assistant coach. Players like Brian Lebler (Elmira, 2010–11), Thimo Nickl (Wheeling, 2023–24), and Peter Schneider (Indy, 2014–16; Florida, 2016–17; Kalamazoo, 2016–18) have brought their skills to the international level, each having carved out a solid foundation in the ECHL before stepping up.

Canada

Canada’s coaching staff features a strong ECHL connection. Andrew Brunette (Hampton Roads, 1993–94) and Steve McCarthy (Kalamazoo, 2015–16) serve as assistant coaches, while MacKenzie Weegar (Cincinnati, 2014–15) brings his ECHL experience to the defensive line for Team Canada.

Czechia

Daniel Vladar (Atlanta, 2016–18 and 2019–20) is representing Czechia as a goaltender. His development in the ECHL has helped shape him into a reliable netminder on the international stage.

Denmark

Denmark’s roster includes several players and staff members with ECHL experience. Morten Madsen (Texas, 2007–08) serves as an assistant coach, while Peter Hirsch (Bakersfield, 2003–04 and 2010–11) takes on the role of video coach. On the ice, Mikkel Aagaard (Adirondack, 2016–17; Manchester, 2017–18) and Sebastian Dahm (Johnstown, 2008–09; Alaska, 2009–10) bring their valuable ECHL experience to Team Denmark.

Finland

Former ECHL players Emil Larmi (Wheeling, 2019–20) and Vili Saarijarvi (Toledo, 2015–16; Toledo, 2017–18) have earned spots on Finland’s roster. Their time in the ECHL has played a key role in their development as integral pieces of Finland’s team.

France

France’s lineup includes several ECHL alumni. Jules Boscq (Iowa, 2023–25) and Louis Boudon (Iowa, 2022–24) are fresh faces with strong ECHL pedigrees. Veteran forward Tim Bozon (Brampton, 2015–16; Manchester, 2016–17) has made a name for himself both in the ECHL and internationally. Additionally, Julian Junca (Tulsa, 2023–24) rounds out the French contingent, bringing his ECHL experience to the World Championship.

Germany

Germany’s coaching staff is bolstered by former ECHL players. Serge Aubin (Hampton Roads, 1995–96) and Rob Leask (Johnstown, 1993–95) serve as assistant coaches. On the ice, Philipp Grubauer (South Carolina, 2011–12; Reading, 2012–13) brings his ECHL experience to the crease, while Mathias Niederberger (Ontario, 2013–14) and Frederik Tiffels (Wheeling, 2017–18) add depth to the German squad.

Hungary

Hungary’s roster features Zsombor Garat (Worcester, 2023–24) and Zeteny Hadobas (Iowa, 2024–25), both of whom have built their careers in the ECHL. Adam Vay (Quad City, 2016–17; Rapid City, 2017–18) also brings his goaltending experience to Hungary’s World Championship team.

Latvia

Latvia’s squad has several key ECHL alumni, including Assistant Coach Arturs Irbe (Johnstown, 2003–04), a former goaltender with a rich history in the league. Rihards Bukarts (Manchester, 2016–17), Martins Dzierkals (Orlando, 2017–18), and Ralfs Freibergs (Ontario, 2014–15; Toledo, 2015–16) all add depth to Latvia’s forward corps. Goaltender Gustavs Grigals (Atlanta, 2023–24) and Kristers Gudlevskis (Florida, 2013–14) round out the Latvian roster, with Eduards Tralmaks (Maine, 2021–23) also contributing to the team’s success.

Slovakia

Slovakia’s coaching staff includes Goaltending Coach Jan Lasak (Hampton Roads, 1999–2000), while on the ice, Samuel Hlavaj (Iowa, 2024–25) and Adam Huska (Maine, 2019–20) bring their goaltending experience from the ECHL to Team Slovakia.

Slovenia

Slovenia’s goaltending coach, Klemen Mohoric (Johnstown, 1996–97; Louisville, 1996–97), has a rich ECHL background, while forward Jan Drozg (Wheeling, 2019–20) continues to represent Slovenia with his ECHL experience.

Switzerland

Tyler Moy (Atlanta, 2018–19) is the sole representative from Switzerland with ECHL experience. His time with the Atlanta Gladiators has helped him become a key player for his national team.

United States

The United States is led by Head Coach Ryan Warsofsky (South Carolina, 2013–18), who brings extensive ECHL experience to the team. Assistant Coach Kevin Dean (Cincinnati, 1991–92; Trenton, 2010–11) adds depth to the coaching staff, while Goaltending Coach Thomas Speer (Idaho, 2011–12; Las Vegas, 2011–12; Allen, 2014–20) brings valuable coaching experience to Team USA’s crease. Players like Joey Daccord (Brampton, 2019–20), with his ECHL background, continue to play pivotal roles for Team USA on the world stage.

These former ECHL players and coaches are showing the world what they’re made of at the 2025 IIHF World Championship. With backgrounds in the ECHL, they have sharpened their skills and risen to represent their countries at the highest level of international competition. Be sure to tune in and watch them make their mark!