Author: Karen Zehner

Inside The Rink ECHL Manager | Senior Editor | Credentialed Beat Writer covering the ECHL Atlanta Gladiators. Diving into the world of slap shots, penalty kills, and the game we love. [@RunwithK] on socials.

IIHF U18: Golden Again! Canada Blanks Sweden to Repeat as Champions

Canada saved its most complete performance for the biggest stage, dominating Sweden 7–0 to win the gold medal at the 2025 IIHF U18 World Championship. The victory marks Canada’s second consecutive U18 title—a first in program history—and continues Sweden’s podium streak with seven straight medals, though this one ends in silver. Goaltender Jack Ivankovic turned […]

IIHF U18: USA Claims Bronze in OT Thriller Over Slovakia

The United States captured the bronze medal at the 2025 IIHF World Men’s U18 Championship with a thrilling 4–3 overtime win over Slovakia. Forward Ben Kevan played the hero, scoring just over five minutes into the extra frame to secure the Americans’ fourth consecutive medal at the tournament. First Period The opening frame saw both […]

ECHL South Division Finals – Game 2 Recap: Orlando Solar Bears vs Florida Everblades

The Florida Everblades secured a 6-2 win over the Orlando Solar Bears in Game Two of the South Division Finals on Saturday night at Hertz Arena. The result gives Florida a 2-0 lead in the best-of-seven series as it shifts to Orlando for the next three games. Tarun Fizer scored in both the first and […]

ECHL South Division Finals – Game 1 Recap: Orlando Solar Bears vs Florida Everblades

The Florida Everblades opened the South Division Finals with a strong showing, defeating the Orlando Solar Bears 5–3 in Game One at Hertz Arena before a crowd of 5,512 on Friday night. With the victory, Florida Head Coach Brad Ralph became the first coach in ECHL history to reach 100 postseason wins, improving his all-time […]

IIHF U18: Sweden Edges USA 4–3 in Semifinal Thriller to Earn Shot at Gold

In a back-and-forth semifinal packed with momentum swings and dramatic bounces, Sweden scored twice in the third period to break a 2–2 deadlock and defeat the United States 4–3, earning a berth in Sunday’s gold-medal game against Canada. Goaltender Love Harenstam was a key difference-maker for Sweden, turning aside 35 shots and holding strong during […]

ECHL Attendance vs Performance: What the 2024–25 Regular Season Tells Us

As the 2024–25 ECHL regular season came to a close and the Kelly Cup Playoffs got underway, one storyline stood out beyond the scoreboard: how well did team performance align with fan turnout? A closer look at final standings and attendance figures reveals a complex picture. Some teams translated wins into sold-out crowds, while others […]

IIHF U18: USA, Sweden Set for High-Stakes Semifinal Rematch

After a thrilling 6–3 victory over Sweden in group play, Team USA and Team Sweden are set to meet again—this time with a trip to the gold-medal game on the line. The Americans come in riding a dominant stretch of tournament success, having reached the semifinal round in 22 of the last 23 IIHF Under-18 […]

ECHL Kelly Cup Playoff Preview: Orlando Solar Bears vs. Florida Everblades | South Division Finals

The South Division Finals are here, and it’s a classic Florida rivalry as the Orlando Solar Bears and Florida Everblades meet for a shot at the Eastern Conference crown. This series pits two very different paths to the postseason’s second round against each other: Florida swept their opening series in dominant fashion, while Orlando battled […]

IIHF U18: USA Defeats Latvia 6–3, Advances to Semi-Finals

The United States advanced to the semi-finals of the 2024 IIHF U18 World Championship with a 6–3 win over Latvia on Friday in Frisco. With early pressure, timely offense, and a few fortunate bounces, the Americans continued their streak of playing for a medal every year since 2004—excluding only 2021. First Period – Strong Start […]

ECHL: Derek Nesbitt Promoted to Front Office Role By Gladiators

The Atlanta Gladiators have announced a leadership shift, promoting Head Coach Derek Nesbitt to Director of Community Engagement. The move brings one of the franchise’s most iconic figures into a new role focused on strengthening community ties and expanding the organization’s presence off the ice. Leadership Shift for a Franchise Icon Derek Nesbitt’s impact on […]