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.
ECHL: Atlanta Locks In Alex Young to Drive Offense
The Atlanta Gladiators have re-signed forward Alex Young for the 2025–26 season, keeping a key offensive contributor who made an instant impact after joining the team late last year. The 24-year-old Calgary, Alberta, native stands 6’0”, weighs 179 pounds, and brings a versatile scoring touch to both center and wing. Strong Finish in Atlanta Acquired […]
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ECHL: Nico Blachman Returns to Add Bite to Florida Lineup
The Florida Everblades are bringing back one of the league’s most recognizable enforcers, signing forward Nico Blachman for the 2025–26 ECHL season. The 27-year-old Aventura, Florida, native stands 6’2”, weighs 198 pounds, and brings an edge to every shift, capable of playing both right wing and center. Blachman is no stranger to Southwest Florida, having […]
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ECHL: Greenville Swamp Rabbits Re-Sign Forward Jack Brackett
The Greenville Swamp Rabbits are bringing back speed and scoring depth, re-signing forward Jack Brackett for the 2025-26 Season. Impact in Greenville Brackett, 24, joined the Swamp Rabbits late last season after wrapping up his NCAA career at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI). In just 15 games with Greenville, the Manassas, VA native scored five goals […]
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Auston Matthews: USA’s Game-Changer on the Road to Milano
It’s been a long wait for Auston Matthews to wear the red, white, and blue on hockey’s biggest stage. The NHL’s absence from the 2018 and 2022 Games meant one of the sport’s most prolific scorers had to watch from afar. Now, with the Milano-Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics just 171 days away, Matthews will finally […]
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ECHL: Offensive Defenseman Riley McCourt Back with Toledo
The Toledo Walleye are reloading their blue line with one of their most dynamic players. Defenseman Riley McCourt, 25, has signed for the 2025-26 ECHL season, returning to a city and team where he’s already been a difference-maker. Proven Producer from the Blue Line McCourt has built his reputation as a defenseman who can change […]
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ECHL: Carson Focht Returns to Orlando
The Orlando Solar Bears are bringing back a familiar face. Center Carson Focht, 25, will return to the lineup for the 2025-26 season, ready to make an impact from opening night. From WHL Standout to NHL Draft Pick Focht’s path to Orlando started in the WHL, where he split time between the Tri-City Americans and […]
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ECHL: Goalie Logan Terness Joins Florida Everblades
The Florida Everblades have added depth between the pipes, signing goaltender Logan Terness for the 2025-26 ECHL season. BCHL Rookie of the Year to the Pros Terness, 22, brings an impressive resume to Florida. The Burnaby, BC native earned BCHL Rookie of the Year honors with the Trail Smoke Eaters in 2019-20, posting a 27-10-4 […]
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ECHL: Matt Ginn Sets Fast, Physical Tone for Season
The Atlanta Gladiators connected with fans in a big way during their recent Coach’s Show, streamed on the team’s YouTube channel. Head Coach Matt Ginn, entering his first season at the helm after serving as assistant coach in 2024–25, spoke candidly about his coaching style, the team’s identity, and the traits he’s looking for in […]
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ECHL: Chad Hillebrand Brings Size and Skill to Toledo Walleye
The Toledo Walleye have added a major piece to their 2025–26 roster with the signing of forward Chad Hillebrand. At 6’4” and 201 pounds, the Park Ridge, Illinois, native offers a rare mix of size, skill, and versatility. Comfortable at both center and left wing, Hillebrand’s adaptability makes him a valuable option in multiple forward […]
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2025 Hlinka Gretzky Cup: Day Three Recap
Day Three of the Hlinka Gretzky Cup delivered another action-packed slate, with Canada keeping their perfect record intact, Sweden overpowering Slovakia in a dominant shutout, Switzerland pulling off an overtime thriller, and Team USA continuing their offensive onslaught. Fans were treated to elite skill, big goals, and standout performances from some of the tournament’s brightest […]
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