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: 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 […]

IIHF U18 Quarterfinals Preview: USA vs Latvia

As the preliminary round of the 2025 IIHF U18 World Championship wrapped up, Group B’s powerhouse, Team USA, is now slated to take on Group A’s underdog, Latvia, in a crossover Quarterfinals matchup. While the Americans have cruised through their pool with skill and structure, Latvia comes in battle-tested, hardened by lopsided defeats—and sparked by […]

ECHL: Reading Royals Cement Two-Year Extension with Philadelphia Flyers

The Reading Royals have extended their official affiliation with the Philadelphia Flyers, continuing their role as the NHL club’s primary ECHL partner through the 2026–27 season. The agreement extends a relationship that began in 2014 and has become a key piece of the Flyers’ player development system. A Decade of Progression from ECHL to NHL […]

IIHF U18: Gallant Leads USA Past Germany in Final Group Stage Win

Team USA closed out the Group B stage with a gritty 5–3 comeback win over Germany, rallying from three separate deficits to remain perfect heading into the quarterfinals. Forward Richard Gallant led the way with two clutch goals, including a short-handed game-winner and a last-second empty-netter. With the result, the Americans finish first in Group […]

IIHF U18: USA Storms Back to Defeat Sweden, Securing Top Spot in Group B

Saturday night’s showdown between the United States and Sweden didn’t just live up to the hype — it shattered it. In a battle for the top spot in Group B, Team USA erased two early deficits and surged past Sweden 6–3, fueled by quick-strike offense, relentless pressure, and clutch goaltending. With the win, the Americans […]

ECHL Mountain Division Semifinals: Tahoe Knight Monsters Dominate Wichita Thunder 4-0

The Tahoe Knight Monsters roared into their first Kelly Cup Playoffs with authority, sweeping the Wichita Thunder 4–0 in a commanding first-round performance. Tahoe dominated every facet of the series—outscoring Wichita 22–8, outshooting them 172–126, and showcasing depth, special teams excellence, and clutch play under pressure. Led by offensive standouts Jett Jones, Simon Pinard, Logan […]

ECHL South Division Semifinals – Game 4 Recap: Florida Everblades vs Jacksonville Icemen

For the fourth straight game, the South Division Semifinals between the Florida Everblades and Jacksonville Icemen went to overtime—but this time, it marked the end of the series. Lukas Lambdin’s power play goal in the extra frame sealed a 4–3 win for Florida, completing the sweep and sending the Everblades into the Division Finals. First […]