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 South Division Semifinals – Game 2 Recap: Jacksonville Icemen vs Florida Everblades

South Division Semifinals – Game 2 Final: Florida 2, Jacksonville 1 (OT)Series: Florida leads 2-0 The Florida Everblades took a commanding 2-0 series lead Saturday night with a 2-1 overtime win over the Jacksonville Icemen in Game 2 of the South Division Semifinals. For the second straight game, the contest required extra time—and once again, […]

ECHL South Division Semifinals – Game 1 Recap: Jacksonville Icemen vs Florida Everblades

Florida Everblades took a 1-0 lead in their South Division Semifinal series against the Jacksonville Icemen with a thrilling 3-2 overtime victory Friday night at Hertz Arena. The defending champs leaned on veteran experience, timely special teams, and a heroic finish from Alex Kile to close out Game 1 in style. First Period – Florida […]

ECHL: Brandon Hawkins Repeats Most Valuable Player for 2024–25 Season

Brandon Hawkins, forward for the Toledo Walleye, has once again earned the league’s highest individual honor, being named the Warrior Hockey ECHL Most Valuable Player for the 2024–25 season. This marks Hawkins’ second consecutive MVP award, placing him in elite company as just the second player in ECHL history to win back-to-back MVP honors, joining […]

ECHL Kelly Cup Playoff Preview: Jacksonville Icemen vs. Florida Everblades | South Division Semifinal

Everblades, Icemen Renew Heated Rivalry in South Division Semifinals For the fourth consecutive season, the Jacksonville Icemen and Florida Everblades meet in the Kelly Cup Playoffs, renewing one of the South Division’s fiercest rivalries. This marks the fifth postseason series between the two clubs since 2019, with Florida having won each of the previous four […]

ECHL: Atlanta Gladiators Haider and Hanzel Assigned to Milwaukee

The Nashville Predators announced today that defenseman Jeremy Hanzel and goaltender Ethan Haider have been reassigned from the Atlanta Gladiators to their AHL affiliate, the Milwaukee Admirals. Both players were significant contributors for Atlanta throughout the 2024–25 ECHL regular season and now join Milwaukee as the Admirals continue to make their push towards the Calder […]

ECHL: Toledo Walleye Named 2024-25 ECHL Hockey Operations Department of the Year

The ECHL announced Wednesday that the Toledo Walleye have been selected as the 2024-25 recipient of the ECHL Hockey Operations Department of the Year Award. Voted on by league coaches, the honor is presented annually to the team recognized for excellence in player development, roster management, and overall operational success. Toledo earned the top spot […]

ECHL: Brayden Low and Lou-Félix Denis Suspended Following April 13 Incidents

The ECHL Department of Player Safety announced two suspensions on Tuesday, issuing discipline to Orlando’s Brayden Low and Bloomington’s Lou-Félix Denis for actions that occurred in separate games on April 13. Both players were fined and suspended following major penalties and game misconducts that violated ECHL rules. Lou-Félix Denis – Bloomington Bison Bloomington forward Lou-Félix […]

ECHL: Atlanta Gladiators Captain Eric Neiley Announces Retirement

Atlanta Gladiators captain Eric Neiley retires from professional hockey after an extraordinary ECHL career that spanned nine seasons and 344 games, during which he recorded 116 goals, 126 assists, and 242 points. The announcement came before the Gladiators’ final home game on April 6, when Neiley stepped onto the ice at Gas South Arena wearing […]

ECHL Game Recap: Atlanta Gladiators vs Savannah Ghost Pirates | 04/13/2025

The Savannah Ghost Pirates sent their home crowd into the postseason on a high note Sunday evening, defeating the Atlanta Gladiators 4–2 in front of a sold-out Enmarket Arena. The ECHL season saw the Ghost Pirates control the pace early, hold firm defensively, and outshoot Atlanta 36–18. Savannah’s balanced scoring and goaltending helped them seal […]

ECHL Fines and Suspensions: Quercia, Punnett Disciplined Following Physical Saturday Matchups

Wheeling Nailers forward Matthew Quercia and Idaho Steelheads defenseman Connor Punnett have been suspended following separate incidents during ECHL games played on Saturday, April 12. The rulings, issued by the ECHL Department of Player Safety, will impact both teams heading into Sunday’s follow-up contests. Each suspension stems from physical altercations that shifted game momentum and […]