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: Jacksonville Ink Garrett Van Wyhe for 2025–26

The Jacksonville Icemen are bringing back a familiar face for the 2025–26 campaign, re-signing forward Garrett Van Wyhe to a standard player contract. The 28-year-old center has proven himself as a steady contributor and trusted presence up the middle across his last two seasons in Jacksonville. Consistent Two-Way Production Van Wyhe appeared in 53 regular-season […]

ECHL: Indy’s Kyle Maksimovich Signs with Herning Blue Fox

The Herning Blue Fox have made a notable addition to their 2025–26 roster, signing Canadian forward Kyle Maksimovich. The 27-year-old from Hamilton, Ontario, brings speed, skill, and a proven scoring touch to Denmark’s top professional league after a strong showing in both the ECHL and AHL. Offense That Speaks for Itself Maksimovich spent the last […]

ECHL: Connor Russell Heads Overseas After Steady Run with the Icemen

Jacksonville Icemen blueliner Connor Russell is headed across the pond for the 2025-26 season, signing with the Coventry Blaze (EIHL). Known for his physical edge and shot-blocking presence, Russell now takes his game to the UK after logging nearly 200 games of professional hockey in North America. Reliable Presence on the Blue Line Russell appeared […]

ECHL: Everblades Bring Back Isaac Nurse for Second Full Pro Year

The Florida Everblades have announced that forward Isaac Nurse has signed a standard player contract for the 2025–26 ECHL season. The 26-year-old returns to Estero after completing his first full year in the league, where he played a key depth role and made a strong impression during the team’s postseason run. Nurse appeared in 47 […]

ECHL: Zach Vinnell Joins Gladiators as Assistant Coach

The Atlanta Gladiators have added a fresh voice to the coaching staff, announcing that Zach Vinnell will serve as an Assistant Coach for the 2025–26 season. The 27-year-old Cochrane, Alberta native brings a well-rounded understanding of the game, shaped by recent experience in high-intensity settings. His addition reinforces the organization’s commitment to building a competitive […]

2026 Olympic Hockey: NHL Players Are Officially In

In a move that many hockey fans have been begging for since Sochi 2014, it’s finally official—NHL players are returning to the Olympics. If the 4 Nations Face-Off reignited interest in best-on-best competition, the Olympics are about to pour jet fuel on it. The Olympic stage adds layers the 4 Nations Face-Off couldn’t—global stakes, national […]

ECHL: Jesse Lansdell Set to Return for Third Season with Everblades

The Florida Everblades have announced that forward Jesse Lansdell will return for the 2025–26 season. The 25-year-old left winger is coming off a productive rookie year and will enter his third season in Estero as a reliable presence in Florida’s forward group. He is the second player signed for the 2025-26 season for the Everblades. […]

ECHL: Sean Allen Returns to Florida for 2025–26 Season

The Florida Everblades have announced the return of defenseman Sean Allen for the 2025–26 ECHL season. The 27-year-old will be entering his second season with the Everblades, bringing experience, grit, and a physical presence back to Florida’s blue line. Allen joined the Everblades ahead of the 2024–25 campaign and appeared in 59 regular-season games, registering […]

ECHL: Dylan Fitze Returns to Utah for Fifth Season

The Utah Grizzlies confirmed that forward Dylan Fitze will return for the 2025–26 season, marking his fifth year with the club. Fitze, who arrived in a 2022 trade from the Orlando Solar Bears, has since carved out a key role as one of the team’s most dependable and consistent players. A Familiar Force Since arriving […]

Kaid Oliver, Former Atlanta Gladiator, Joins 2025 Australian International Ice Hockey Cup

Kaid Oliver, a former forward with the Atlanta Gladiators, is heading to Australia this summer to represent the USA Eagles in the 2025 Australian International Ice Hockey Cup. The tournament attracts players from around the world, featuring a high-tempo mix of national and select teams. It’s not unfamiliar territory for the Atlanta Gladiators either. Last […]