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.

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 […]

ECHL: Florida Everblades Season-Ending Roster for 2024–25

As the offseason heats up, the Florida Everblades have submitted their official season-ending roster, locking in the rights to a competitive and experienced group heading into the 2025–26 ECHL campaign. The list includes 20 skaters and two goaltenders, many of whom played pivotal roles in the team’s late-season surge and postseason push. 2024-25 Season-Ending Roster […]

ECHL: Orlando Solar Bears Announce 2024–25 Season-Ending Roster

The Orlando Solar Bears have announced their official Season-Ending Roster for the 2024–25 ECHL campaign, finalizing a group of 20 players whose rights will be retained heading into the offseason. The list features a mix of seasoned veterans, promising rookies, and key midseason additions—some of whom arrived via future considerations trades due just days before […]

ECHL: Atlanta Gladiators Announce 2024–25 Season-Ending Roster

The Atlanta Gladiators have submitted their 2024–25 Season-Ending Roster, narrowing their rights list to 20 players: 12 forwards, seven defensemen, and a goaltender. Every player listed signed an ECHL contract during the season, making them eligible for retention as the offseason unfolds. Atlanta’s 2024–25 Season-Ending Roster Forwards (12): Easton Armstrong, Mickey Burns, Joey Cipollone, Ryan […]

ECHL: Atlanta’s Jackson Pierson Signs with Herforder EV

After logging two full seasons with the Atlanta Gladiators—including an iron-man campaign in 2024–25—forward Jackson Pierson has signed with Herforder EV of Germany’s third-tier league for the upcoming 2025–26 season. The move marks the next step in a quietly impressive career built on vision, consistency, and understated leadership. Atlanta’s “Iron-Man” Forward Heads Overseas Pierson was […]

ECHL: Orlando Solar Bears Finalize Future Considerations with Eight-Player Roster Shuffle

As the ECHL’s future considerations deadline passed, the Orlando Solar Bears closed the book on several trades made during the 2024–25 season. The result: four players join the roster, four move on, and the Bears’ offseason blueprint continues to take shape. Incoming: Drevitch, Britt, Burnie, and Thomas Join the Bears Forward Tyler Drevitch arrives from […]

ECHL: Atlanta Gladiators Complete Trio of Trades

The Atlanta Gladiators have checked off three lingering trade obligations, officially closing the books on a series of moves from the 2024–25 season. The future considerations trades made today bring a new face to the blue line and send two familiar forwards to new cities, reshaping Atlanta’s roster ahead of a pivotal offseason. Blue Line […]

ECHL: Ivan Chukarov Takes His Game Overseas

The Coventry Blaze have added size, experience, and puck-moving skill to their blue line with the signing of American defenseman Ivan Chukarov for the upcoming 2025–26 Elite Ice Hockey League (EIHL) season. Chukarov, 29, heads overseas after two strong seasons with the Jacksonville Icemen, where he emerged as a dependable contributor on both ends of […]

ECHL: South Division Well Represented on 2025 Stanley Cup Champion Panthers

For the 25th consecutive year, the ECHL has a presence on the Stanley Cup champion’s roster—this time through several South Division connections to the 2025 title-winning Florida Panthers. From prospects to player development staff, multiple Southern ties were part of the Panthers’ championship story. Savannah Ghost Pirates: Panthers’ Affiliate The Savannah Ghost Pirates, Florida’s current […]

ECHL: Matt Carkner Has Stepped Down as Orlando Solar Bears Coach; Eyes Return to AHL

After three seasons behind the bench, Matt Carkner has stepped down as Head Coach and General Manager of the Orlando Solar Bears to pursue a coaching opportunity in the AHL, the team announced Tuesday. Carkner, 44, was hired ahead of the 2022–23 season and quickly became a cornerstone of consistency and grit. Under his leadership, […]