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 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, […]

ECHL: Defenseman Ryan Gagnon Heads to France for 2025–26 Season

Veteran defenseman Ryan Gagnon is taking his game overseas, signing with Gap of France’s Ligue Magnus for the 2025–26 season. Known for his defensive talent, reliability and leadership, Gagnon brings a decade of experience across the WHL, USports, and ECHL to his first European contract. The 28-year-old split the 2024–25 campaign between the Allen Americans […]

2026 Olympic Hockey: The First Six Revealed

The road to Milan-Cortina just got its first major jolt of excitement. On Monday, each of the 12 qualified nations for the 2026 Olympic men’s hockey tournament revealed the first six players named to their rosters—an early glimpse into what could be the most talent-stacked Olympic tournament in over a decade. With NHL players officially […]

ECHL: Veteran Cole Moberg Signs with HC Innsbruck

After four seasons with the Florida Everblades, and stints in the AHL with both the Syracuse Crunch and San Jose Barracuda, defenseman Cole Moberg is heading overseas. The 24-year-old has signed with HC Innsbruck of the ICE Hockey League (ICEHL) for the 2025–26 campaign. The move marks a new chapter in the versatile forward’s career […]

ECHL: 2024-25 Protected List | Atlanta Gladiators

The Atlanta Gladiators released their protected list for the upcoming season in coordination with the ECHL. The list for the Gladiators includes 25 players: 17 forwards, seven defensemen, and one goaltender. While this doesn’t guarantee their return, it gives Atlanta exclusive negotiating rights with each player as the offseason begins. What are the rules of […]

ECHL: 2024-25 End of Season Review | Atlanta Gladiators

The Atlanta Gladiators concluded their 2024-25 regular season with a record of 28 wins, 35 losses, and seven overtime losses, totaling 65 points. They finished in 12th place in the Eastern Conference and 25th overall in the league. While the team did not qualify for the playoffs, the season provided opportunities for growth and development […]

AHL & ECHL: 2024–25 Teddy Bear Toss Champions

The annual Teddy Bear Toss had once again united fans, players, and hockey communities across the ECHL and AHL in a shared mission: delivering warmth, comfort, and joy to children and families in need. With thousands of stuffed animals raining down onto the ice after each team’s first goal, the 2024–25 season’s tosses brought in […]