The Adirondack Thunder announced on Tuesday that they are bringing back defencemen Ryan Orgel and goaltender Vinnie Purpura for the 2023-24 season. Purpura re-joins the Thunder after appearing in four games with the Thunder last season after he finished his season at Long Island University; with the Thunder, he made four appearances putting up a 2-0 record with a 3.46 GAA, .906 SV%. There’s a lot to like about the 24-year-old 6’6 “goofy” goalie heading into next season. Purpura joined Adirondack at a time when they had lost goaltenders to Utica and Jake Theut was a little banged up, but Purpura, in both of his decisions, made 35+ saves, but his season came to an abrupt end on March 31st when he collided with Worcester Railers forward Jacob Hayhurst and would not be able to finish the game. According to Head Coach Pete MacArthur, Purpura is expected to be the team’s ECHL goalie as they expect to get two goaltenders from Utica. MacArthur had this to say about Purpura via the team’s press release, “Vinnie Purpura is a southpaw, 6’6″ goaltender that showed a good amount of poise with us down the stretch,” added MacArthur. “His combination of size and athleticism are unique and give him great potential.”
Ryan Orgel returns to Adirondack after putting up a goal and 19 assists for 20 points in 45 games after getting the call-up from the SPHL Pensacola Ice Flyers. He had a two-goal performance in Game One of the Kelly Cup Playoffs vs Newfoundland Growlers. There’s no doubt that Orgel earned his spot on the Thunder for next year as he ended up finding himself in the top four on a regular basis with the Thunder, and according to head Coach Pete MacArthur, “Ryan Orgel used a call up as a stepping stone to becoming an everyday ECHL defenseman,” said Head Coach Pete MacArthur. “He should fit well in our top four and see minutes in all situations.” Adirondack needed to find some help on the blueline seeing that Jeff Taylor isn’t returning to the Thunder. Orgel won’t be a guy that’s going to put up a ton of goals, but he’s going to make the right plays at the right time and be a solid piece on the Thunder Blueline heading into next season.
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