ECHL: Florida Signs Hard-Hitting NCAA Champion Tanner Edwards

The Florida Everblades have added a physical presence and an NCAA champion to their roster by signing forward Tanner Edwards.

Edwards, 25, is originally from Anchorage, Alaska, and brings with him dual USA/Canada citizenship, a solid 6-foot, 170-pound frame, and a gritty style of play that fits Florida’s identity. A product of Team Alaska, he played collegiate hockey at Minnesota State University (Mankato) before finishing his career with his hometown University of Alaska-Anchorage.

While with Minnesota State, Edwards was part of two CCHA Championship rosters and developed in one of the top defensive systems in college hockey (Minnesota State University Athletics, 2024). He now turns pro in a system that prizes grit, energy, and positional awareness.

NCAA Career Recap

Tanner Edwards spent five seasons in the NCAA, developing his game across two programs: Minnesota State University (Mankato) and the University of Alaska-Anchorage. He redshirted in 2020–21, then debuted the following season. In 2021–22, he scored his first collegiate goal during a 3–0 win over Lake Superior State, earning CCHA Rookie of the Week honors. He finished his freshman campaign with a goal in six games, showing flashes of physical play and responsible shifts in limited ice time (Minnesota State University Athletics, 2024).

In 2022–23, Edwards took a step forward. He appeared in 10 games, contributing a goal and one assist, including a game-winner over Bowling Green. Edwards also notched an assist at Ferris State and a strong performance at Penn State with both a goal and a helper. He was named to the CCHA All-Academic Team and honored as a CCHA Scholar Athlete. His totals included seven shots on goal, a +3 rating, and four penalty minutes. He saw action in five games during the 2023–24 season, finishing with two penalty minutes and a -1 rating before transferring to Alaska-Anchorage for his final year. (Minnesota State University Athletics, 2024).

The move back to his hometown gave Edwards a larger role. In 2024–25, he appeared in 31 games, registering three goals and five assists for eight points, and led the team with 58 penalty minutes. Highlights from his senior season included goals against Colorado College, Stonehill, and Northeastern, and assists in wins over Alaska Fairbanks and No. 16 Dartmouth during the Ledyard Classic. (University of Alaska Anchorage Athletics, 2024).

What He Brings to Florida

Florida’s coaching staff will value Edwards for more than just his physical edge. He plays a direct, north-south game, shows discipline in puck battles, and isn’t afraid to mix it up when needed. He’s a forward who creates energy, can kill penalties, and pressure the puck carrier. With experience down the middle and on the wing, he gives the Everblades depth and versatility in the bottom six.

While not known for putting up big numbers, Edwards has spent years carving out a role through effort and accountability. In Florida, he’ll get the chance to prove he can bring that same mentality to the pro game, on a roster built to wear opponents down shift after shift.

Opening Night:

The Everblades will open the 2025–26 season on the road on Friday, October 17th, 2025, against the Orlando Solar Bears. Puck Drops: 7:00 PM EDT at the Kia Center.

Sources:

Florida Everblades. (2025, July 22). Florida Everblades add forward Tanner Edwards for 2025-26 season.
Minnesota State University Athletics. (2024). Tanner Edwards – 2023-24 Men’s Hockey Roster.
University of Alaska Anchorage Athletics. (2024). Tanner Edwards – 2024-25 Men’s Ice Hockey Roster.