The Newfoundland Growlers have proudly announced James Melindy has signed a Standard Player Contract for the remainder of the 2023-24 ECHL season. James is the former team captain for the Growlers, playing a total of 47 games last season; he earned 13 points and 162 penalty minutes during last season as well.
James is a native of Goulds, Newfoundland and Labrador in Canada. He began his career in the QMJHL with the Moncton Wildcats, playing three seasons and becoming an assistant captain in his final season with the team. He played a total of 168 games with the Wildcats, earning 56 points within those games.
After his junior career, James played in the AHL for the Portland Pirates. He played 49 games in this first stint of his time in the AHL and was able to score two goals.
After the AHL, James played in the ECHL for the Gwinnett Gladiators, Rapid City Rush, Wheeling Nailers, and Wichita Thunder. He played at least 180 games these several seasons, earning 11 goals and 38 assists. James then had another bit of time in the AHL for the San Diego Gulls; he played 11 games and got one assist.
After the Gulls, James played for the Utah Grizzlies for the remainder of the 2017-18 season, being named assistant captain, playing 53 games, and getting 14 points.
Since 2018, James has played for the Newfoundland Growlers and served as the only captain to date in the history of the team. He has played a total of 224 games for Newfoundland between the regular season and the Kelly Cup playoffs; he received 55 points during those game appearances.
Since signing with Newfoundland, James has subsequently been placed on reserve.
Newfoundland Growlers’ next game is at home at the Mary Brown’s Centre on Saturday, October 28th at 7:00 pm NDT against the South Carolina Stingrays.
