After nine seasons in the ECHL Kalamazoo Wings, forward Erik Bradford will be continuing his pro career in Sweden with IK Oskarshamn of HockeyAllsvenskan. During his nine seasons in the ECHL, Bradford spent time with the Orlando Solar Bears, Toledo Walleye, Utah Grizzlies, Norfolk Admirals, Brampton Beast, Jacksonville Icemen, and the Kalamazoo Wings. He put up 134 goals and 280 assists for 414 points in 464 games, and he’s added four assists in nine Kelly Cup Playoff games with the Utah Grizzlies and the Wings. The 29-year-old center would end up making the ECHL All-Star Team in 2017 and was a finalist this year in MVP voting after putting up a career year, putting up 30 goals along with 57 assists for 87 points in 72 games. He is the most notable name to go overseas so far, but there will probably be more behind him like there are after every season.
Bradford saw parts of three seasons at the AHL level, playing in 58 games with the Toronto Marlies, Grand Rapid Griffins, and Cleveland Monsters, putting up four goals and five assists for nine points. His longest stint was during the 2022-23 season, when he saw 38 games with the Monsters. Bradford is the second player from Kalamazoo to head overseas after Michael Joyaux made the jump to Sweden earlier this month after the Wings were eliminated. He spent two years in the ECHL playing with the Wings and Newfoundland Growlers, putting up 17 goals and 56 assists for 73 points in 128 games.
