Earlier today, the Savannah Ghost Pirates announced the return of defenseman Ethan Szmagaj and forward Zach Krajnik on ECHL deals for the upcoming season.
Ethan Szmagaj Returns
Ethan Szmagaj returns to Savannah after having made his professional debut with the Ghost Pirates last season. Last year, Szmagaj appeared in four games and registered his first career point with an assist. Prior to joining Savannah, the defenseman spent four years at the collegiate level with Arizona State. During his time in college, Szmagaj held both leadership positions, serving as an alternate captain for the 2023-2024 season and as captain for the 2024-2025 season. His career high for points in college was during the 2022-2023 season, when he scored a goal and added 10 assists for 11 points. Savannah will be looking for him to take a step forward next season and contribute on the score sheet as well as defensively.
Bringing Back Krajnik
The Savannah Ghost Pirates also brought back Alaskan forward Zach Krajnik for the upcoming season. Last season was Krajnik’s professional debut as well, with the 26-year-old making six appearances with Savannah. In his six appearances last season, Krajnik scored two goals and added two assists, totaling four points. Prior to joining, Savannah Krajnik spent time in college at Minnesota State University, Mankato. Over 126 games, the forward scored 13 goals and added 26 assists for 39 points. Krajnik will likely be seeing an increase in ice time this upcoming season, which should lead to him contributing more on the scoresheet.
Krajnik and Szmagaj will join defensemen Keaton Pehrson, Michael Suda, and Chris Lipe, as well as forwards Mitchell Russell, Logan Drevitch, Connor Gregga, Kyle Jeffers, Nick Granowicz, Ryan Sullivan, and Liam Walsh in Savannah next season. The Ghost Pirates have not yet added a netminder for next season.
One player not returning to Savannah next season is Liam Arnsby, who is heading back to USports to join Saint Mary’s University.
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