Brandon Estes, a seasoned Defenseman from Texas known for his wicked right-handed shot, has made a significant career move. He has signed a contract with the Denmark Odense Bulldogs for the 2024-2025 season, effectively bidding farewell to the Savannah Ghost Pirates and American Leagues. This move not only marks a new chapter in Estes’ career but also the first player to officially leave the Ghost Pirates in the postseason this year, making it a momentous event in the Ghost Pirates hockey world.
Before stepping into the professional arena, Brandon Estes honed his skills as an NCAA athlete at Union College, playing under the guidance of Coach Rick Bennet. His performance was commendable, playing 146 games and contributing with 16 goals and 49 assists. His dedication to academics and sports was recognized by the ECAC Hockey All-Academic Team in 19-20 and 20-21. He also received the Third All-Star Team selection in 2022 and the Coaches Award in 21-22. His commitment was evident as he appeared in all scheduled games during his junior and senior years.
Estes started his professional career in the 2021-2022 season, joining the AHL’s Tucson RoadRunners and playing ten games with them, garnering three assists before joining the Henderson Silver Knights in the 22-23 season. While with the Silver Knights, he played four games before being assigned to the Savannah Ghost Pirates. Once again, under Coach Rick Bennet, who coached for the Savannah Ghost Pirates for their Inaugural season and part of their second season, parting ways with the team in February. Brandon was loaned to the AHL Tucson RoadRunners in January 2024 and assisted them in three games before returning to the Ghost Pirates.
Brandon Estes left an indelible mark on their defense during his two seasons with the Ghost Pirates. He played 127 games, contributing 16 goals and 40 assists. His last season was particularly memorable, as he played a crucial role in the second to last game against the conference ranked 2nd, the Greenville Swamp Rabbits, scoring the game-winning goal. His absence will be deeply felt, especially as the Ghost Pirates were not in playoff position, and Estes’ ECHL season ended on April 14th.
