Inside The Rink’s ECHL Triple Threat: Our Must-Watch Hockey Showdowns (01/03-01/05/2025)

As the new year kicks off, hockey fans are in for a treat with a series of thrilling matchups. This weekend features some highly anticipated games that promise intense competition and standout performances. From Jacksonville’s clash with Florida to Wheeling’s back-to-back battles against Norfolk, and Adirondack’s challenge against Trois-Rivières, each game is set to showcase the best of what these teams have to offer. Let’s dive into the details of these exciting encounters and see which players might be making headlines.

Jacksonville at Florida

Friday, January 3: Jacksonville at Florida – 7:30 PM EST

This matchup between Jacksonville and Florida is set to be highly competitive and exciting. Florida, ranked 3rd, has been dominant at home, while Jacksonville, ranked 10th, has been performing well on the road. Key players for Jacksonville include Davis Koch, who has 23 points (8G, 15A) in 29 games with a +16 rating, and Noah Laaouan, who has 13 points (2G, 11A) in 29 games with a +11 rating. For Florida, Cam Johnson, one of the top goaltenders in the league with a 16-2-1 record, 1.67 GAA, and .933 SV%, and Joe Pendenza, a forward who consistently contributes to the offense, will be crucial. Additionally, Florida’s Brandon Hawkins, who is 2nd in the league with 37 points (17G, 20A), will be a player to watch. This game promises to be a thrilling encounter.

Wheeling at Norfolk

This back-to-back series features the top-ranked Wheeling Nailers against the 6th-ranked Norfolk Admirals. Wheeling has been dominant this season with a record of 22-5-1-0, and their standout goaltender Sergei Murashov will be key. Norfolk, with consistent performers like rookie goaltender Domenic DiVincentiis, will be looking to challenge the league leaders. Key players to watch include Brady Fleurent from Norfolk, who is tied for 4th in points with 37 (10G, 27A), and Wheeling’s Jack Beck, a rookie with 29 points (6G, 23A). Keep an eye on Carson Golder, Norfolk’s top-scoring defenseman with 23 points (13G, 10A) in 30 games, and Josh McDougall, another key defenseman for Norfolk with 19 points (3G, 16A) in 30 games. For Wheeling, key players include Chris Ortiz, who has 27 points (2G, 25A) in 28 games with a +17 rating, and Mats Lindgren, who has nine points (3G, 6A) in 17 games with a +12 rating. This matchup promises to be intense and competitive, making it a must-watch.

Adirondack at Trois-Rivières

This three game series features the second-ranked Trois-Rivières against the 18th-ranked Adirondack. Trois-Rivières has been performing exceptionally well this season with a record of 18-4-4-0. Adirondack will be looking to pull off an upset and to bump their points in the North division. Key players to watch include Trois-Rivières’ Chris Jandric, who has 22 points (3G, 19A) and is also a leader in power-play assists, and Adirondack’s Ryan Francis, who tallied four goals and three assist in just four games. This series will be an opportunity to see how both teams adjust their strategies after each previous night’s encounter, making it an exciting series.