After taking 2020/2021 off, post graduating from Niagara University Purple Eagles, rookie center Ben Sokay(24) becomes one of the initial signings for new club, Iowa Heartlanders.
He finished up school on a high note, scoring 11 goals and 11 assists in 33 Atlantic Hockey games.
The 6′ 170 lbs. forward committed to college after a decent first frame with Wellington Dukes, which he followed up posting blow away junior numbers 30 goals and 34 assists in 52 OJHL games.
At just 24 years old, he should be able to step it up in the ECHL.
In his 1st season he potted 12 goals and 12 assists in 58 games, but was also a bit of a downside -12 rating.
He will take his game overseas next, joining Dundee Stars for 2022/2023.
Doing very well scoring, despite a bad +/-, he took his game to the Polish Hockey League, signing with GKS Katowice, where he stayed for 2 10+ goals and assists years.
For 2025/2026, he will take leave to Ligue Magnus and comes to terms with Les Jokers de Cergy-Pontoise.
Walpole Express 2nd year defenseman Quinton McElligott(7) was always a good contributor with 1 goals and 12 assists in 42 games last season.
The 5’9″ 167 lbs. blue liner commits to Western Connecticut State University Wolves for 2025/2026.
From Los Angeles, CA, the 21-year old should do well in the mix with his new college club.
6th year net minder Eamon McAdam(37) finds a good deal to split for Metal Ligaen, joining Esbjerg Energy in 2021/2022.
Originally a New York Islanders‘ 3rd round pick in the 2013 draft (#70 overall), he signed a three-year entry level deal after completing his 3rd year at Penn State University Nittany Lions and mostly languished through equal time between affiliates Bridgeport Sound Tigers and their ECHL partner putting together ok numbers.
He was traded to Toronto Maple Leafs in the final campaign of his contract and once again did equal time in the pair of minor leagues.
The sturdy 6’3″ 198 lbs. goalie was left unqualified and signed an AHL deal with Binghamton Devils, but was sent for the duration of the session to Adirondack Thunder, starting a career high 40 games.
He almost seemed to come to life more last season with Jacksonville Icemen, going 4-2-2 with a best 2.53 GAA and .915 SV%.
The 27-year old should find more new life in Denmark’s top hockey.
He takes some conservatively good numbers to his next opportunity, signing for 2022/2023 with Guilford Flames of the EIHL.
After 3 seasons with one team in the league, he branches out to join rivals Sheffield Steelers for 2025/2026.
University Of Guelph Gryphons‘ senior defenseman, captain Tristan De Jong(5) scored a college tying 3 goals and by far best 14 assists for 17 points last season and signs a 1st pro contract with Greenville Swamp Rabbits.
In 7 ECHL games, he has 1 assist.
The 6’2″ 201 lbs. blue liner did 3 years QMJHL and 2 GOJHL before heading to school.
From Breslau, ON, the 24-year old is looking .
He plays 18 games with 2 assists and is liked by what they see to sign him up for his rookie frame, 2025/2026 as a Swamp Rabbits.
Quinnipiac University Bobcats‘ senior transfer from 3 years at Boston University Terriers‘ goaltender Vinny Duplessis(37) may have made the right decision, as he’s already started more games at 11 than he’s played in a single frame previous and has maybe equaled his other stats with 2.15 GAA and .910 SV%.
The 6’1″ 170 lbs. net minder from Quebec, QC had his best junior year in the AJHL for Whitecourt Wolverines, right before committing to college.
We think the 24-year old will have some eyes on him as an unrestricted free agent, if he decides to turn pro next.
After a huge overtime playoff loss for his new team in which he was spectacular, he maybe a bit oddly signs with Utah Grizzlies, who are fighting for a playoff spot and have only 2 ECHL games remaining.
He plays the pair of games, with a 0-1-1 count and 3.07 GAA and .905 SV% to secure him a contract for his rookie season, 2024/2025, guarding in a Grizzlies‘ jersey.
After an uneven season with a struggling team, he finds an amazing path, as Trois Rivieres Lions look to add him after winning the 2025 Kelly Cup, so he joins a strong club.
Seahawks Hockey‘ 2nd year right wing Billy Hawkins(20) scored 4 goals and 4 assists in 45 EHL games last season that he takes to a Post University Eagles‘ commit for 2025/2026.
The 5’9″ 165 lbs. forward from Smithfield, RI came off a successful senior frame.
At 20-years old, he is likely ready to see where college hockey takes him.
University Of New Hampshire Wildcats‘ senior right wing Robert Cronin(13) had by far a best college scoring with 17 goals and 11 assists that he takes to a 1st pro contract with Maine Mariners.
In 13 ECHL games, the 5’10” 187 lbs. forward had 5 goals and 3 assists.
From Plymouth, MA, he did 2 USHL seasons with Dubuque Fighting Saints, scoring big in his 2nd frame.
The 24-year old will need a new contract moving forward.
For 2025/2026, he will return for his rookie season in an Mariners‘ jersey.
Assumption University Greyhounds‘ senior center Ronny Paragallo(19) takes a 2nd season of 20+ assists to a 1st contract in France2 with Courchevel-Méribel-Pralognan Bouquetins for 2025/2026.
The 5’10” 176 lbs. forward scored a college best 23 goals and 25 assists in 32 games as a junior with a +19 rating.
From Huntington, NY, the 23-year old went straight from his 2nd USHS-Prep to college.
Boston Bruins‘ 2nd round pick in the 2020 draft (#58 overall), defenseman Mason Lohrei(6) left a couple of years on the table in his college life at University Of Ohio Buckeyes, but looking at him on day 1 of 2023 Development Camp he will compete for a position with the big club more than just reporting to affiliate Providence Bruins to start things, like he did on an ato last season.
In his 3rd game up after putting up 4 assists in 7 games in the AHL, he gets himself a 1st NHL goal to go along with the helper he tallied in his debut.
After a full slate of 77 games with the big team, he scores bests 5 goals and by a mile 28 assists to earn himself a 2-year deal to stay a Bruins at $3.2M AAV as a restricted free agent.
Mason Lohrei (6)
Toronto Marlies signed former University Of Notre Dame Fighting Irish senior captain Graham Slaggert(19) to an ato, as he finished up NCAA Division 1 tournament play.
In a pair of AHL games, he was unable to score any points, but came away a +3 player on a non-playoff team.
A former 2-time USNTDP forward, he was given a deal for 2022/2023 before the initial signing.
The 5’11” 183 lbs. center scored a college high 12 goals and tying 25 points in 39 games this past season.
At 23-years old, the South Bend, IN native may just be ready to go.
He would sign for the following frame as a rookie and record 6 goals and 4 assists in 63 games.
Not signed to return, his option is picked up by Rochester Americans, where he plays less games, but similar stats, slightly better assists.
For 2024/2025, he will return to the New York state team and look to increase his game.
After a best 12 goals and 12 assists in 69 games with a +17 rating, he is quickly asked to return for another seasons as an Americans.
