Undrafted defenseman Ryan Wheeler(6) signs fairly quickly after his college team, University Of Connecticut Huskies was eliminated from their deepest career run in Hockey East tournament history.
The 6′ 190 lbs. blue liner had a modest best tying his 2 goals and 4 assists, but elevating to a new high points of 6 in his senior year with a handy +4 rating.
He signs to play out 2021/2022 with Iowa Heartlanders and in his ECHL debut he notched a point, an assist.
The 24-year old Lancaster, NY, twice New Jersey Titans‘ d-man of 20+ points should be able to play a good game, if he can get on a decent enough team.
He was on for his rookie run 2022/2023, scored 1 goal and 10 assists in 59 games, but was released and sign by Cincinnati Cyclones to finish off the frame.
For 2023/2024, he’s setting new sights and signs a 1-year minor league deal with Adirondack Thunder, bringing him maybe a little closer to home.
After 61 games, getting 10 goals and 12 assists with a -1 rating, he skates 17 playoff matchups, scoring 4 goals and 1 assists with a +2 and he will re-sign to stay in a Thunder sweater, 2024/2025.
He would serve as team captain in his 3rd year, but signs with down the road team, Springfield Thunderbirds for 2026/2027, hoping to stick at the higher level.
