Manchester Monarchs‘ 11th year right wing Ashton Rome(88) nets the game-winning goal and celebrates with what’s definitely a little sigh of relief for the veteran, hard-working forward.
It’s his first of the postseason and helps the team take a 2-0 Kelly Cup playoff series lead.
He returned to North American pro hockey once again after starting 2016/2017 with Iserlohn Roosters but only lasted 9 DEL games.
In 36 ECHL contests he would grab 12 goals and 6 assists, while providing veteran leadership to a mostly young squad.
The 31-year old could easily continue if he wants and could be back closer to home to start setting up a next move to coaching.
Ashton Rome (44)
Veteran right wing Ashton Rome(44) lasted just five ECHL games with Greenville in 2012/2013 before jumping ship for Dusseldorfer EG of DEL.
He would spend two seasons with the team, then jump allegiances to Schwenninger Wild Wings for his next two campaigns, reaching almost point-per-game totals in 2015/2016 scoring 17 goals and 15 assists in 39 contests.
The 11th year pro switches it up once again but stays for a 5th run in the German league joining Iserlohn Roosters.
He did briefly return on a pto with Norfolk Admirals but was released after only a couple of AHL appearances and returned overseas to resume his career.
The 30-year old he still seems to have plenty left in the tank and seems to be simply enjoying the ride.
Ashton Rome(44) Greenville Road Warriors
Double draft pick, 7th year right wing Ashton Rome(44) makes an interesting move for the 2012/2013 season by signing with Greenville Road Warriors of the ECHL.
The move comes one season removed from his most productive AHL campaign with Portland Pirates, where he had league career highs in games played, goals and points.
He has skated in 91 games over a couple of years in the ECHL with a pair of different teams scoring 42 goals and 38 assists, so point productivity isn’t a problem for him in the lower level of hockey.
With the glut of talent being absorbed in the AHL, it’s seemingly a smart move for the almost 27-year old, who could also be setting up a path for himself post-playing pro hockey. There is little doubt he will help mentor the younger teammates and be a huge asset on ice and in the locker room.
He’ll also almost assuredly be on the short list for call-up by a number of teams and if the lockout lifts for the NHL he could find a permanent spot in the AHL sooner than later.
The 6’1 205 lbs. forward was originally a Boston Bruins’ 4th round pick in the 2004 draft (#108 overall) but was thrown back in the pool and picked up in the 5th round of 2006 by San Jose Sharks (#143 overall).