Around the ECHL

Kim Conner | Minor Leagues (ECHL, AHL, etc)

Aug 26, 11:22 AM | Hype this story!

Johnstown Chiefs News

Chiefs Trade for Two

The Johnstown Chiefs have traded defenseman Andrew Martens for Max Taylor and David Shulz from the Ontario Reign. (Press Release)

Martens played 142 regular season games with the Chiefs. During his tenure, he notched 15 goals and 53 assists, while racking up 123 penalty minutes.

Other notes on the trade (Trib article)

  • Max Taylor has an AHL contract, and will probably spend the majority of the season with Toronto. Shulz, 6-foot-4 and 210 pounds, played some games with the Manitoba Moose of the AHL last season. Assuming he doesn’t stay with the club, he’ll be in Johnstown.
  • Four-year veteran Jean Desrochers has moved on from the club, going to play in Italy.
  • Ryan Nie, the Chiefs record-breaking goaltender, has agreed to terms with the Fresno Falcons.
  • Defenseman Nathan Saunders agreed to terms with the Stockton Thunder.
  • Chiefs’ captain Randy Rowe is expected back this season, despite having an upper-body injury that will eventually require surgery. (See here) He’s been helping with recruiting and doing work within the community this offseason.
  • Jason Spence, assistant captain, is also expected to return.

Chiefs announce affiliation with Columbus Blue Jackets

Say goodbye to the Bruins, and hello to the Blue Jackets. (Press Release) The Chiefs have announced their affiliation with Columbus and their AHL affiliate, the Syracuse Crunch. The Chiefs’ renewed their affiliation with the Colorado Avalance and the Lake Erie Monsters.

Wheeling Nailers News

The Nailers have been busy the past month, signing players left and right, and holding their tryout camp. Among them are:

  • R.P.I Teammates Andrew Lord and Jonathan Ornelas (Press Release)

In 37 games with R.P.I. of the NCAA last season, Lord scored 6 goals and 10 assists, and had 57 penalty minutes. Ornelas scored 9 goals and 8 assists for the club.

Bernier, 6-foot-2 and 210 pounds, scored 5 points in 33 games with Arizona in the CHL last season, while racking up an admirable 229 penalty minutes.

25-year old Krantz played 4 seasons at Cornell University, scoring 38 points during his career there.

A physical defenseman, Spencer posted 8 points in 57 games with the Nailers last season

The Nailers traded Steve McJannet for Elgin Reid from the Elmira Jackals. In 5 games last season, Reid scored 5 points. In the OHL last season, with the Windsor Spitfires, Reid accumulated 42 points (8 goals, 34 assists).

Other News

  • Elmira Jackals announce one-year affiliation with Ottawa Senators (Press Release)
  • Idaho Steelheads sign three Philadelphia Flyers’ prospects (Here)
  • Love hockey? Live in the Phoenix area? Then the Phoenix Roadrunners want YOU! Auditions for the Phoenix Roadrunners Puck Patrol will be held September 9. (Here)
  • The South Carolina Stingrays are taking over the Joe! (Check it out)
  • Players from the Utah Grizzlies attended Islanders’ mini camp (There’s Video)

Many apologies for the lack of news. As it gets closer to the start of the season, look for much more regular updates. It’s nearly time, folks! Hockey season is around the corner!

Comments

  1. Groove

    Aug 26, 09:02 PM

    Thank you for the ECHL news. We get more news about the Nailers from Wilkes Barre than the local media here in Wheeling. Quick question about the Nailer signings. Do you think any of the recent signings have a chance to play here and what impact will they have? I know its so early, but humor me if you will.

  2. Kim Conner

    Aug 26, 09:23 PM

    Groove, as far as the Nailers’ signings so far, the one I like the best is Rob Sirianni. He averaged a point per game last season with the Utah Grizzlies. As far as him making it up to the big club… I’m not so sure. I wouldn’t be surprised if he got a call-up to the Baby Pens, though, at some point in the year. He’s not a big guy, only around 5’11, 180, but the kid’s got some skills.

    The thing I can best take from the recent signings is this, the Nailers are looking for size on the blueline, and guys that aren’t afraid to get gritty. They’ve added some good muscle, and I (as well as I’m sure everyone else), am hoping that a stronger blueline is what the team needs. Ask me again a month into the season, and I may have a better handle on it.

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