USA Hockey names Hlinka Gretzky Cup roster as Summer Showcase continues
On 27 July, USA Hockey announced its roster for the U.S. Under-18 Men’s Select Team at the Hlinka Gretzky Cup, to be held 3-8 August in Edmonton, with the USHL again supplying the bulk of the squad: 13 of the 23 players. Since 26 July, a separate event, the World Junior Summer Showcase, has been running in parallel in Windsor, Ontario, and it’s putting somewhere around 47 candidates for the 2027 World Junior Championship, set for Edmonton and Red Deer, through their paces. Hlinka Gretzky Cup roster The roster includes forwards Gunnar Conboy and Luke Pietila (Green Bay Gamblers), Joey … Continue reading
Lacombe joins Lions
Trois-Rivières, Quebec – The Trois-Rivières Lions, ECHL affiliate of the Montreal Canadiens, have signed forward Thomas Lacombe, who joins the club for his first professional season. The 25-year-old spent the past few seasons with York University, recording 44 points (17g-27a) in 91 games. Prior to his university career, the Boisbriand, Quebec native played three seasons with the Blainville-Boisbriand Armada of the Quebec Maritimes Junior Hockey League, posting 31 points (10g-21a) in 110 career games. In 2021-22, he played with the Summerside Western Capitals of the Maritime Junior Hockey League. He finished third in league scoring with 60 points (28g-32a) while … Continue reading
Conroy back with Gladiators
Duluth, Ga. – The Atlanta Gladiators, ECHL affiliate of the National Hockey League’s Nashville Predators and the American Hockey League’s Milwaukee Admirals, announced that the team has signed defenseman Ryan Conroy for the 2026-27 season. Conroy is entering his second season with the Gladiators after finishing the 2025-26 campaign with 17 points (5g-12a) and a +6 rating in 67 games. In six games in the Kelly Cup Playoffs, he added two points (1g-1a). Conroy was named to the Gladiators’ leadership group as an alternate captain midway through the season. The 25-year-old was acquired by the Gladiators in a trade with … Continue reading
Rush re-sign Ratzlaff
RAPID CITY, S.D. – The Rapid City Rush, ECHL affiliate of the National Hockey League’s Calgary Flames, announced that defenseman Jake Ratzlaff is returning to the team for the 2026-27 season. Ratzlaff, 24, turned pro with the Rush last season and went on to record 15 points (3g-12a) in 50 games while leading the team with a +13 rating. Ratzlaff came to Rapid City having played two sports at the NCAA Division I level. The Rosemount, Minnesota native started out as a linebacker at the University of Wisconsin before changing directions and pursuing hockey. Ratzlaff skated in the United States … Continue reading
Komets add Després, Hernandez
Fort Wayne, Ind. – The Fort Wayne Komets announced today that defenseman Simon Després and forward Randy Hernandez have agreed to terms for the 2026-27 season. Després was selected in the first round (30th overall) of the 2009 NHL Entry Draft by the Pittsburgh Penguins. The 35-year-old played six seasons in the NHL with the Penguins and Anaheim. The Laval, Quebec native has spent the last eight seasons playing across Europe. Hernandez, 27, was signed by the Komets in the summer of 2024 but was traded during training camp to Orlando. The Miami, Florida native skated 50 games with the … Continue reading
Duff returns to Walleye
TOLEDO, Ohio – The Toledo Walleye have agreed to terms with defenseman Jack Duff for the 2026-27 season, his first full season as a professional. Duff, from Kingston, Ontario, joined the Walleye last spring, posting a +3 in three games. He tallied three assists and had 26 penalty minutes in 26 games as a fifth-year senior at Queen’s University last season. Over his five college seasons, he posted 34 points (9g-25a) and 107 penalty minutes in 111 games. Prior to college, Duff played four Ontario Hockey League seasons with the Erie Otters, amassing 49 points (9g-40a) in 194 games, and … Continue reading
