St-Hilaire agrees to terms with Lions
Trois-Rivières, Quebec – The Trois-Rivières Lions, ECHL affiliate of the Montréal Canadiens, have signed goaltender Samuel St-Hilaire for the 2026-27 season. A native of Saint-Elzéar-de-Beauce, Québec, St-Hilaire spent last season with the Québec National in the LNAH, appearing in 18 games. St-Hilaire made his professional debut in the ECHL, appearing in one game during the 2024-25 season. Prior to turning pro, St-Hilaire played three seasons in the Quebec Maritimes Junior Hockey League . After spending two years with the Sherbrooke Phoenix, he concluded his junior career with the Rimouski Océanic. In 81 career games, he compiled a 48-24-3 record, along … Continue reading
Cichosz inks deal with Walleye
TOLEDO, Ohio – The Toledo Walleye agreed to terms with defenseman Campbell Cichosz for the 2026-27 ECHL season, his first full campaign as a professional. Cichosz, a native of Albert Lea, Minnesota, joined the Walleye down the stretch last season, picking up two points (1g-1a) in five games. Prior to signing with the Walleye, he compiled 14 points (4g-10a), 32 penalty minutes and a +6 in 40 games while serving as an alternate captain for Minnesota State University-Mankato during the 2025-26 season. He spent his entire collegiate career as a Maverick, totaling 28 points (6g-22a) over 149 games in four seasons. Cichosz … Continue reading
Kuqali returns to Nailers
WHEELING, W.Va. – The Wheeling Nailers announce the team has re-signed defenseman Alexander Kuqali to a contract for the 2026-27 season. Kuqali, 35, joined the Nailers in February of this past season, and made an immediate impact both on the ice and in the locker room. He appeared in 23 regular-season games and produced four points (1g-3a). He also suited up in 16 of the club’s 17 contests during the Kelly Cup Playoffs and dished out two assists. The Nailers are Kuqali’s fifth ECHL team, as he has also played for Florida, Quad City, Orlando and Fort Wayne. He also … Continue reading
Gold named GM of Hammers
The New York Islanders have hired Evan Gold as assistant general manager of the Islanders and GM of the Isles’ American Hockey League affiliate, the Hamilton Hammers. Gold will be involved in all facets of the club’s hockey operations, including contract negotiations, roster strategy, professional and amateur scouting, salary cap management and other areas that fit his expertise. He will work alongside current assistant general managers Ryan Bowness (player personnel), Chris Lamoriello and Steve Pellegrini. Lamoriello, formerly the GM of the organization’s AHL affiliate, will continue to be involved in player personnel decisions as well as working with the amateur, college … Continue reading
Datema re-signs with Bison
BLOOMINGTON, Ill. – The Bloomington Bison announced the team has signed defenseman Brenden Datema to a contract for the 2026-27 season. Datema, 27, skated in 65 games for the Bison during the regular season and contributed 16 points (4g-12a) with a +19 rating. The Sterling Heights, Michigan native set career highs in all statistical categories during the 2025-26 season and added a goal and an assist in five playoff games. Datema was originally acquired by the Bison from the Atlanta Gladiators on Oct. 14, 2025. He played in 60 games with Atlanta and recorded nine points (2g-7a) during the 2024-25 … Continue reading
Hunt announces retirement from pro hockey
Three-time AHL All-Star defenseman Brad Hunt announced his retirement on Saturday. Hunt played 14 seasons of professional hockey, including 422 regular-season games in the AHL with Chicago, Oklahoma City, Bakersfield, Colorado and Hershey. In addition to playing in three AHL All-Star Classics, Hunt earned three postseason All-Star Team selections, including First Team honors in 2014-15 and 2023-24 and a Second Team spot in 2013-14. He was also selected as Colorado’s team winner of the IOA/American Specialty AHL Man of the Year award in 2023-24 for his community efforts. Hunt totaled 84 goals and 214 assists for 298 points in the … Continue reading
