ECHL News

Negotiations Begin with two groups to bring ECHL team to Portland

After just one week, Cross Insurance Arena’s board of trustees has decided to move forward with two of the four groups that have submitted proposals. As reported by Portland’s WCSH6, the accepted proposals are from the parent company of the arena, Spectra, and National Sports Services, a company based out of Tennessee. Spectra is the early favorite of the two, as the arena is looking for a long-term solution and having the team and arena owned by the same group would promise a long-term remedy for the city. National Sports Services is known for their involvement in franchise sales, management, and consulting. They’ve worked with many AHL and ECHL teams, including the Hershey Bears, Atlanta Gladiators, and Bakersfield Condors, to name a few. The board expects negotiations to last 6-8 weeks, with a deal coming as soon as June’s ECHL annual meetings.

Elmira Jackals to cease operations at the end of this season

After over a year of uncertainty in the city of Elmira, New York, it was announced that the Elmira Jackals will end operations at the end of this season. In addition to this announcement, their Arena was sold to a local businessman who will fund the arena for future events and renovations. Despite their lack of a hockey team there’s a good chance hockey could return to the city in the future, with the IDHL and FHL leagues expressing interest in placing a team there.

Rumpel Named ECHL Goalie of the Week

Goalie Joel Rumpel was named CCM / ECHL Goaltender of the Week for Feb. 27-March 5. A somewhat familiar name to Worcester, Rumpel was assigned to Worcester in 2015 but did not dress nor play a game for the team. During the week Rumpel went 2-0-0 with one shutout, a 1.00 goals-against average and a save percentage of .979. It is the second time in his career that he has received the weekly honor.

Railers HC News

Worcester Magazine: Cliff Rucker – A Man in Motion

Worcester Magazine’s Josh Lyford sat down with Railers’ owner Cliff Rucker. It has a lot of interesting information about Cliff Rucker including previous attempts to buy an existing ECHL franchise before he came to Worcester. If you have a few minutes, it’s worth a read.

Saint Peter-Marian announces Partnership with Railers HC

The Worcester Ice Center will host yet another youth hockey group later this year, with the Saint Peter Marian jumping aboard. In a press release earlier this week, the Worcester Railers HC announced that the St. Peter-Marian Guardians MIAA boys’ and girls’ hockey programs will call the Ice Center home. An interesting bit is that this will be the first time the Guardians will have a MIAA girls hockey program in the school’s history. The Worcester Railers Foundation will assist the Guardians with equipment and costs when the program starts later this year.

“We are excited about the partnership between St. Peter-Marian and the Worcester Railers,” said St. Peter-Marian President Christopher Cummings. “It not only ensures that our student athletes have access to a premiere hockey facility but also establishes a sensational community partnership. We have had significant interest in offering a hockey to our female athletes for some time. Cliff Rucker’s contribution and willingness to help us line up all the pieces to make this a reality made it all come together.”

Junior Sharks win Championships

In their last games as the Worcester Junior Sharks, the 05 and 06 AAA teams won 2 Boston Hockey League earlier this week.  The Junior Sharks will become the Junior Railers when they move to the Worcester Ice Center later this year.

Railers Front Office and Booster Club to March in Worcester’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade

The Worcester Railers HC’s front office and Booster Club will be marching in this year’s St. Patrick’s Day parade. Be sure to keep your eyes out for them!

Worcester IceCats Alumni News

210Sports: IceCats – Where are they playing now?

Worcester Hockey blogger Darryl Hunt gives up an update on where former IceCats are playing now. There are just two IceCats left that are playing in the NHL, in addition to a few playing in the AHL and ECHL. The full list of players can be found in his tweet below:

Worcester Sharks Alumni News

210Sports: WorSharks – Where are they playing now?

In addition to his IceCats update, Darryl has provided us with an update on where every former Worcester Shark is playing. The full list of players can be found in his tweet below:

Transactions

Joakim Ryan was recalled to the San Jose Sharks (NHL) from the San Jose Barracuda (AHL) on March 6.

Karl Stollery was recalled to the New Jersey Devils (NHL) from the Albany Devils (AHL) on March 6.

Yanni Gourde was recalled to the Tampa Bay Lightning (NHL) from the Syracuse Crunch on March 6.

Greger Hanson was released from his PTO with the Binghamton Senators (AHL) on March 7. He will return to the Allen Americans (ECHL).

Taylor Doherty was released by the Providence Bruins (AHL) on March 10. He will return to the Orlando Solar Bears (ECHL).