Late-Season Signings: College Talent Making an Immediate Impact in the ECHL

Throughout its 38-season history, the ECHL has successfully carved out its niche in the hockey world, effectively developing players for advancement to the American Hockey League and the National Hockey League. A key factor in the League's success is its commitment to providing undrafted players with an opportunity to showcase their abilities in professional hockey.

A significant chance for these young players to gain experience in the pro game emerges near the end of each season, following the conclusion of their collegiate championships. During this period, ECHL teams actively seek players to bolster their rosters and get an early assessment of potential candidates for the upcoming season.

From February 16 to March 24, a total of 93 players from 43 different university programs signed contracts with ECHL teams. Canisius University led the way with seven signed players, followed by St. Cloud State University with six players, and Ferris State University with five players.

Among the more notable newcomers to join the ECHL over the past five weeks is Jackson Niedermayer. He signed with the Tulsa Oilers after completing his senior season at Bowling Green State University. The son of Hockey Hall of Famer Scott Niedermayer and nephew of 17-season NHL veteran Rob Niedermayer has already recorded two points (1 goal, 1 assist) in his first six professional games. Throughout his five-year collegiate career, split between Bowling Green and Arizona State University, the 25-year-old Niedermayer accumulated a total of 44 points (20 goals, 24 assists) in 124 games.

Joining Niedermayer in Tulsa is Zachary Murray, son of Oilers' head coach Rob Murray. The 24-year-old garnered 53 points (21 goals, 32 assists) in 92 career games at Division III Amherst College before signing with Tulsa on March 6. Murray has already collected six points (2 goals, 4 assists) in his first nine professional matches, including a two-goal performance in his second game on March 7 against Allen and a two-assist effort on March 21 against Idaho.

Jack Pascucci signed with Norfolk on March 6 after concluding his collegiate career with Canisius. He joined the same organization for which his father, Ron, played 133 games from 1993 to 1996. This stay-at-home defenseman registered seven points – all assists – across his 75 college games with the Golden Griffins and the University of Connecticut. After not scoring a goal since the 2021-22 season when he was with Des Moines of the United States Hockey League, the 24-year-old lit the lamp for his first professional goal on March 20 against Greensboro.