The ECHL, celebrating 38 seasons as a vital development league for the American Hockey League (AHL) and National Hockey League (NHL), continues its tradition of providing a professional platform for undrafted college hockey players. A key opportunity for these young athletes arises late in the season, as college campaigns conclude and ECHL teams seek to bolster their lineups while also scouting talent for future seasons.
During a concentrated period from February 16th through March 24th, a remarkable 93 players from 43 distinct college programs signed contracts with ECHL teams. Canisius University led this surge with seven players, closely followed by St. Cloud State University with six, and Ferris State University contributing five.
Among the notable additions is Jackson Niedermayer, who joined the Tulsa Oilers after his senior year at Bowling Green State University. The son of Hockey Hall of Famer Scott Niedermayer and nephew of NHL veteran Rob Niedermayer, the 25-year-old forward has quickly made his mark, tallying two points (one goal, one assist) in his first six professional appearances. This follows a collegiate career spanning Bowling Green and Arizona State University, where he amassed 44 points (20 goals, 24 assists) in 124 games.
Niedermayer’s new teammate in Tulsa is Zachary Murray, the son of Oilers head coach Rob Murray. Murray, 24, showcased his offensive prowess with 53 points (21 goals, 32 assists) in 92 career games at Division III Amherst College. Since signing with Tulsa on March 6th, he has recorded six points (two goals, four assists) in nine pro games, including a two-goal performance on March 7th and a two-assist effort on March 21st.
Another intriguing signing is Jack Pascucci, who inked a deal with Norfolk on March 6th after concluding his collegiate career at Canisius. Interestingly, Pascucci joins the same organization where his father, Ron, played 133 games from 1993-96. Known as a stay-at-home defenseman, the 24-year-old recorded seven assists over 75 college games for the Golden Griffins and the University of Connecticut. Breaking a goal-scoring drought since the 2021-22 season, Pascucci netted his first professional goal on March 20th.
