As more NHL teams look to build closer ties to their ECHL affiliate, the third tier of North American professional hockey only grows stronger.
With that being the case, it’s an even greater achievement by rookies to make an impact than in past years.

The ECHL is becoming more of a showcase for players to make the step up the ladder or create a strong interest in overseas leagues which has certainly the case for some of the following rookies who had exceptional first campaign’s.

 

Grant Besse (Norfolk Admirals)

The Minnesota native recorded the most points by any rookie with 62 (30-32-62) in as many games.
Thirty of those were goals (tied for first amongst rookies) and included five power play markers and three short-handed tallies.
A left handed shot who purportedly can play left and right wing, Besse was originally drafted 147th overall in 2013 by the Anaheim Ducks.
After being looked over in terms of an Entry Level contract, Norfolk signed Besse following the conclusion of his NCCA career and reaped the benefits as the young forward was selected to the ECHL All-Rookie team for his scoring achievements.

During a short loan spell with the Cleveland Monsters, Besse firmly put himself in the shop window by recording seven points (1-6-7) in eleven games.
The 24 year old has earned himself a one-year AHL contract with the Hershey Bears for 2018-19 and an opportunity to prove himself at a higher level.

Justin Parizek (Idaho Steelheads)

Another Minnesota native, Justin Parizek finished second amongst rookies in scoring with 60 points (27-33-60) in 64 games.
The right winger went on to produce a further six points in seven playoff games but the Steelheads would be swept in the second round of the Kelly Cup.
His eight power plays goals were tied for first amongst all rookies and his overall points total was good for second in team scoring.

The 26 year old received a three game stint in the AHL on loan with San Jose Barracuda but he failed to trouble the scorers.
Idaho are banking on him repeating the trick as they’ve re-signed the forward for 2018-19.

Justin Danforth (Cincinnati Cyclones)

Justin Danforth has been riding the crest of a wave since final weeks of the 2016-17 season.
After finishing school, Danforth had three ATO stints with Reading Royals (ECHL), Bridgeport Sound Tigers and Rochester Americans (both AHL).
He impressed the Amerks enough to earn himself an AHL contract for the most recent campaign.

The Oshawa native would go on to destroy opposition in the ECHL with Cincinnati Cyclones (Rochester’s affiliate) recording 59 points (28 Goals/31 Assists) in 44 games, including eight power play markers.

His 1.34 points per game pace was the best by any rookie playing more than thirty games and earned himself honours including ECHL Rookie of the Year (John A. Daley Trophy) and selection to the ECHL All-Rookie Team and ECHL Second All-Star Team.

Recalled to Rochester late in January, the 25 year old put up five points in fifteen games through the second half of the season in the AHL.
It’s pastures new for the Canadian forward however, as he has signed for Finnish outfit Likko for the 2018-19 season.

Cam Brown (Wheeling Nailers)

A graduate of the University of Maine, Brown hit the ground running during his first taste of the professional game late in the 2016-17 season.
Adirondack Thunder benefited from his offense but it was the Wheeling Nailers who made the smart move in encouraging the Massachusetts native to sign with them.

The former Maine Captain delivered 53 points (17-36-53) in 55 games, which caught the attention of AHL clubs. A thirteen game loan stint with Springfield Thunderbirds delivered just two points but also interest from Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins (affiliated to Wheeling) for whom the centreman would suit up for on one occasion.

It was enough to convince Pittsburgh’s AHL affiliate to sign the forward to terms on an AHL contract for 2018-19.

Aaron Irving (Kalamazoo Wings)

The Canadian defensemen delivered 48 points (15-33-48) in sixty games for the Wings during his first ECHL season, finishing first in rookie defensemen scoring and fifth amongst all defensemen.
Fourteen of his goals were acquired at even strength (tied first amongst all defensemen) and the Edmonton native was selected to the ECHL All-Rookie Team.
A 162nd overall selection by the Nashville Predators, Irving remained unsigned by the NHL club but did suit up for their AHL affiliate on one occasion in 2016 whilst still playing in junior.

Just the Utica Comets took interest in the 22 year old this past campaign but once more it was a one game spell in the AHL.
Irving has taken the bold step to head overseas at this stage of his career and will suit up for Norwegian team Storhamar in the next campaign.

TJ Melancon (Norfolk Admirals)

Second in rookie scoring amongst rookie defenseman was fellow Canadian TJ Melancon, with 43 points (15-28-43) in 58 games.
The 22 year old certainly racked up some air miles in three AHL loan stints with trips to Ontario, NY State and Arizona as he suited up a combined nine times for Belleville Senators, Syracuse Crunch and Tucson Roadrunners.
Like his team-mate Grant Besse, the Oshawa native was selected to the ECHL All-Rookie team and will also be in the hunt for AHL playing time after putting pen for the Laval Rocket for 2018-19.

Mitch Gillam (Worcester Railers)

A quite remarkable season by the Ontario native helped propel Worcester Railers to the playoffs in their inaugural AHL season.
The 25 year old put together a 23-14-2 regular season record during which he posted a 2.15 goals against average, 0.925 save percentage and was the leading goaltending with five shutouts.
The Canadian’s GAA and SAV were fourth best amongst all ECHL goaltenders and his wins were the most by any rookie netminder.

A loan spell with Utica resulted in no playing time but Gillam has received a contract from Worcester’s AHL affiliate (Bridgeport Sound Tigers) for the upcoming season.