ECHL rosters are being finalized as training camps open, with the Greenville Swamp Rabbits making some notable additions yesterday. Today’s news is brought by the Wheeling Nailers, who have released their own roster and it includes quite a few interesting names.
Brandon Halverson, who was once a top goaltending prospect selected in the second round by the New York Rangers, will start the year with the Nailers. The 24-year-old was not issued a qualifying offer in 2019 and became an unrestricted free agent, eventually spending most of the 2019-20 season with the Norfolk Admirals. Halverson does actually have an NHL appearance, though his minor league career hasn’t quite gone to plan. The netminder is still young though and could potentially work his way up the ladder with more good performances at the ECHL level.
Brady Tomlak, who played for the Air Force Falcons, and Nick Rivera, Minnesota State’s captain, have both turned pro after four-year college careers. They’ll both play out the next chapter in their hockey lives with Wheeling.
One interesting name to keep an eye on is Vladislav Mikhalchuk, a Belarusian winger that has spent most of the last three seasons in the WHL. Mikhalchuk did actually play in a KHL game last season and is still just 21, but wasn’t drafted while eligible. The 6’4″ forward scored 32 points in 40 games for Prince George last season.