The ICEHL has lost several top performers in recent seasons who are now continuing their careers in other leagues. Some players hit the ground running straight away, others need a bit of a start, but everyone shows that the league is a good breeding ground for talent and experienced professionals. In the next three parts, we’ll look at the most exciting departures – from top scorers to defenders to goalkeepers – and follow how they fare in their new teams.
Josh Passolt (formerly Pioneers Vorarlberg – now HK Nitra)
Josh Passolt was the offensive heart of the Pioneers Vorarlberg in the last ICEHL season. In 47 games he scored 45 points and became his team’s top scorer. After the end of the season he moved to HK Nitra in Slovakia, where he set his sights on the playoffs and immediately made an impact. Passolt is also delivering consistently this season: 37 points in 52 games. Nitra is currently the dominant league leader in Slovakia and one of the hottest title candidates.
Trevor Gooch (formerly HK Olimpija Ljubljana / Graz99ers – now EV Landshut)
Trevor Gooch was an offensive star in the ICEHL for two seasons and collected 105 points in 105 games. After the 99ers’ surprising non-contract offer, he moved to EV Landshut in the DEL2. There he seamlessly continued his productivity: 53 points in 48 games, including 24 goals. Gooch is particularly impressive with his finishing skills and has quickly become a crowd favorite.
Josh Atkinson (formerly Fehérvár AV19 – now Greenville Swamp Rabbits)
Josh Atkinson was Fehérvár’s top defender for almost three years, scoring 96 points in 163 games and was a fixture, especially on the power play. After last season he returned to North America and moved to the Greenville Swamp Rabbits in the ECHL. He continues to deliver strongly there: 34 points in 49 games underline his consistency.
Chase Pearson (formerly VSV – now Nottingham Panthers)
Chase Pearson was promoted at VSV as the king transfer of last season. In 42 games he collected 35 points, including 20 goals, despite absences due to injury. After his contract ended, he moved to the Nottingham Panthers in the British EIHL. There he delivers again strongly: 32 points in 35 games. Pearson, who was once drafted by the Detroit Red Wings, is still in his prime hockey age at 28 years old. It will be exciting to see where his career continues.
Image: VSV/Krammer
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