The Vienna Capitals are strengthening their defense with 28-year-old American Nate Kallen. The working document of the defender, who will wear the number 26 in Vienna, is valid until the end of the season. The right-handed shooter most recently played for the ECHL team Tahoe Knight Monsters. With 28 points from 46 appearances, Kallen is the top-scoring defender on the ECHL partner team the Vegas Golden Knights this season.
Born in San Diego, California, Nate Kallen attended Ferris State University from 2016 to 2020. For the Bulldogs, which the defender led as captain in his final NCAA season, he played 146 games and scored 64 points (20 goals + 44 assists). After the end of the college season, Kallen started his professional career in the ECHL with the Maine Mariners in spring 2020. The American played 93 games for the Mariners and Rapid City Rush until February 2023. In the 2021/22 season, Kallen was allowed to appear in the American Hockey League on a try-out basis. He scored one goal in three AHL games for the Springfield Thunderbirds.
Kallen left North America for Europe for the first time in February 2023. The defender docked with the Slovakian first division club Slovan Bratislava. Kallen played the 2023/24 season in the service of the Glasgow Clan in the British Elite Ice Hockey League. The American scored 23 points (5 goals + 18 assists) for the Scots, making him the team’s highest-scoring defender. Last season, Kallen moved to the Tahoe Knight Monsters in the ECHL. In the previous season, the defender scored 28 points (7 goals + 21 assists) in 72 regular season games. The defender reached this mark after just 46 appearances this season. His 28 goal involvements this season consist of five goals and 23 assists. Kallen leaves the Monsters as the team’s highest-scoring defender.
Statement Nate Kallen: “I’m thrilled to be joining the Capitals at this point in the season. I’ve heard nothing but good things about the organization, the city and the fan support. With the postseason approaching, I’m ready to fully commit, give my best and do whatever it takes to help the team have a successful run.”
Statement Christian Dolezal, sporting director of the Vienna Capitals: “With Nate Kallen, we were able to sign a player who already has experience in Europe and will therefore have no problems with the transition to European ice. We believe that we have a strong team and want to be as well prepared as possible for the final phase of the season. It is difficult to find reinforcements on the market at this time, so we are even more pleased to welcome Nate to Vienna!”
vienna-capitals.at , Image: HCI / PAPA Productions
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