ECHL: Greensboro Gargoyles Bring Back Demetrios Koumontzis

The Greensboro Gargoyles have announced the return of Demetrios Koumontzis for the upcoming ECHL season.

Background

Before turning pro, Koumontzis played for an extremely well-known university located in Tempe, Arizona. Arizona State Sun Devils men’s ice hockey was home to Koumontzis for five seasons. During his time in Tempe, Koumontzis wore the “A” and represented the team well. Showing leadership from a young age, the left-handed forward earned an opportunity with the Idaho Steelheads. In his two and a half seasons in Idaho, Koumontzis averaged almost a point every other game. When Scott Burt brought him to Greensboro, he filled a need for a veteran presence in the locker room. Last season, Koumontzis faced significant injuries and appeared in only 44 games for the Greensboro Gargoyles. Despite battling through those injuries, Koumontzis remained very involved in the community off the ice and still managed to record 15 points.

Outlook

Last season in Greensboro was a challenging one for Koumontzis as he sought consistency. The Gargoyles experienced significant roster turnover, even by ECHL standards, and injuries limited his ability to stay in the lineup. Despite those challenges, Koumontzis briefly wore an “A” for Greensboro and emerged as one of the team’s leaders in the locker room. If he can remain healthy, he has the potential to produce 30 to 40 points while providing reliable depth in a middle-six role. Re-signing Koumontzis is likely just the first of several offseason moves as the Gargoyles look to build on the foundation of their inaugural season.

Speaking about his return, Demetrios Koumontzis expressed his excitement about remaining in Greensboro and the support he has received from the community.

“I’m happy to be coming back and am so excited for year two in Greensboro. The fans and the support from the community have proven that Greensboro is a hockey town, and I can’t wait to get the ball rolling and get the First Horizon Coliseum buzzing again.”

— Demetrios Koumontzis, via the Greensboro Gargoyles