ECHL: Greensboro Gargoyles Sign Forward Thomas Freel

Background

Thomas Freel is a 25-year-old forward born in Aberdeen, Scotland. Last season, Freel made his professional debut with the Iowa Heartlanders, who are not operating this season, and appeared in five games, where he was held off the scoresheet.

Before turning pro, Freel spent four seasons at the University of Maine. During his time in college, he played alongside Bradly Nadeau, a name Hurricanes fans should know fairly well. Freel’s most productive collegiate season came as a sophomore when he recorded 22 points in 37 games. During his junior season, he had the privilege of wearing an “A,” and as a senior, he had the honor of being named captain.

Outlook

Freel is going to bring a strong work ethic and a balanced game to the ice. It is likely that he will spend time in the bottom six while he develops as a professional. The young forward is the first player Greensboro has added who was not on the roster last season. Given that he is the first non-returning player signed, he is likely viewed as someone who can develop into a long-term fit in Greensboro.

Mitch Giguere has slowly been handling business this offseason, and this is the first attempt to improve upon last season’s roster. In time, more of Giguere’s vision will come into view and can be assessed properly. For now, the forward group is beginning to take shape with Freel joining Shane Ott and Alec Koumontzis.

“I am so excited to be a Gargoyle this year. Everyone I’ve talked to has had such great things to say about the city, and even better things to say about the fans. I can’t wait to get started and get the First Horizon Coliseum on its feet.”

— Thomas Freel, on joining Greensboro, via the Gargoyles website

“As the former captain of the University of Maine, Thomas has earned the respect of everyone in the program through his leadership and relentless work ethic. He’s the type of player who’s first on the ice, last off, first in the gym, and the one turning the lights off when everyone else has gone home. Thomas will make the Greensboro Gargoyles better every day by challenging everyone around him to compete, improve, and raise the standard.”

— Mitch Giguere, on Freel, via the Gargoyles website