ECHL: Greensboro Gargoyles Sign Patrick Newell

Early Career

Prior to joining the ECHL ranks, Newell played collegiately at St Cloud State University for four seasons, scoring 120 points (38 goals and 82 assists) in 145 games. His time at St Cloud State also saw him earn NCAA All-American honors for his offensive abilities. Statistically, Newell’s best season in college was 2018-2019, when he had over a point per game, scoring a very strong 47 points in his 39 games, with 21 of those being goals.

After his collegiate career was over, he spent time in the AHL’s Hartford Wolfpack. In his first dose of the AHL, he appeared in six games while tallying an assist. The following season, Newell appeared in 57 games with Hartford, scoring his first professional goal and adding five more, as well as seven assists for a total of 13 points. His final season in the AHL saw him match the same point total but scoring one less goal. His time in Hartford was spent learning from current Edmonton Oilers Head Coach Kris Knoblauch. Learning from a top-tier head coach has proven valuable time and time again when it comes to player development, and Newell surely took valuable lessons from his time in Hartford.

Overseas and ECHL Veteran

Once Newell’s time in the AHL was up, he moved on to a new challenge overseas, joining Sterjnen Hockey in Norway. In his first European season, Newell put up 51 points (21 goals and 30 assists) in 42 regular-season games. His time overseas was fairly short, having returned to the ECHL only two seasons after leaving North America. Upon his return, Newell joined the ECHL’s Orlando Solar Bears, where he was nearly a point per game player, putting up four goals and 10 assists in 18 games. Last season with the Tahoe Knight Monsters, the Californian had a solid campaign, scoring 10 goals and adding 28 assists for 38 points in 67 games. His time in Tahoe saw him play with the Gargoyles’ first official signing, Logan Nelson.

Next Stop Greensboro

Having played with Greensboro forward Logan Nelson last season, there should be some immediate chemistry between the two forwards.

“It’ll be awesome getting to play with Nelly again and have a coach like Burtie behind the bench. I’m looking forward to the challenge and making this season a special one.”

Patrick Newell on being able to play alongside Logan Nelson in Greensboro (Via Greensboro Gargoyles Press Release)

Gargoyles Head Coach Scott Burt has been getting heavy praise from the players this offseason, and it seems like they are already beginning to buy in.

“Patrick is a player that has played in the American Hockey League, and will be looked upon as a leader here in Greensboro. I watched him play last season in Tahoe, and he has the opportunity to keep progressing and improve his all around game with us.”

Head Coach Scott Burt on the signing of Patrick Newell (Via Greensboro Gargoyles Press Release)

By signing Newell, the Gargoyles coaching staff and front office have once again placed an emphasis on getting players that are tough to play against, and I would expect that theme to continue throughout the offseason.