ECHL: Nikita Quapp Heads to Europe

Time in Greensboro

This past season was Quapp’s first and potentially last season in North America. In Greensboro, Quapp appeared in 29 games, posting a .881 save percentage and a 3.53 GAA, going 9-16-1, not great. Quapp’s biggest weakness, which directly led to multiple goals against last season, was his inability to play the puck. He was fairly solid when facing a direct shot and was typically in good position. When faced with a one-on-one shot, Quapp was very strong. He also learned a lot from the goaltending coach from Carolina that he is sure to take with him in the future. If Quapp can improve that aspect of his game, he can be a strong goaltender for a lot of teams in Europe or the lower-tier North American leagues. The German is just 23 and has plenty of time to develop; it is entirely possible he returns to North America later in his career.

Back to Germany

Understandably, the 23-year-old wanted to return home to Germany. He previously played in the DEL before joining the Gargoyles and went 0-5-0 that season. Quapp will now be joining ESV Kaufbeuren in the third tier of German hockey. He last played in that league all the way back in 2020-2021, when he played in six games, posting a .858 save percentage at just 17 years old. Going back to Germany is a great move for his development as a professional, as it will let him grow closer to home. Quapp will very likely far exceed those numbers after significant development over the last several years.