ECHL: Tahoe Knight Monsters Sign Two Rookie Forwards

Blake Wells

Wells, 26, has played in just four games with the Utah Grizzlies in his short career after suffering a season-ending injury last season opening night. Prior to going pro, Wells spent five seasons in the NCAA with U-Mass Lowell and American International College. In 77 games with the River Hawks, he put up seven goals and 11 assists for 18 points. He wore an “A” in his final season with U-Mass Lowell. During his final season of eligibility, he would put up four goals and six assists for 10 points in 33 games at American International. If Wells can stay healthy, I would expect him to be a solid depth piece for the Knight Monsters.

Prior to playing at the NCAA level, the Blackie, Alberta, native spent parts of three seasons in the AJHL with the Okotoks Oilers. During his time with the Oilers, he would put up 25 goals and 31 assists for 56 points in 95 games. Wells would add four goals and five assists for nine points in 20 AJHL playoff games.

Ryder Donovan

Donovan, 24, has spent the last two seasons at the University of St. Thomas where he put up a goal and two assists for three points in 27 games with the Tommies. He began his NCAA career at the University of Wisconsin as he spent three seasons with the Badgers, where he had six goals and six assists for 12 points. In 2021, the Badgers won the NCAA (B1G) Championship. Donovon, 6’4, will add some size for the Knight Monsters in the bottom six. In 2019, he was drafted by the Vegas Golden Knights in the fourth round. Prior to playing at the NCAA level, the Duluth, Minnesota, native had one assists in 13 games in the USHL with the Dubuque Fighting Saints.