The Worcester Railers Hockey Club, the ECHL affiliate of the St. Louis Blues, revealed this week that it has secured contracts for Cole Donhauser and JC Campagna ahead of the 2026‑27 season, signaling a strategic push to deepen its roster.
Roster Enhancements for 2026‑27
Adding a player who has already demonstrated shorthanded scoring prowess and a veteran with a decade of ECHL experience aligns with the club’s aim to balance youthful dynamism and seasoned reliability.
Cole Donhauser, 26, enters his third professional season with the Railers after a standout 2025‑26 campaign in which he posted 27 points in 68 games, tying for third in team games played and leading all rookie scorers in shorthanded points with five. His previous stints with the Idaho Steelheads, Greenville Swamp Rabbits and Coventry Blaze have equipped him with a versatile skill set, and his rookie year in 2024‑25 saw him appear in 71 games and contribute 29 points.
JC Campagna, 33, will begin his tenth professional season with Worcester, bringing a wealth of experience that includes 214 ECHL appearances and 147 career points. Having spent time in Europe with HC Presov, EHC Freiburg and HC 19 Humenné, he also logged three games with the Utah Grizzlies during the 2025‑26 training camp, underscoring his adaptability across leagues.
The additions come as the Railers prepare to navigate a competitive ECHL landscape while remaining affiliated with the St. Louis Blues, a partnership that has historically provided a pipeline to the NHL. With a blend of youthful energy and veteran poise, the club hopes to contend for a playoff spot in the upcoming season.