The Florida Panthers have secured a three‑year extension of their ECHL affiliation with the Savannah Ghost Pirates, guaranteeing that the club will remain a key developmental hub for the organization through the 2028‑29 season.
Alongside the Ghost Pirates, the Panthers will continue to be linked with the Charlotte Checkers of the American Hockey League, creating a clear pipeline that moves prospects from the ECHL to the AHL and ultimately to the NHL.
Executive perspectives
Paul Krepelka, Panthers Senior Vice President of Hockey Operations, said the partnership has proven valuable for player growth and expressed confidence that the extended term will deepen that impact.
John Thompson, Executive Vice President of Zawyer Sports Savannah, echoed the sentiment, highlighting the mutual excitement about continuing to provide competitive opportunities for emerging talent.
A growing franchise
Based at the Enmarket Arena in Savannah, Georgia, the Ghost Pirates entered the ECHL in 2024‑25 and quickly established themselves as a competitive presence, earning a playoff berth in their sophomore season.
The team's origins trace back to a 2021 expansion approval, and their rapid ascent reflects the league's ambition to broaden its geographic footprint.
The ECHL's role in the hockey ecosystem
As the premier developmental league feeding both the AHL and the NHL, the ECHL boasts a rich history dating back to 1988‑89. From its modest beginnings with five clubs across three states, it now spans 30 teams in 22 states and provinces, with more than 780 alumni having reached the NHL.
Notable alumni include Panthers forwards Carter Verhaeghe and Donovan Sebrango, who have each leveraged their ECHL experience into regular NHL minutes.
Looking ahead
The 2026‑27 Ghost Pirates are slated to open their fifth season on October 16, 2026, hosting the Norfolk Admirals at Enmarket Arena, a milestone that underscores the franchise's stability and growing fan base.