A Fresh Start in Kalamazoo
Noah Ellis, a 24‑year‑old defenseman, has inked a contract with the Kalamazoo Wings for the upcoming 2026‑27 ECHL season, marking the first professional step in a career that has been built on four years of collegiate play.
Ellis spent his college tenure across three institutions — University of Massachusetts, University of Nebraska‑Omaha, and Sacred Heart University — where he steadily accrued experience and refined his defensive skills. Last season he posted a career‑high 9 goals, 10 assists and 19 points, a statistical leap that caught the attention of ECHL scouts.
Before arriving on campus, the young blue‑liner honed his craft in the United States Hockey League, suiting up for Des Moines and Muskegon over parts of four seasons. In 155 games he recorded 61 points, a testament to his durability and offensive instincts despite a defensive position.
The 2020 NHL Entry Draft saw Ellis selected in the sixth round, 184th overall, by the Vegas Golden Knights. Though the NHL draft remains a distant milestone, the defenseman’s trajectory now points toward a regular spot in Kalamazoo’s lineup, where he hopes to translate his collegiate success into professional minutes.
Coaches and teammates alike have expressed optimism about Ellis’s potential impact. “He brings a blend of size, poise and work ethic that fits our system,” a Wings assistant coach remarked. As the new season approaches, all eyes will be on the rookie to see whether his draft pedigree and college production can translate into ECHL success.