GLENS FALLS — The Adirondack Thunder, proud ECHL affiliate of the New Jersey Devils and Utica Comets, has announced that they have signed goaltender Alex Sakellaropoulos and Ryan Smith to standard player contracts for the 2021-22 season.
Sakellaropoulos, 27, played 33 games for the Thunder during the 2018-19 season, going 19-6-5 while carrying a .915 save percentage and a 2.51 goals-against average. The netminder also earned three call-ups to the AHL with Binghamton, Utica, and Springfield. During the 2019-20 season, the Tinley Park, IL native made stops in Rapid City, Norfolk, and Orlando, appearing in a total of 38 games.
After signing to play with Adirondack for the 2020-21 season, Sakellaropoulos played six games for the Wichita Thunder, going 2-3-1 with a 2.60 GAA and a .934 SV%.
Sakellaropoulos played four seasons at Union College in Schenectady from 2013 until 2017 and was a member of the 2014 National Championship team. Sakellaropoulos backstopped 82 games for the Flying Dutchmen (40-22-13, 2.54 GAA, .914 SV%).
Smith, 24, was originally signed to play with Adirondack for 2020-21 following his senior season at the University of Maine where he notched 35 points (18 goals, 17 assists) in 135 games over his four-year career. The Roanoke, VA native served as an alternate captain for his final year.
Following the Thunder opting out last season, Smith joined the Macon Mayhem of the Southern Professional Hockey League. In 42 games, Smith recorded 26 points (9 goals, 17 assists) and earned himself a three-game call-up to the ECHL’s Tulsa Oilers.
Prior to college, Smith skated in two seasons for the Green Bay Gamblers in the United States Hockey League, putting up 38 points (17 goals, 21 assists) in 117 games at the junior level and appeared in four playoff games.
Smith spent two seasons in Lake Placid playing for the Northwood School at the United States High School, Preparatory level. He also participated in the 2015 CCM All-American Prospects Game and was a member of the 2016 USA U-18 Ivan Hlinka Select Team.
Opening night tickets are on sale now. Visit www.seatgeek.com/adirondack-thunder-tickets or visit the SeatGeek Box Office at Cool Insuring Arena. For all the latest Adirondack Thunder news, follow the team on all social media @ECHLThunder.
