Zac Electrifly

I’ve been working on this blog post for quite a while, and I wish I could have finished it sooner, but that’s just how things go sometimes. Tahoe Knight Monsters hockey is back this month, which makes it the perfect time to look back on their 2024-25 season. In this post, I’ll be reviewing how their inaugural season went and reflecting on some of the key moments that defined it. I won’t be diving into the current roster just yet, that will come in a future post where I’ll talk about where some of the players ended up.

The story of the Tahoe Knight Monsters begins with an arena. Construction on what would become their home started back in 2020, and after years of anticipation, the venue officially opened in 2023. The 4,200-seat arena, known as the Tahoe Blue Event Center, was named through a partnership with Tahoe Blue Vodka. Located in Stateline, Nevada, the building captures the essence of the region with its Tahoe-style lodge design, making it one of the most visually stunning arenas in the country. In 2023, it was announced that professional hockey was returning to the Reno/Tahoe area for the first time since the Reno Rage folded after the 1997-98 season. Lake Tahoe would become home to the 29th team in the ECHL, originally set to be the 30th until the Newfoundland Growlers folded late in the 2023-24 season. The team’s inaugural season was scheduled for 2024-25, making them the third professional hockey team in Nevada, as well as the westernmost team in the ECHL and the first ECHL team to play in the Pacific Time Zone since 2015. Later that year, the franchise revealed its name and identity, the Tahoe Knight Monsters. The name is a blend of local pride and fan influence. “Tahoe” represents the region itself, “Knight” connects both to fan input and their soon-to-be-announced NHL affiliation, and “Monsters” is a nod to Tahoe Tessie, the legendary creature said to live in the lake. Fans had pushed for names involving “Knights” or “Tessie,” and the final choice combined both ideas. The team’s color palette reflects the beauty and mystery of Lake Tahoe: Tessie Teal, Tahoe Turquoise, 1644’ Deep Black (a reference to the lake’s depth), Vegas Gold, and White. Their primary logo features Tahoe Tessie alongside mountain and lake elements, while their alternate logos add variety and personality to the brand. In 2024, the Knight Monsters unveiled their mascot, affiliation, and jerseys in one major event. Their mascot, a lake creature named Tahoe Tessie, ties directly to the team’s identity and logo. The organization also announced an official affiliation with the Vegas Golden Knights (NHL) and the Henderson Silver Knights (AHL). This partnership made perfect sense, connecting all three of Nevada’s professional hockey teams under one system and continuing the Golden Knights’ efforts to grow the sport across the state. The Tahoe Knight Monsters debuted three jerseys, white, gold, and black. Following ECHL tradition, teams wear white at home during the first half of the season and dark colors during the second half. Among fans, the black jersey quickly emerged as the favorite. From arena construction to team identity, the rise of the Tahoe Knight Monsters represents more than just the return of pro hockey to the Reno/Tahoe area. It marks the start of a new era for Nevada hockey as a whole.

The Tahoe Knight Monsters made history by naming Alex Loh as their first-ever head coach. Loh’s story is a unique one, unlike many professional coaches, he never played pro hockey himself. Instead, he built his reputation through coaching experience and leadership behind the bench. Before joining Tahoe, Loh served as the head coach of the Savannah Ghost Pirates, the former ECHL affiliate of the Vegas Golden Knights. His résumé also includes time at Colby College and with the Adirondack Thunder in the ECHL, giving him a well-rounded background in player development and team building. The team’s first official signing was Anthony Collins, marking a historic moment for the new franchise. Shortly after, Luke Adam was named the first captain in Tahoe Knight Monsters history, with Anthony Collins and Logan Nelson serving as alternate captains. This leadership group brought plenty of experience to the table, providing a strong foundation for a brand-new team finding its identity in its inaugural season.

The Tahoe Knight Monsters entered their inaugural 2024-25 season without playing any preseason games. That decision seemed to have a noticeable impact early in the year, as the team had limited time to build chemistry and get comfortable playing together. With only a handful of practices before their first official game, it’s not surprising that the lack of preseason preparation showed in their early performances. The choice not to schedule any preseason games likely came down to the challenges of being a first-year franchise. Building an organization from the ground up comes with logistical hurdles, and the timing may have made preseason scheduling difficult. Another factor could have been player availability, as many Tahoe Knight Monsters players were participating in training camps with the Henderson Silver Knights and Vegas Golden Knights right up until the start of the ECHL season. Hopefully, in future seasons, the Knight Monsters will schedule preseason games to give the team a better chance to find its rhythm before opening night. It would also be exciting to see the Vegas Golden Knights play a preseason game or two in Lake Tahoe, especially considering they played an outdoor game there in 2021. Personally, I think a Reno/Tahoe ECHL preseason tournament would be an incredible idea. Games could be held at the Tahoe Blue Event Center, Tahoe Ice Arena, Reno Ice, and even the upcoming GSR arena. Bringing in several ECHL teams for a spring training style preseason would create a great atmosphere for players and fans alike. Based on what I’ve seen from traveling fans so far, Reno and Lake Tahoe already rank among the most desirable destinations for ECHL fans, and a tournament like that would only build on the excitement surrounding the sport in Northern Nevada.

The Tahoe Knight Monsters played a 72-game schedule during their inaugural 2024-25 ECHL season, split evenly with thirty-six home games and thirty-six on the road. Heading into the season, there were a few key scheduling changes, most notably, the Allen Americans had to move some of their home games to allow Tahoe to host its first-ever games at the Tahoe Blue Event Center, giving fans the chance to see their new team debut on home ice. The Knight Monsters competed in the Mountain Division, one of the most competitive divisions in the ECHL. Their divisional opponents included the Allen Americans (Utah Hockey Club affiliate), Idaho Steelheads (Dallas Stars affiliate), Kansas City Mavericks (Seattle Kraken affiliate), Rapid City Rush (Calgary Flames affiliate), Tulsa Oilers (Anaheim Ducks affiliate), Utah Grizzlies (Colorado Avalanche affiliate), and Wichita Thunder (San Jose Sharks affiliate). Outside of the division, Tahoe faced a mix of non-divisional and non-conference opponents. Their non-divisional matchups included games against the Iowa Heartlanders (Minnesota Wild affiliate) and the Fort Wayne Komets (Edmonton Oilers affiliate). On the non-conference side, they squared off with the Jacksonville Icemen (Buffalo Sabres affiliate), Maine Mariners (Boston Bruins affiliate), Adirondack Thunder (New Jersey Devils affiliate), and the Florida Everblades (St. Louis Blues affiliate). There were a handful of ECHL teams the Knight Monsters did not play during their first season, including the Norfolk Admirals, Reading Royals, Trois-Rivières Lions, Wheeling Nailers, Worcester Railers, Atlanta Gladiators, Greenville Swamp Rabbits, Orlando Solar Bears, Savannah Ghost Pirates, South Carolina Stingrays, Bloomington Bison, Cincinnati Cyclones, Indy Fuel, Kalamazoo Wings, and Toledo Walleye. The regular season ran from October 2024 through April 2025, and there was no ECHL All-Star Game for the 2024-25 season. Despite that, Tahoe kept things exciting on home ice with a packed promotional schedule. Their themed nights included Opening Knight, Nevada Day, Monster Mash, Wizard Knight, DC Comics, Country Knight, Faith and Family, Cancer Awareness, Teddy Bear Toss, Winter Wonderland, Margaritaville, Military Appreciation, Affiliation Knights, Folklore Knight, Retro Weekend, Star Wars, Bluey, Pucks and Paws, Marvel, First Responders Weekend, Literal Knight, and Fan Appreciation. From fan-favorite theme nights to a packed divisional slate, the Tahoe Knight Monsters’ first ECHL season offered plenty of variety and excitement as they established themselves as the newest team in the league.

October marked the beginning of a new era for hockey in Lake Tahoe, as the Tahoe Knight Monsters played their first game in franchise history. Their debut came against the Jacksonville Icemen, and while the team put up a strong fight, they ultimately fell 4-3 in overtime. Despite the loss, the night was historic, #49 Artur Cholach etched his name into the record books by scoring the first goal in Tahoe Knight Monsters history. The team didn’t have to wait long for their first win. The very next night, the Knight Monsters bounced back with a 3-1 victory over the Icemen, earning their first franchise win in just their second game. The momentum continued to build as Tahoe wrapped up the month with another 3-1 win over the Idaho Steelheads at home on Halloween, giving fans plenty to cheer about in their early games. October also saw Jett Jones earn a call-up to the Henderson Silver Knights, marking one of the first player movements in the organization’s young history. By the end of the month, Tahoe held a 2-0-1 record, placing them fifth in the Mountain Division standings. They scored nine goals and allowed six, finishing the month with a plus three goal differential. While October had its share of growing pains, particularly with team communication still coming together, it was an encouraging start for a brand-new franchise finding its identity. The foundation was set, and the Knight Monsters were officially on the map.

The Tahoe Knight Monsters kicked off November by continuing a three-game home stand against the Idaho Steelheads, growing rivalry from the previous month. The first game didn’t go as planned, the Knight Monsters suffered a 6-1 loss, marking their first regulation defeat in franchise history and tying for their biggest loss of the season. However, the team quickly regrouped, responding with a strong 4-2 victory the following night to close out the series with a 2-1 edge. Ending the home stand on a positive note showed that this new team could rebound quickly from adversity. Following the series, Tahoe made a few roster adjustments. The team signed goaltender Dylan Myskiw, while Jesper Vikman was recalled to the Henderson Silver Knights. Shortly after, the Knight Monsters embarked on their first-ever road trip, traveling to West Valley City, Utah, to face the Utah Grizzlies. The trip started with a 6-4 loss, but Tahoe responded once again with a commanding 6-2 win in the second game. Around that time, defenseman Daniil Chayka and goaltender Jordan Papirny were assigned to Tahoe from Henderson, providing an extra boost of skill and experience. The Knight Monsters then returned home for a three-game series against the Tulsa Oilers. The opening game was a milestone moment, Tahoe earned its first-ever shutout with a 4-0 victory. The next two games were tougher, with the Knight Monsters dropping a 4-1 loss and a 4-3 overtime defeat, but the series still showed plenty of progress and grit from the young team. Next up was one of the biggest tests of the season, a three-game showdown with the Kansas City Mavericks, one of the ECHL’s top teams. The Knight Monsters rose to the occasion, winning the first game 4-1 and taking the second in dramatic fashion with a 6-5 overtime victory. Although they narrowly lost 2-1 in the third game, the series win proved that Tahoe could hang with the best in the league. The month wrapped up with a challenging three-game road trip to Idaho. The Knight Monsters came out firing with a 7-3 blowout win in the opener but dropped the next two by scores of 6-2 and 5-2. By the end of November, Tahoe had posted a 6-6-1 record for the month, bringing their overall season record to 8-6-1. They sat fifth in the Mountain Division, just three points out of a playoff spot and seven points behind first place. In November, the Knight Monsters scored forty-five goals and allowed forty-six, giving them a minus one goal differential for the month and a plus two differential overall. While the numbers painted a picture of a team still finding its rhythm, Tahoe showed steady improvement and flashes of real potential. By the end of November, they were hovering around the middle of the standings, but the pieces were starting to fall into place, and fans could sense that something bigger was beginning to build.

The Tahoe Knight Monsters opened December with a road trip to Allen, Texas, for back-to-back matchups against the Allen Americans. Both games were tightly contested, but the Knight Monsters came out on top in each, winning 4-3 in overtime in the opener and 4-3 again the next night. The sweep gave Tahoe a full four points and early momentum heading into the heart of their schedule. From there, the Knight Monsters traveled to Tulsa, Oklahoma, to face the Tulsa Oilers, where they put on an offensive showcase. Tahoe dominated the first game with a 7-2 blowout win, marking the first three-game winning streak in franchise history and officially kicking off their first-ever winning streak. They followed it up with another impressive 5-3 victory, extending the streak to four straight wins. The Oilers simply couldn’t keep pace that weekend. Shortly after, Tahoe made a roster move, trading forward C.J. Hayes to the Toledo Walleye for future considerations. The Knight Monsters then returned home for a three-game series against the Utah Grizzlies, which would be the start of a rare six-game stretch between the two teams. Tahoe dominated on home ice, winning the opener 8-2, extending their streak to five wins, then taking the next game 5-2, and finishing the series with a 7-3 blowout. By that point, the Knight Monsters had won seven straight games, a stunning turnaround from their rocky start earlier in the season. During that stretch, Tahoe made another trade, sending defenseman Elijah Vilio and forward Chris Dodero to the Cincinnati Cyclones in exchange for defenseman Matt Murphy. The back half of the six-game set shifted to Utah, where Tahoe continued its strong play with a 7-6 overtime victory, pushing the streak to eight wins, the longest in franchise history. Shortly after, forwards Simon Pinard and Jett Jones were called up to the Henderson Silver Knights, leaving Tahoe short a few key players. The Grizzlies finally broke through, winning the next game 6-3 and ending Tahoe’s streak at eight. Utah also took the final matchup 6-4, but Pinard and Jones returned to Tahoe after their short AHL stint. After back-to-back losses in Utah, the Knight Monsters returned home after the Christmas break for another three-game series against the Tulsa Oilers. They dropped the opener 4-3 in overtime, marking the first three-game losing streak in franchise history. However, Tahoe quickly got back on track, winning the next two games 5-3 and 4-3 in overtime to close out 2024 with a statement. December turned out to be the Knight Monsters best month yet. They posted a 10-2-1 record, bringing their season total to 18-8-3. Tahoe climbed to second place in the Mountain Division, sitting four points inside a playoff spot and just three points back of first place. The team scored an impressive sixty-six goals while allowing forty-six, matching their goals against from November but with far more offensive firepower. Their plus twenty goal differential for the month boosted their season total to plus twenty-two, with one-hundred-twenty goals scored and ninty-eight allowed overall. December was the month the Tahoe Knight Monsters truly found their stride. The six-game stretch against Utah helped propel them up the standings, and every night started to feel like another win waiting to happen. Even with roster changes and player call-ups impacting their lineup, the team proved their depth and resilience. By the end of 2024, the Knight Monsters weren’t just finding their identity, they were becoming true contenders in the Mountain Division.

January was a month of change and challenge for the Tahoe Knight Monsters, both on and off the ice. The new year started with a series of roster moves. Jett Jones was recalled to the Henderson Silver Knights, while Tahoe added some fresh faces, signing forward Isaac Johnson and defender Dominic Vidoli. The team also traded forward Blake Christensen to the Kalamazoo Wings for future considerations. Losing Christensen was tough. He had been one of the most consistent players up to that point and was the only Knight Monster who had previously played for my original hometown team, the Bakersfield Condors. The Knight Monsters opened 2025 with a long road trip, beginning in Maine to take on the Mariners, the furthest east team in the ECHL. It was a battle of extremes, pitting the league’s westernmost and easternmost teams against each other. Tahoe took the first game 3-2 in overtime, marking their third straight win and another brief winning streak. The momentum was short-lived, though, as the Knight Monsters were shut out 3-0 in the second game, their second shutout loss of the season. Tahoe bounced back with a 5-2 victory to close the series. Around that same time, forward Sloan Stanick was named ECHL Rookie of the Month for December, the first league recognition in franchise history and a big milestone for the team. Meanwhile, defender Brandon Tabakin was traded to the Wheeling Nailers, and the road trip continued with three games in South Dakota against the Rapid City Rush. The Knight Monsters came out hot, winning the first two games 3-1 and 6-4 before dropping the third 3-2. Then it was off to Iowa, where Tahoe suffered a rough 7-3 loss to the Heartlanders before recovering with a 1-0 shootout win and a 3-2 victory to close out the series. After the Iowa trip, the league paused for the All-Star break, though there was no All-Star Game for the 2024-25 season, three Knight Monsters were named to the ECHL All-Star Team, another notable moment in the team’s debut campaign. As January wound down, forward Jakub Demek was recalled to Henderson, and the Knight Monsters finally returned home after a grueling nine-game road trip, the longest of the season. Unfortunately, their homecoming didn’t go as planned. Tahoe dropped the first game to the Fort Wayne Komets 5-2 but bounced back with a 2-0 shutout win before getting blown out 6-1 in the third and final game of the homestand. Back on the road again, Tahoe added defender Stanislav Demin to the roster while Jett Jones was recalled to Henderson once more. Their next stop was Kansas City, where they fell 2-1 and 5-2 to the Mavericks, closing out the month on a losing streak. The Knight Monsters finished January with a 7-7-0 record, bringing their season total to 25-15-3. They held onto second place in the division, five points clear of a playoff spot and just three points shy of first. In January, the Knight Monsters scored thity-four goals and allowed forty-two, finishing with a minus-eight goal differential for the month, their first negative mark of the season. Overall, Tahoe had scored one-hundred-fifty-four goals and allowed one-hundred-forty through January, maintaining a season-long goal differential of plus fourteen. January marked the beginning of a midseason slide for Tahoe. The loss of Blake Christensen, combined with constant travel and a heavily road-weighted schedule, took a toll on the team’s rhythm. Eleven of their fourteen games that month were away from home, a side effect of harsh Lake Tahoe winters that limit home dates early in the year. With another road-heavy month ahead, the Knight Monsters were entering the toughest stretch of their inaugural season.

February was another eventful month for the Tahoe Knight Monsters, filled with roster moves, streaks, and signs of both progress and struggle. The month began in Kansas City, where Tahoe wrapped up a three-game series against the Mavericks with a tough 4-3 overtime loss. Shortly after, the team made another move on the trade front, acquiring defender Jake Stevens from the Maine Mariners in a three-team deal that also involved the Adirondack Thunder and James Marooney. Around the same time, defender Artur Cholach was recalled to the Henderson Silver Knights, continuing the steady rotation of players between Tahoe and its AHL affiliate. Returning home to Lake Tahoe, the Knight Monsters hosted the Adirondack Thunder for a three-game series, a matchup with an extra layer of nostalgia. The Thunder franchise had once been known as the Stockton Thunder, and with Stockton recently losing its AHL team, the Stockton Heat, several Northern California hockey fans made the trip up to Tahoe for the series. The Knight Monsters put on a show for them, winning all three games, 3-1, 5-2, and 4-3 in overtime. It marked Tahoe’s third straight win and kicked off another solid midseason winning streak. During the series, the Knight Monsters made headlines by signing forward Tyler Dill, the first player from South Lake Tahoe to ever suit up for the franchise. His addition was short-lived, however, as Dill was released not long after. Goaltender Jordan Papirny was also recalled to Henderson, while Tahoe added defenders Jordan Henderson and Cade Alami to reinforce the blue line. They also traded defender Matt Murphy to the Fort Wayne Komets, continuing their pattern of roster adjustments throughout the season. Next up was a trip to Wichita for three games against the other Thunder, the Wichita Thunder. Tahoe took the first game 4-3, extending their winning streak to four, but Wichita roared back with back-to-back victories, 9-7 and 6-3, to hand the Knight Monsters their first series loss of the month. From there, Tahoe headed to Florida to take on the reigning three-time Kelly Cup champion Florida Everblades. It was a tough challenge for any team, and the Knight Monsters dropped the first two games 4-2 and 4-1, extending their losing streak to four. However, in the final game of the trip, Tahoe stunned the Everblades with a commanding 6-2 victory, a much-needed morale boost after a tough stretch. Back home to close out the month, Tahoe hosted the Allen Americans and earned a 3-2 overtime win, giving them back-to-back victories to finish February on a high note. The Knight Monsters ended the month with a 6-4-1 record, bringing their season total to 31-19-4. They slipped to third place in the division but remained comfortably within a playoff spot, five points clear of the cutoff and nine points behind the division leader. Tahoe scored and allowed exactly forty goals in February, breaking even with a goal differential of zero for the month, a sign of inconsistency but also resilience. Through February, the Knight Monsters’ totals climbed to one-hundred-ninty-four goals scored and one-hundred-eighty allowed on the season, maintaining an overall plus fourteen goal differential. While there were positives, including another winning record and strong performances at home. The team still seemed to be in a bit of a slump compared to their December dominance. The top of the division was starting to drift out of reach, but with playoff positioning intact and the toughest stretch of the season ahead, Tahoe remained in a strong position heading into the home stretch.

March turned out to be a strong rebound month for the Tahoe Knight Monsters, one that showed their resilience after a midseason slump and put them back on track for playoff contention. The month began at home as Tahoe continued its series against the Allen Americans. The Knight Monsters edged out a 2-1 victory in the second game of the homestand, giving them their third straight win and sparking another short-lived winning streak. The momentum didn’t last long, however, as they dropped the series finale 4-1 to Allen. Next up, Tahoe hosted the Rapid City Rush for a three-game set. The Knight Monsters opened the series with a 5-4 win and received a boost when defender Artur Cholach was reassigned to Tahoe from the Henderson Silver Knights. The second game was one of their most dominant of the season, a 7-1 blowout that exposed just how much the Rush were struggling at that point in the year. In the finale, Rapid City came out with renewed intensity and handed Tahoe a 5-4 overtime loss to avoid the sweep. Interestingly, that tough-fought performance from Rapid City seemed to spark changes for their club, as the Rush made several roster moves the following week. After wrapping up their homestand, the Knight Monsters hit the road once again, this time to Boise for a two-game series against the Idaho Steelheads. Tahoe took both games, winning 2-1 and 4-0, continuing their hot streak. They then traveled to Tulsa to face the Oilers, where they earned another pair of wins, 5-2 and 2-1, extending their streak to four games. When they returned home to face Idaho once again, Tahoe kept the momentum going, taking the first two games 5-1 and 3-2 to stretch the streak to six straight victories. Idaho finally halted the run with a 5-0 shutout win, snapping Tahoe’s streak. Shortly after, Joe Fleming was assigned to the Knight Monsters from Henderson, giving Tahoe some added depth on defense. However, the team couldn’t quite bounce back immediately, dropping the final game of March 5–2 to Idaho. Still, the Knight Monsters 9-3-1 record marked their best month since December, pushing their season total to 40-22-5. They climbed back up to second place in the division, sitting eight points clear of the playoff cutoff and ten points behind the top seed. Tahoe scored forty-two goals and allowed just thirty-two, their lowest goals-against total since October, for a strong plus ten goal differential in March. By the end of the month, Tahoe had improved their season totals to two-hundred-thirty-six goals for and two-hundred-twelve against, a plus twenty-four goal differential overall. March and April are traditionally the toughest stretch of the ECHL season, a time when playoff races tighten and AHL affiliates start sending down players to bolster their ECHL rosters. Many AHL teams that miss the playoffs send players down early so they can meet ECHL eligibility requirements for the Kelly Cup Playoffs. This influx of talent can dramatically shift the competitive balance, with ECHL playoff-bound teams often benefiting the most. For the Knight Monsters, this dynamic created both opportunity and frustration. While many ECHL teams received reinforcements, the Henderson Silver Knights (Tahoe’s AHL affiliate) had not been sending down players, even as their own playoff hopes dimmed. The lack of player movement limited Tahoe’s potential roster boost heading into the postseason push. Still, the Knight Monsters managed to turn things around in March, showing renewed energy and discipline after a difficult stretch. As the regular season neared its end, Tahoe had clawed their way out of the slump that plagued them earlier in the year and looked poised to make some noise in the playoffs, even without much help from above.

In March, the Tahoe Knight Monsters community was hit with heartbreaking news, the passing of Alex Schumacher, one of the team’s account executives. His loss was felt deeply across the entire organization, from fans to staff to players. Alex wasn’t just part of the front office, he was a genuine, caring person who connected with everyone he met. I had the privilege of knowing him personally as he was my season ticket representative. His kindness and dedication always stood out. His passing left a real void, and I miss him dearly. The outpouring of support following his death was a reflection of the kind of person Alex was. His GoFundMe campaign reached over $16,600, showing how many lives he touched both within and beyond the hockey community. The Tahoe Knight Monsters honored him with a moment of silence held across multiple games and added helmet stickers bearing his initials, “A.S.,” for the remainder of the season. It was a simple but powerful gesture that reminded everyone in attendance of the impact one person can have, not just in hockey, but in life.

April marked the final month of regular season action for the Tahoe Knight Monsters in their inaugural 2024-25 ECHL campaign. The month began with a tough back-to-back series in Utah against the Grizzlies. The Knight Monsters dropped the first game 3-4, marking their third straight loss and extending their skid. However, they responded in a big way the following night with a dominant 7-0 victory, snapping the losing streak and showing flashes of the form that carried them through much of the season. After the Utah trip, the team returned home for a three-game series against the Wichita Thunder to close out the regular season. Before the puck even dropped on that series, the Knight Monsters officially clinched a spot in the Kelly Cup Playoffs, thanks to the Kansas City Mavericks defeating the Idaho Steelheads. It was a huge milestone for the first-year franchise, but the Knight Monsters still had work to do to build momentum heading into the postseason. The team lost the first game against Wichita 5-6 in a shootout, marking four losses in their last five outings. Around the same time, forward Sloan Stanick earned recognition across the league by being named to both the ECHL All-Rookie Team and the ECHL Second All-Star Team, a bright spot in an otherwise rocky stretch. Unfortunately, the struggles continued as the Knight Monsters fell 2-3 in the next game and then 1-3 in the regular season finale. They closed out April with a 1-3-1 record, finishing the regular season at 41-25-6 overall. Tahoe ended the season third in the division standings, just four points above the playoff cutoff and fifteen points behind the top spot. In April, they scored eighteen goals while allowing sixteen, giving them a modest plus two goal differential for the month. Across the entire season, the Knight Monsters netted two-hundred-fifty-five goals and allowed two-hundred-twenty-eight, finishing with a solid plus twenty-seven goal differential. While clinching a playoff berth was a major accomplishment for a first-year franchise, the Knight Monsters late-season slump raised some concerns. After showing improvement in March, their momentum dipped in April, and they struggled to find consistency heading into the postseason. There was even a point where it looked like they might slip out of a playoff spot altogether, but thanks to Kansas City’s win over Idaho, the Knight Monsters held on. It wasn’t the finish fans hoped for, but the team’s overall success and playoff qualification still marked an impressive debut season.

The Tahoe Knight Monsters opened their first-ever Kelly Cup Playoffs run with a divisional semifinal matchup against the Wichita Thunder. As the No. 3 seed in the Western Conference, the Knight Monsters were set to face the No. 2 seeded Thunder in a best-of-seven series. The winner would move on to play either the Kansas City Mavericks or the Tulsa Oilers in the division finals. The first two games were scheduled in Wichita, followed by three games in Lake Tahoe, with the final two (if necessary) back in Wichita. Interestingly, the two teams had just faced each other to close out the regular season, meaning this series could have led to ten straight meetings between the same opponents. The Knight Monsters made an immediate statement in game one, cruising to a dominant 6-1 victory. It was a historic night, not only was it the team’s first playoff win in franchise history, but it also snapped the losing streak that had closed out their regular season. Tahoe carried that momentum into game two, exploding for an 8-1 win and completely overwhelming the Thunder on the road. With a 2-0 series lead, the Knight Monsters returned home to Lake Tahoe needing just two more wins to advance. Game three was a battle, but the Knight Monsters came out on top again, this time in dramatic fashion, earning a 5-4 overtime victory. The win gave Tahoe a commanding 3-0 series lead and put them just one victory away from advancing to the division finals, and completing a sweep in their first-ever playoff series. They didn’t waste the opportunity. In game four, the Knight Monsters edged Wichita 3-2, sealing the sweep and moving on in dominant fashion. It was a historic moment for the franchise, their first playoff series win, their first playoff sweep, and a statement that the Knight Monsters were a legitimate contender. They finished the series 4-0, outscoring the Thunder twenty-two to eight with an impressive plus fourteen goal differential. It was an incredible turnaround after a shaky finish to the regular season and marked a return to the elite form they had shown earlier in the year. The Knight Monsters’ performance reignited hope and excitement among fans, showing that this young franchise had the talent and resilience to rise to the occasion. But as the team celebrated its first playoff success, the focus quickly shifted forward. The next round would be tougher, and the road to the Kelly Cup was only getting started.

In the second round of the 2025 Kelly Cup Playoffs, the Tahoe Knight Monsters faced their toughest challenge yet, a best-of-seven division finals matchup against the top-seeded Kansas City Mavericks. As the No. 3 seed, Tahoe entered the series as the underdog, looking to build on the momentum from their historic first-round sweep over Wichita. The winner of this series would advance to the Western Conference Finals to face either the Toledo Walleye or the Fort Wayne Komets. The first two games were set in Kansas City, followed by three in Tahoe, with the final two (if needed) returning to Kansas City. Game one didn’t go the Knight Monsters way, as they fell 3-5 in their first-ever playoff loss. The defeat also brought an end to their four-game postseason winning streak. In game two, the Mavericks continued to roll, shutting out the Knight Monsters 3-0, marking the first time in franchise history Tahoe was held scoreless in a playoff game. Down 0-2 in the series, the Knight Monsters returned home needing four wins in the final five games to keep their season alive. Unfortunately, the struggles continued. Tahoe dropped game three by a score of 1-3, marking their third straight loss and the first playoff losing streak in franchise history. With their backs against the wall, the Knight Monsters needed a reverse sweep to advance, but Kansas City shut the door completely. In game four, the Mavericks dominated with a 6-0 win, sweeping the series and eliminating the Knight Monsters from the playoffs. It was a tough ending to what had been an incredible debut season. The Knight Monsters finished the second round with a record of 0-4, scoring just four goals while allowing seventeen, giving them a minus thirteen goal differential. Overall, they wrapped up their first playoff run with a 4-4 record, outscoring opponents twenty-six to twenty-five across eight games for a plus one differential. While the second-round sweep was a disappointing finish, it didn’t overshadow the team’s impressive inaugural campaign. From earning their first playoff berth to sweeping their first-round opponent and reaching the division finals in their first year, the Tahoe Knight Monsters gave fans plenty to be proud of. Their playoff run ended sooner than hoped, but the foundation was clear, this young franchise had already proven it belonged among the ECHL’s contenders.

The Tahoe Knight Monsters’ inaugural season was a rollercoaster from start to finish, one that began with growing pains, built into something special, and ended with pride despite heartbreak. The season started off rocky and slow as the team tried to find its identity. But once things began to click, the Knight Monsters found their rhythm and became a tough team to play against through the middle stretch of the season. They exceeded expectations in several areas, especially for an expansion franchise still building chemistry. However, as the season wore on, maintaining that level of success became more difficult. By the final weeks of the regular season, the Knight Monsters were battling to hold onto a playoff spot. Having the ECHL Rookie of the Year on the roster certainly helped them stay competitive, even as the lineup changed due to call-ups and roster moves. At the start of the season, I expected Tahoe to be a “bubble team”. One that would need to fight hard for the final playoff position. That prediction ended up being pretty accurate. Some weaker teams in the division also helped the Knight Monsters chances, and honestly, I’m grateful for that. If not for a couple of bottom-of-the-league teams, the playoff race could have looked much different. The Knight Monsters faced the Utah Grizzlies often throughout the year and found consistent success in those matchups, which helped build their confidence and momentum. By the time the playoffs rolled around, Tahoe looked like a team that couldn’t be stopped. Their first-round sweep of the Wichita Thunder was absolutely electric, the kind of series that fans dream about. Watching the team win all four games, including two at home, was surreal. It was the first time I had ever seen my team sweep a playoff series in person, and the atmosphere in Tahoe was unforgettable. Then, just as quickly as the magic rose, it faded. The Knight Monsters ran into the powerhouse Kansas City Mavericks in the second round and couldn’t keep up. The series was tough to watch, especially after such an incredible start to the postseason. Despite the disappointment, it was impossible not to feel proud. No one expected the Knight Monsters to even make the playoffs in their first season, let alone win a series and reach the division finals. They defied all early expectations and proved that hockey in Lake Tahoe belongs. Beyond the games themselves, what made this season so memorable was the sense of community that formed around the team. Fans came from all over. Lake Tahoe locals, Reno and Carson City residents, folks from Northern California, Southern Nevada, and across the West Coast, to support the Knight Monsters. Every home game felt like a celebration, with drums, banners, cloaks, chainmail, and even a few fish flying through the stands. Traditions started to take shape, and a true hockey culture began to grow in the Tahoe region. Even the weather seemed to play along. The snow and crisp mountain air added to the charm of game days, while the roads stayed mostly clear for fans making the drive. On sunny days or snowy nights, it always felt special to be at a game in Tahoe. This season showed that Lake Tahoe isn’t just a beautiful place for outdoor adventure, it’s one of the best home (and away) destinations in all of hockey. The Knight Monsters gave fans an unforgettable first season, full of highs, lessons, and memories that built the foundation for something lasting. The future of hockey in Tahoe looks bright, and this was just the beginning.

The Tahoe Knight Monsters wrapped up their inaugural regular season with an impressive showing, playing a full seventy-two-game schedule and finishing with a record that exceeded expectations for a first-year franchise. The Knight Monsters won forty-one games (the tenth-most wins in the entire ECHL) establishing themselves as a competitive and resilient team right out of the gate. They lost twenty-five games in regulation, which ranked sixteenth in the league, and dropped four more in overtime, tying for the fifth-fewest overtime losses across the ECHL. Additionally, Tahoe lost two games in shootouts, putting them in a tie for the seventh-most shootout losses. By the end of the regular season, the Knight Monsters had earned eighty-eight points, good enough to finish third in the ECHL’s Western Conference Mountain Division, fifth in the entire Western Conference, and tenth overall in the league standings. Their ability to consistently earn points kept them solidly in playoff contention from midseason onward. Offensively, the Knight Monsters were one of the most dangerous teams in the league. They scored an impressive two-hundred-fifty-five goals during the regular season, the third-highest total in the ECHL. Within the Western Conference, that mark ranked second overall, and second again within the Mountain Division. Whether at home or on the road, the Knight Monsters had no trouble finding the back of the net, thanks to a balanced attack and key contributions from both veterans and rookies. Defensively, the team allowed two-hundred-twenty-eight goals over the course of the season, ranking twelfth in the ECHL, sixth in the Western Conference, and fourth-lowest in their division. That balance between scoring prowess and defensive steadiness gave the Knight Monsters a strong goal differential of plus twenty seven, a notable achievement for a first-year club. One of the most surprising and impressive stats from the season was the team’s discipline. The Tahoe Knight Monsters were the least-penalized team in the entire ECHL, recording only six-hundred-forty-four penalty minutes over seventy-two games. They also led both the Western Conference and the Mountain Division in fewest penalties, showing that even as a new team, they played with control, structure, and composure. All told, the Tahoe Knight Monsters first regular season was a resounding success statistically and competitively. They proved they could hang with the league’s best, playing a clean, exciting, and high-scoring brand of hockey. For an expansion franchise, finishing among the ECHL’s top ten teams in their debut year was an incredible accomplishment, and a strong foundation for the seasons ahead.

The Tahoe Knight Monsters’ first-ever playoff appearance in the 2025 Kelly Cup Playoffs was both historic and memorable. They played eight postseason games (the eighth-most of any team in the ECHL) marking a solid debut in the franchise’s playoff history. Within the ECHL Western Conference, the Knight Monsters played the fourth-most games, and among teams in the Mountain Division, they ranked second. The Knight Monsters won four of those playoff games, tying for the eighth-most wins in the league. In the Western Conference, their four victories ranked fourth, and within the Mountain Division, they earned the second-most playoff wins. For a first-year franchise, that level of success in the postseason was a major accomplishment. Of course, every playoff run has its challenges. The Knight Monsters also lost four games, tying for the seventh-most playoff losses across the ECHL and the fourth-most in the Western Conference. They were second in playoff losses within the Mountain Division. Despite those defeats, the team showed resilience, they didn’t lose a single game in overtime, making them one of just seven teams in the entire ECHL to avoid an overtime playoff loss. Offensively, Tahoe continued to produce at a high level, scoring twenty-six goals during the playoffs. That total ranked eighth in the ECHL, fourth in the Western Conference, and second in the Mountain Division. Defensively, they allowed twenty-five goals, the ninth-fewest in the league, the fourth-fewest in the Western Conference, and the second-most within their division. Overall, they finished the postseason with a goal differential of plus one, reflecting their competitive balance in both rounds. The Knight Monsters also maintained their disciplined style of play throughout the postseason. They recorded just sixty-eight penalty minutes, the sixth-lowest total in the ECHL and the fourth-lowest in the Western Conference. Within their division, they had the second-most penalty minutes, but still remained one of the cleaner teams overall. In broader perspective, the Knight Monsters were one of sixteen teams to qualify for the 2025 Kelly Cup Playoffs. One of eight representing the Western Conference and one of four from the Mountain Division. They advanced past the division semifinals with a sweep of the Wichita Thunder, becoming one of only eight teams league-wide to win a first-round series. That win also placed them among just four Western Conference teams, and two from the Mountain Division to reach the division finals. Ultimately, the Knight Monsters were one of four teams eliminated in the division finals and the only Mountain Division team to bow out in the second round. Even though their playoff run ended there, Tahoe’s postseason debut was a resounding success. For a brand-new franchise, to finish among the league’s top playoff performers in their first year was an impressive statement — one that set the stage for an even brighter future in Lake Tahoe hockey.

Nate Kallen was a model of durability for the Tahoe Knight Monsters during their inaugural 2024-25 season, leading the team by playing in all seventy-two regular season games. He was the only Knight Monster to appear in every game, highlighting his consistency and reliability on the ice. Close behind him were Anthony Collins, Luke Adam, Jake McGrew, and Sloan Stanick, each appearing in seventy regular season games. On the other end of the spectrum, Dylan Myskiw, Brett Bliss, and Tyler Dill played the fewest games during the regular season, each appearing just once, while Justin Robbins and Linder Alger played two games each. When it came to the playoffs, fifteen players were ever-present across all eight games. Kaelan Taylor, Joe Fleming, Isaac Johnson, Jesper Vikman, Jett Jones, Artur Cholach, Bear Hughes, Brennan Kapcheck, Logan Nelson, Patrick Newell, Sloan Stanick, Jake McGrew, Luke Adam, Anthony Collins, and Nate Kallen all contributed in every playoff matchup, showing remarkable consistency as the team made its first playoff run. Cal Kiefiuk played the fewest playoff games with just one appearance, Adam Pitters played two, and Linden Alger appeared in four. Simon Pinard, Adrian Bison, and Evan Junker each participated in six playoff games. Notably, Nate Kallen was the only player to play in every single game, both regular season and playoffs, cementing his role as a cornerstone of the Knight Monsters first season and a key presence throughout their historic inaugural campaign.

Simon Pinard led the Tahoe Knight Monsters in regular season scoring, finding the back of the net thirty-three times. Close behind him was Sloan Stanick with twenty-nine goals, followed by Jett Jones with twenty-two and Bear Hughes with twenty-one. Jake McGrew and Troy Loggins each scored nineteen goals, tying for the fifth-most on the team. Several players contributed sparingly to the scoring column, with Matt Murphy, Jordan Henderson, Aiden Girduckis, C.J. Hayes, Cal Kiefiuk, Adrien Bisson, Jesper Vikman, and Kaelan Taylor each recording a single goal. In total, twelve players who appeared in at least one regular season game did not register a goal, with Jesper Vikman standing out as the only goalie to score for the Knight Monsters during the regular season. In the playoffs, Jett Jones led the team with five goals, while Simon Pinard followed with four. Patrick Newell, Logan Nelson, and Bear Hughes each scored three goals, tying for third on the team in postseason scoring. Eleven Knight Monsters who played in at least one playoff game did not score, highlighting the concentrated scoring efforts from a core group of players during their inaugural playoff run.

Sloan Stanick led the Tahoe Knight Monsters in regular season assists, racking up an impressive fifty helpers. Logan Nelson followed with thirty-four assists, while Bear Hughes contributed thirty-two and Simon Pinard added thirty-one. Brennan Kapcheck rounded out the top five with twenty-nine assists. On the other end of the spectrum, Daniil Chayka, Cade Alami, and Kaelan Taylor each recorded just one assist, tying for the fewest on the team, while Evan Junker, Ryan Orgel, Jordan Henderson, Adrien Bisson, and Jakub Demek each had two. Seven players did not register an assist at all during the regular season. Notably, goaltender Jordan Papirny was the only goalie to record an assist, tallying three for the season. During the playoffs, Brennan Kapcheck led the team with eight assists, while Sloan Stanick added six. Isaac Johnson, Nate Kallen, and Logan Nelson each contributed five assists, tying for third-most on the team. Several players had limited production, with Artur Cholach, Joe Fleming, Evan Junker, Jesper Vikman, and Linden Alger each recording just one assist. Seven players did not assist a goal in the postseason, and Jesper Vikman stood out as the only goalie to register an assist during the playoffs. The assist leaders showcased the Knight Monsters playmaking core, providing the setup and support that fueled both the regular season and their inaugural playoff run.

In hockey, a player’s points total combines both goals and assists, reflecting their overall offensive contribution. For the Tahoe Knight Monsters during the 2024-25 regular season, Sloan Stanick led the team with an impressive seventy-nine points. Simon Pinard followed with sixty-four points, while Bear Hughes contributed fifty-three and Logan Nelson added fifty-two. Jake McGrew rounded out the top five with forty-two points. On the lower end, C.J. Hayes, Aiden Girduckis, Jesper Vikman, Daniil Chayka, and Cade Alami each recorded just one point, and five players finished the regular season without registering a single point. In the playoffs, Brennan Kapcheck, Jett Jones, and Logan Nelson tied for the most points on the team, each recording eight. Isaac Johnson, Simon Pinard, and Sloan Stanick followed with seven points apiece, showcasing their consistent impact in the postseason. Several players had limited production, with Linden Alger, Jesper Vikman, Evan Junker, Adrian Bisson, Artur Cholach, and Jake McGrew each recording just one playoff point. Additionally, five Knight Monsters who participated in at least one playoff game did not register a point. Overall, the points leaders carried the team offensively, helping fuel both regular season success and their deep inaugural playoff run.

Anthony Collins led the Tahoe Knight Monsters in regular season penalty minutes with sixty-six, followed closely by Brennan Kapcheck with sixty-three. Logan Nelson ranked third with fifty-six, while Bear Hughes had fifty-one, and Jake Johnson rounded out the top five with thirty-seven minutes. On the lower end of the spectrum, Evan Junker, C.J. Hayes, Daniil Chayka, and Elijah Vilio each recorded just two penalty minutes, and ten Knight Monsters finished the regular season with zero penalty minutes. Joe Fleming, Aiden Girduckis, Cade Alami, Jordan Henderson, and Brandon Tabakin tied for the fifth least penalty minutes, showing a mix of disciplined and physical play across the roster. In the playoffs, Anthony Collins again led the team with eighteen penalty minutes, with Joe Fleming following at twelve. Brennan Kapcheck, Logan Nelson, Jett Jones, Sloan Stanick, and Troy Loggins each tallied four minutes, ranking third on the team, while Adrien Bisson, Cal Kiefiuk, Adam Pitter, Isaac Johnson, Nate Kallen, and Jake McGrew tied for the fewest with just two minutes. Eight Knight Monsters players finished the playoffs without a single penalty, demonstrating a disciplined approach when it mattered most in the postseason. Overall, the Knight Monsters combined toughness and composure, balancing physical play with smart, timely discipline throughout both the regular season and playoffs.

The plus-minus (+/-) statistic in hockey measures the impact a player has on the ice in terms of goals scored and allowed. Players on the scoring team receive a +1 for each goal scored while they are on the ice, and players on the non-scoring team receive a -1 for each goal allowed. These values are combined over the season to produce a player’s overall +/- rating. For the Tahoe Knight Monsters, Brennan Kapcheck led the team with an impressive plus twenty-six, followed closely by Sloan Stanick at plus twenty-three. Simon Pinard ranked third with plus twenty-one, Bear Hughes was fourth with plus twennty, and Jake Johnson rounded out the top five at plus nineteen. On the other end of the spectrum, Luke Adam had the lowest regular season +/- at minus twelve, with Isaac Johnson at minus seven, Matt Murphy at minus six, Christopher Dodero at minus five, and both Jake McGrew and Anthony Collins tied at minus four. It’s important to note that this stat is not recorded for goalies and was not available for the playoffs, but it provides a valuable snapshot of which players contributed most positively and negatively to the Knight Monsters performance during the regular season.

Jesper Vikman led the Tahoe Knight Monsters in goaltending during the regular season, appearing in forty-two games. Jordan Papirny followed with twenty-eight games, while Justin Robbins played in just two, and Dylan Myskiw saw action in only one. Vikman also proved to be the backbone of the team in the postseason, playing in all eight of the Knight Monsters’ playoff games, providing consistency and stability in net throughout both the regular season and playoffs. Jesper Vikman led the Tahoe Knight Monsters in net this season, logging an impressive two-thousand-five-hundred-three minutes during the regular season. Jordan Papirny was the second-most active goalie, totaling one-thousand-six-houndred-fifty-eight minutes between the pipes. Justin Robbins contributed onne-hundred-twenty minutes, while Dylan Myskiw added fifty-eight minutes in net. Vikman’s heavy workload highlights his role as the team’s primary goaltender and a key factor in the Knight Monsters performance throughout the season. Jesper Vikman allowed the most goals in net for the Tahoe Knight Monsters this season, conceding one-hundred-thirty-three over his extensive workload. Jordan Papirny followed with sixty-nine goals allowed, while Justin Robbins gave up eight goals and Dylan Myskiw allowed five. Vikman’s high total reflects both his role as the team’s workhorse goalie and the challenges the Knight Monsters faced defensively throughout the season. In hockey, save percentage measures the proportion of shots a goalie stops, calculated using the number of saves versus goals allowed. For the Tahoe Knight Monsters, Jordan Papirny posted the best save percentage at .920, showcasing his consistency between the pipes. Jesper Vikman followed with a .890 save percentage, reflecting his heavy workload as the team’s primary goalie. Both Justin Robbins and Dylan Myskiw recorded a .850 save percentage, rounding out the team’s goaltending stats for the season.

Looking at league-wide statistics, several Tahoe Knight Monsters players made impressive marks in the ECHL’s top ten rankings. Simon Pinard scored the third most goals among forwards in the league, while Sloan Stanick ranked eighth in goals and also recorded the fourth most assists among forwards. Stanick’s performance propelled him to second in points among all ECHL forwards. On the defensive side, Brennan Kapcheck ranked eighth in plus/minus among defenders. Goaltender Jesper Vikman stood out with the second most wins in the league, despite allowing the most goals. He also played the third most games, highlighting his heavy workload. Jordan Papirny ranked twenty-seventh in wins and fourteenth in save percentage among goalies who played more than twenty games, while the team’s other two goalies fell outside the top thirty due to limited games played. Notably, no Knight Monsters player ranked among the league leaders in penalty minutes. Overall, these stats underscore the individual achievements that helped the Knight Monsters compete at a high level during their inaugural season.

Defender Nate Kallen joined the Tahoe Knight Monsters for his sixth season of professional hockey, bringing a wealth of experience from multiple leagues. He developed his skills in junior hockey with the USHL before playing NCAA hockey at Ferris State University. His pro career spans the ECHL, SPHL, AHL, the Slovak league, and the UK’s EIHL, where he spent the 2023-24 season with the Glasgow Clan. During the 2024-25 season with the Knight Monsters, Kallen played in all seventy-two regular season games, contributing seven goals and twenty-one assists for a total of twenty-eight points, along with fourteen penalty minutes and a plus one rating. He carried that consistency into the playoffs, appearing in all eight games, recording five assists for five total points, and tallying two penalty minutes. Kallen’s experience and steady play were key components of the Knight Monsters inaugural campaign.

Fan-favorite forward Anthony Collins joined the Tahoe Knight Monsters for his thirteenth professional season, bringing a wealth of experience and leadership to the young franchise. He developed his skills in junior hockey with the BCHL and MJHL before carving out a long pro career in the ECHL and SPHL, including stints with nine different ECHL teams. In the 2023-24 season, Collins played for the Savannah Ghost Pirates, the former ECHL affiliate of the Vegas Golden Knights. He was the first player ever signed by the Knight Monsters and is one of several players who remained with the Golden Knights organization as they relocated their affiliate to Lake Tahoe. During the 2024-25 regular season, Collins played seventy games, scoring four goals and adding five assists for nine total points, while accumulating sixty-six penalty minutes and finishing with a minus four rating. He carried his presence into the playoffs, appearing in all eight games, recording no points but eighteen penalty minutes, showcasing his physical and gritty style that makes him a standout on and off the ice.

Captain and forward Luke Adam joined the Tahoe Knight Monsters for his sixteenth professional season, bringing an impressive résumé and veteran leadership to the team. He played junior hockey in the QMJHL and represented Team Canada at the 2010 World Junior Championships. Drafted by the Buffalo Sabres in 2008, Adam’s pro career spans the NHL, AHL, and top European leagues, including Germany’s DEL and the Czech and Slovak league. In the NHL, he played for the Buffalo Sabres and Columbus Blue Jackets, while in Europe he captured a championship in Germany during the 2018-19 season. The 2024-25 season marked Adam’s first time in the ECHL after eight seasons abroad. During the regular season, he appeared in seventy games for the Knight Monsters, scoring seventeen goals and adding twenty-two assists for thirty-nine points, along with thirty-four penalty minutes and a minus twelve rating. Adam carried his leadership into the playoffs, playing in all eight games and contributing one goal and two assists for three points, while remaining penalty-free. His experience and steady presence proved invaluable to the Knight Monsters throughout their inaugural season.

Forward Jake McGrew joined the Tahoe Knight Monsters for his fifth professional season, bringing a mix of North American and European experience to the roster. He played junior hockey in the WHL and was drafted by the San Jose Sharks in 2017. McGrew’s professional career includes stints in the ECHL, AHL, and Sweden, where he spent the last two seasons, including playing for AIK during the 2023-24 season. In the 2024-25 season with the Knight Monsters, he appeared in seventy regular season games, scoring nineteen goals and adding twenty-three assists for a total of forty-two points. He also racked up sixteen penalty minutes and finished with a minus four rating. McGrew played in all eight of the Knight Monsters’ playoff games, contributing one goal and two penalty minutes, helping provide consistency and depth throughout their inaugural postseason run.

Forward Sloan Stanick joined the Tahoe Knight Monsters as a rookie, bringing an impressive junior background from the WHL, where he played for the Prince Albert Raiders during the 2023-24 season. In his inaugural ECHL season, Stanick played seventy regular season games, scoring twenty-nine goals and recording fifty assists for a remarkable seventy-nine points. He added twenty-four penalty minutes and finished the regular season with a plus twenty-three rating. Stanick also appeared in two games with the Henderson Silver Knights of the AHL, where he registered zero points, four penalty minutes, and a minus one rating. Back with the Knight Monsters for the playoffs, he played in all eight games, contributing one goal and six assists for seven total points, along with four penalty minutes. Stanick’s outstanding performance earned him the distinction of ECHL Rookie of the Year, cementing his status as one of the league’s top emerging talents.

Forward Patrick Newell joined the Tahoe Knight Monsters for his sixth season of professional hockey, bringing a wealth of experience from both North America and Europe. He developed his skills in junior hockey across the NAHL, USHL, and BCHL, winning the 2013-14 USHL championship with the Indiana Ice and the 2014-15 BCHL championship with the Penticton Vees. Newell went on to play NCAA hockey at St. Cloud State before embarking on a diverse pro career that included stints in the AHL, Austria, Sweden, the ECHL, and Slovakia. During the 2023-24 season, he captured a championship with Nitra MHC in the Slovakian Extraleague. In the 2024-25 season with the Knight Monsters, Newell appeared in sixty-seven regular season games, scoring ten goals and contributing twenty-eight assists for thirty-eight points, while accumulating eight penalty minutes and finishing with a plus seven rating. He played in all eight playoff games, adding three goals and two assists for five points without recording any penalty minutes.

Forward Logan Nelson joined the Tahoe Knight Monsters for his eleventh season of professional hockey, bringing experience from his time in the USHL and WHL. Drafted by the Buffalo Sabres in 2012, Nelson’s pro career has spanned the ECHL, SPHL, and AHL, including a season with the Rapid City Rush in 2023-24. During the 2024-25 season with the Knight Monsters, he played in sixty-six regular season games, tallying eighteen goals and thirty-four assists for a total of fifty-two points. He accumulated fifty-six penalty minutes and finished the regular season with a plus two rating. Nelson also appeared in all eight playoff games, contributing three goals and five assists for eight points while recording four penalty minutes, proving to be a key contributor for the team throughout their playoff run.

Defender Brennan Kapcheck joined the Tahoe Knight Monsters for his fifth professional hockey season, bringing a strong mix of experience from the NAHL, NCAA, ECHL, AHL, and Slovakian league. He played junior hockey in the NAHL before spending his collegiate career at American International College in the NCAA. His professional experience includes time with the Newfoundland Growlers in the ECHL and Zvolen HKM in the Slovakian Extraleague during the 2023-24 season. In 2024-25 with the Knight Monsters, Kapcheck played sixty-four regular season games, contributing four goals and twenty-nine assists for thirty-three points. He also accumulated sixty-three penalty minutes and finished the season with an impressive plus twenty-six rating. Kapcheck was a key presence in all eight playoff games, recording eight assists for eight points while adding four penalty minutes, solidifying his role as a dependable two-way defender for the team.

Forward Bear Hughes joined the Tahoe Knight Monsters for his third professional season, bringing experience from the WHL, USHL, ECHL, and AHL. Drafted by the Washington Capitals in 2020, Hughes played junior hockey in both the WHL and USHL before moving into the professional ranks. He was one of the players retained from the Vegas Golden Knights organization as their ECHL affiliation transitioned from the Savannah Ghost Pirates to the Tahoe Knight Monsters. During the 2023-24 season, Hughes split time between the Savannah Ghost Pirates in the ECHL and the Henderson Silver Knights in the AHL. In 2024-25 with the Knight Monsters, he played sixty-four regular season games, tallying twenty-one goals and thirty-two assists for fifty-three points, along with fifty-one penalty minutes and a plus twenty rating. Hughes also appeared in three games for the Henderson Silver Knights, going scoreless with a minus-three rating and two penalty minutes. In the playoffs, he played in all eight games, contributing three goals and two assists for five points while remaining penalty-free, cementing his role as a consistent offensive and two-way contributor for the team.

Forward Simon Pinard joined the Tahoe Knight Monsters for his second professional season, building on an impressive start to his career. He developed his game in the QMJHL before playing college hockey at the University of New Brunswick. Pinard brought prior professional experience from both the ECHL and AHL, having spent the 2023-24 season with the Savannah Ghost Pirates in the ECHL and the Henderson Silver Knights in the AHL. Like several others, he transitioned from the Savannah Ghost Pirates to the Knight Monsters as part of the Vegas Golden Knights organizational move. In 2024-25, Pinard played sixty-three regular season games for Tahoe, recording thirty-three goals and thirty-one assists for a total of sixty-four points, along with twenty-one penalty minutes and a plus twenty-one rating. He also appeared in four regular season games for Henderson in the AHL, finishing scoreless with two penalty minutes and a minus three rating. During the playoffs, Pinard contributed in six games, scoring four goals and adding three assists for seven points, while accruing just two penalty minutes, further establishing himself as a key offensive force for the Knight Monsters.

Defender Jake Johnson returned to the Tahoe Knight Monsters for his third professional season, bringing a steady presence to the blue line. He developed his game in the USHL before playing NCAA hockey at both R.P.I. and Quinnipiac University. Johnson’s professional experience has been exclusively in the ECHL, including the 2023-24 season with the Fort Wayne Komets. During the 2024-25 season with the Knight Monsters, he played sixty-one regular season games, recording four goals and seventeen assists for a total of twenty-one points. He accumulated thirty-seven penalty minutes and finished the season with a plus nineteen rating, highlighting his defensive reliability. Johnson did not appear in any playoff games for Tahoe but remained an important contributor throughout the regular season.

Forward Troy Loggins joined the Tahoe Knight Monsters for his sixth professional season, bringing experience from multiple leagues. He developed his skills in the NAHL and USHL, winning a USHL championship with the Sioux Falls Stampede in the 2014-15 season. His professional career has included stops in the ECHL, AHL, Sweden, and Slovakia, most recently playing for Nove Zamky Mikron HC in the Slovakian Extraleague during the 2023-24 season. In 2024-25 with the Knight Monsters, Loggins played sixty-one regular season games, scoring nineteen goals and adding thirteen assists for thirty-two points. He accumulated twenty-three penalty minutes and finished the regular season with a plus five rating. Loggins appeared in seven playoff games, recording no points but contributing four penalty minutes, providing steady depth and experience during the postseason run.

Defender Artur Cholach joined the Tahoe Knight Monsters for his rookie season after developing his game in the OHL and USHL. Drafted by the Vegas Golden Knights in 2021, Cholach made an immediate impact with the Knight Monsters, appearing in fifty-four regular season games. He contributed seven goals and sixteen assists for twenty-three points, while accumulating sixteen penalty minutes and finishing the season with a plus six rating. Cholach also gained experience at the AHL level, playing five games for the Henderson Silver Knights, though he recorded no points, four penalty minutes, and a minus five rating. In the playoffs, he played in all eight games, registering one assist and no penalty minutes, providing steady defensive play and contributing to the Knight Monsters postseason effort.

Forward Jett Jones joined the Tahoe Knight Monsters for his third pro hockey season, bringing experience from the AJHL and WHL. He had previously played in both the ECHL and AHL and was another player to transition from the Savannah Ghost Pirates to the Knight Monsters. During the 2023-24 season, he split time between the Savannah Ghost Pirates and the Henderson Silver Knights. In his first season with Tahoe, Jones played fifty-four regular season games, scoring twenty-two goals and adding fifteen assists for thirty-seven points. He accumulated twenty-six penalty minutes and finished the season with a minus-two rating. Jones also appeared in twelve games for Henderson in the AHL, recording one goal, two penalty minutes, and a minus-two rating. In the playoffs, he was a key contributor, playing in all eight games, scoring five goals with three assists for eight total points, and adding four penalty minutes, helping the Knight Monsters in their postseason push.

Forward Adam Robbins, brother of Justin Robbins, joined the Tahoe Knight Monsters as a rookie for the 2024-25 season. He developed his game in the USHL, winning a championship with the Chicago Steel during the 2020-21 season, before playing NCAA hockey at Princeton University. Robbins appeared in fifty-one regular season games for the Knight Monsters, contributing nine goals and four assists for a total of thirteen points. He accumulated eighteen penalty minutes and finished the season with a neutral plus-minus rating of zero. Robbins did not see action in the playoffs during his rookie campaign.

Forward Adam Pitters joined the Tahoe Knight Monsters for his second professional season, bringing experience from both the NAHL and NCAA ranks. He won an NAHL championship with the Aberdeen Wings during the 2018-19 season and played NCAA hockey for Bowling Green State University and Long Island University. His professional background included time in the SPHL, and during the 2023-24 season, he suited up for Long Island University in the ECHL and the Fayetteville Marksmen in the SPHL. For the Knight Monsters, Pitters appeared in forty-three regular season games, tallying three goals and ten assists for a total of thirteen points. He recorded thirteen penalty minutes and finished the regular season with a plus-one rating. Pitters played in two playoff games, notching zero points and accumulating two penalty minutes in the postseason.

Goaltender Jesper Vikman joined the Tahoe Knight Monsters for his fifth professional season, bringing experience from both Sweden and the WHL. Drafted by the Vegas Golden Knights in 2020, Vikman was another player who transferred from the Savannah Ghost Pirates to the Knight Monsters. His prior professional experience included stints in Sweden, the AHL, and the ECHL. During the 2024-25 regular season, Vikman played forty-two games in net, logging 2,503 minutes. He allowed 133 goals, recorded one shutout, and finished with a goals-against average of 3.19. Over the course of the season, he made 1,153 saves and posted a save percentage of .897, without registering any assists or penalty minutes. Vikman was a mainstay in the playoffs, appearing in all eight games. He played 481 minutes, allowed eleven goals, made 267 saves, and improved his numbers with a 2.87 goals-against average and a .914 save percentage. He also recorded a single assist during the postseason and did not take any penalties.

Forward Isaac Johnson joined the Tahoe Knight Monsters for his sixth professional season, bringing a wealth of experience from the USHL, WHL, SPHL, AHL, ECHL, and Finland’s SM-liiga. During the 2024-25 season, he played for Jukurit Mikkeli in Finland before joining the Knight Monsters. Johnson appeared in thirty-three regular season games, scoring eight goals and adding twelve assists for a total of twenty points, while collecting fourteen penalty minutes and finishing with a minus-seven plus/minus rating. He was a key contributor in the playoffs, playing in all eight games and tallying two goals with five assists for seven total playoff points, along with two penalty minutes.

Forward Cal Kiefiuk joined the Tahoe Knight Monsters for his second professional season, bringing experience from the USHL and NCAA, where he played for UMass-Amherst and Providence College. His previous pro experience included time in the ECHL, most recently with the Wheeling Nailers during the 2023-24 season alongside his NCAA play. In the 2024-25 regular season, Kiefiuk appeared in thirty-one games, scoring one goal and adding four assists for a total of five points, while collecting eight penalty minutes and finishing with a minus-three plus/minus rating. He played in one playoff game for the Knight Monsters, recording zero points and two penalty minutes.

Brandon Tabakin joined the Tahoe Knight Monsters for his second professional season, bringing experience from the USHL and NCAA, where he played for Yale University and Arizona State University. He won a USHL championship with the Sioux Falls Stampede during the 2018-19 season and had previous pro experience in the ECHL, playing for the Newfoundland Growlers during the 2023-24 season. In the 2024-25 regular season with the Knight Monsters, Tabakin appeared in thirty games, scoring two goals and adding four assists for six total points, finishing with a minus-three plus/minus rating. In January, he was traded to the Wheeling Nailers, where he played fifteen regular season games, recording zero points, two penalty minutes, and a minus-seven plus/minus rating. He did not appear in the playoffs for either team.

Goaltender Jordan Papirny joined the Tahoe Knight Monsters for his fifth professional season, bringing a wealth of experience from both junior and professional hockey. He played junior hockey in the AJHL and WHL, winning a WHL championship with the Brandon Wheat Kings during the 2015-16 season, and went on to play college hockey at the University of Calgary. His pro career included time in both the ECHL and AHL, and he was one of the players transferred from the Savannah Ghost Pirates to the Knight Monsters. During the 2023-24 season, Papirny split time between the Savannah Ghost Pirates and the Henderson Silver Knights. For the Knight Monsters in 2024-25, he appeared in twenty-eight regular season games, recording three assists and zero penalty minutes while logging 1,658 minutes in net. He allowed sixty-nine goals, earned four shutouts, and posted a goals-against average of 2.50 with 798 saves, finishing with an impressive .920 save percentage. Papirny did not appear in any playoff games for the Knight Monsters.

Defender Slava Demin joined the Tahoe Knight Monsters for his second professional season after being traded from the Idaho Steelheads. He developed his game in the BCHL and USHL, winning a championship with the Wenatchee Wild during the 2017-18 BCHL season. Demin continued his development in the NCAA, playing for the University of Denver, UMass-Amherst, and Merrimack College, and was drafted by the Vegas Golden Knights in 2018. His professional experience had previously been limited to the ECHL, where during the 2023-24 season he played for the Allen Americans, Florida Everblades, and Fort Wayne Komets. With the Steelheads, Demin appeared in nineteen regular season games, recording four assists, fourteen penalty minutes, and a minus-two rating. In 2024-25 with the Knight Monsters, he played twenty-five regular season games, scoring two goals and seven assists for nine points, accumulating twelve penalty minutes and finishing with a plus-five rating. Demin did not appear in any playoff games for the Knight Monsters.

Defender Matt Murphy joined the Tahoe Knight Monsters for his fifth professional season after being traded from the Cincinnati Cyclones, though he would later be traded to the Fort Wayne Komets during the same season. Murphy developed his game in the QMJHL, winning a championship with the Halifax Mooseheads during the 2012-13 season, and continued his development in the NCAA at the University of New Brunswick. His professional career has been diverse, including stints in the Slovakian league, ECHL, AHL, Austria, and the EIHL, highlighted by a championship with the Fort Wayne Komets during the 2020-21 ECHL season. During the 2023-24 season, Murphy played for Bratislava Slovan in the Slovakian Extraleague and the Manchester Storm of the EIHL. In 2024-25, he appeared in twenty regular season games for the Cincinnati Cyclones, recording two goals, two assists, eight points, eight penalty minutes, and a minus-seven rating. With the Knight Monsters, he played twenty regular season games, scoring one goal with five assists for six points, six penalty minutes, and a minus-six rating. After his trade to the Fort Wayne Komets, Murphy played twenty-seven regular season games, adding eleven assists for eleven points, six penalty minutes, and a plus-fourteen rating. He also contributed in thirteen playoff games with the Komets, scoring one goal with five assists for six points and recording two penalty minutes.

Defender Jake Stevens joined the Tahoe Knight Monsters for his third professional season after being traded from the Maine Mariners. Stevens developed his game in the BCHL before moving on to the NCAA, where he played for St. Lawrence University and Long Island University. His professional experience prior to joining the Knight Monsters was exclusively in the ECHL. During the 2024-25 season, Stevens played nine regular season games for the Maine Mariners, recording zero goals, zero assists, four penalty minutes, and a minus-five rating. After joining the Knight Monsters, he appeared in sixteen regular season games, tallying three assists, twelve penalty minutes, and a minus-one rating. Stevens finished the season with the Roanoke Rail Yard Dawgs of the SPHL, where he played six regular season games, adding five assists, zero penalty minutes, and a plus-one rating. He did not appear in any playoff games.

Defender Elijah Vilio joined the Tahoe Knight Monsters for his fourth professional season after developing his skills in the BCHL. His prior pro experience included stints in the ECHL and EIHL, playing for the Savannah Ghost Pirates and the Dundee Stars during the 2023-24 season. In 2024-25, Vilio appeared in fifteen regular season games for the Knight Monsters, recording four assists, two penalty minutes, and a plus-nine rating. Midseason, he was traded to the Cincinnati Cyclones, where he played another fifteen regular season games, tallying two goals, sixteen assists, ten penalty minutes, and maintaining a plus-nine rating. Vilio did not appear in any playoff games.

Forward Chris Dodero joined the Tahoe Knight Monsters for his third professional season after developing his game in the USHL, BCHL, and NAHL, and playing college hockey at American International College. His prior pro experience included stints in Austria, Switzerland, and Germany’s DEL-2, where he played for the Rosenheim Star Bulls during the 2023-24 season. In 2024-25, Dodero appeared in fifteen regular season games for the Knight Monsters, recording three goals, four assists, sixteen penalty minutes, and a minus-five rating. Midseason, he was traded to the Cincinnati Cyclones, where he played thirty-nine regular season games, scoring six goals with twelve assists, accumulating ten penalty minutes, and finishing with a plus-one rating. He did not see action in the playoffs.

Forward Blake Christensen joined the Tahoe Knight Monsters for his fourth professional season after developing his skills in the USHL and BCHL and playing NCAA hockey at American International College. His prior pro experience included stints in the AHL, ECHL, and the Swiss League, where he played for Thurgau during the 2023-24 season. In 2024-25, Christensen appeared in fourteen regular season games for the Knight Monsters, scoring three goals with five assists for eight points, accumulating ten penalty minutes, and finishing with a plus-three rating. Midseason, he was traded to the Kalamazoo Wings, where he played twenty-eight regular season games, recording seven goals and fourteen assists for twenty-one points, along with twenty-three penalty minutes and a minus-three rating. He did not see action in the playoffs.

Defender Adrien Bisson joined the Tahoe Knight Monsters for his second professional season after a busy year that saw him play for multiple teams. He began the 2024-25 season with the Florida Everblades, appearing in ten regular season games and recording four assists, six penalty minutes, and a plus-three rating. Midseason, he was traded to the Adirondack Thunder, where he played twenty-three regular season games, contributing six assists, eleven penalty minutes, and a minus-twelve rating. Later, he joined the Knight Monsters, playing eleven regular season games with one goal, two assists, six penalty minutes, and a plus-ten rating. Bisson also appeared in six playoff games for the Knight Monsters, scoring one goal and tallying two penalty minutes. His hockey journey began in the CCHL, where he won back-to-back championships with the Ottawa Jr. Senators in 2017-18 and 2018-19, before moving on to NCAA hockey with the University of Maine and Mercyhurst College. As a rookie in the ECHL, he won a championship with the Florida Everblades in the 2023-24 season, highlighting his early professional success.

Jordan Henderson joined the Tahoe Knight Monsters for his third professional season, bringing experience from both the SPHL and junior hockey. He played junior hockey in the WHL and BCHL before competing at the University of Calgary in the NCAA. Henderson’s 2024-25 season saw him split time between the Pensacola Ice Flyers and the Quad City Storm of the SPHL. With Pensacola, he appeared in seventeen regular season games, recording one goal, two assists, six penalty minutes, and a minus-five rating. He was then traded to the Quad City Storm, where he played twenty regular season games, scoring four goals with eight assists, collecting twenty-one penalty minutes, and finishing with a minus-one rating. Henderson moved up to the ECHL with the Tahoe Knight Monsters, appearing in ten regular season games, tallying one goal and two assists, four penalty minutes, and a neutral plus/minus rating. After his time in Lake Tahoe, he returned to the Quad City Storm for the SPHL playoffs, playing two games and adding one assist without taking a penalty.

Defender Ryan Orgel joined the Tahoe Knight Monsters for his fifth professional season, bringing experience from the ECHL, SPHL, and AHL. He played junior hockey in the CCHL and NAHL and competed at the NCAA level for the University of Denver and the University of Wisconsin–Stevens Point. During the 2023-24 season, Orgel played for the Adirondack Thunder in the ECHL and the Syracuse Crunch in the AHL. For the Knight Monsters, he appeared in nine regular season games, recording two assists, nine penalty minutes, and a plus-three rating. Midseason, he was traded to the Indy Fuel, where he played sixteen regular season games, tallying one goal, two assists, and a plus-one rating. Later, he was traded again to the Fort Wayne Komets, appearing in four regular season games without recording a point or penalty and finishing with a minus-one rating. Orgel did not participate in any playoff games.

Defender Cade Alami joined the Tahoe Knight Monsters for his rookie professional season after a strong junior and collegiate career. He played junior hockey in the BCHL and NCDC before moving on to the NCAA, where he suited up for Boston College, Arizona State University, and Minnesota State University–Mankato. During the 2023-24 season, Alami played for Arizona State University, and in the 2024-25 season, he appeared in six games for Minnesota State, recording zero goals, zero assists, four penalty minutes, and a minus-one rating. Transitioning to the ECHL, Alami played seven regular season games for the Knight Monsters, notching one assist, four penalty minutes, and a minus-two rating. He did not participate in any playoff games.

Defender Evan Junker joined the Tahoe Knight Monsters for his rookie professional season after developing his game in the NAHL and NCAA. He played junior hockey in the NAHL before moving on to the University of Wisconsin–Stevens Point, where he appeared in twenty-two games during the 2024-25 season, recording seven assists, zero goals, fourteen penalty minutes, and a plus-twelve rating. Transitioning to the ECHL, Junker played seven regular season games for the Knight Monsters, contributing two assists, two penalty minutes, and a neutral plus-minus rating. He also appeared in six playoff games, adding one assist and no penalty minutes.

Defender Dominic Vidoli joined the Tahoe Knight Monsters for his rookie professional season after a strong developmental path through junior and college hockey. He played junior hockey in the USHL before moving on to the NCAA, where he suited up for Boston College, Ohio State University, and the University of Nebraska–Omaha, appearing for Nebraska–Omaha during the 2023-24 season. In his first ECHL season, Vidoli played seven regular season games for the Knight Monsters, recording three assists, zero goals, zero penalty minutes, and a plus-one rating. He did not appear in any playoff games.

Defender Aidan Girduckis joined the Tahoe Knight Monsters for his second professional season, bringing a diverse background in junior and college hockey. He played junior hockey in the OJHL and CCHL, winning a CCHL championship with the Carleton Place Canadians during the 2016-17 season. He continued his development in the NCAA, playing for Robert Morris University and Gatham University. Girduckis began his pro career in the SPHL, suiting up for the Roanoke Rail Yard Dawgs during the 2023-24 season. He started the 2024-25 season back with Roanoke, appearing in twenty-five regular season games, scoring one goal with four assists for five points, adding seventeen penalty minutes, and finishing with a plus-six rating. Later in the season, he joined the Tahoe Knight Monsters, playing six regular season games, recording one goal, zero assists, four penalty minutes, and a minus-three rating. He did not appear in any playoff games.

Defender Joe Fleming joined the Tahoe Knight Monsters for his second professional season, bringing experience from a strong junior and pro background. He played junior hockey in the NCDC, USHL, and QMJHL before moving on to the professional ranks. During the 2023-24 season, Fleming split time between the Savannah Ghost Pirates of the ECHL and the Henderson Silver Knights of the AHL, and he was one of the players who transitioned from the Ghost Pirates to the Knight Monsters. For most of the 2024-25 season, he continued with the Henderson Silver Knights, appearing in thirty-five AHL games, recording three assists, eighty-eight penalty minutes, and a plus-two rating. In the ECHL, Fleming played six regular season games for the Knight Monsters, scoring two goals, adding four penalty minutes, and finishing with a minus-one rating. He then played in all eight of the Knight Monsters’ playoff games, contributing two goals and one assist for three playoff points, while racking up twelve penalty minutes.

Defender Kaelan Taylor joined the Tahoe Knight Monsters for his rookie season after a strong junior and college career. He played junior hockey in the NAHL and USHL before moving on to the NCAA, where he represented Clarkson University. During the 2023-24 season, Taylor competed in the NCAA and continued with Clarkson to start the 2024-25 season, appearing in thirty-eight games, scoring one goal with six assists for seven points, and accumulating ten penalty minutes with a plus-fifteen rating. He made the jump to the ECHL with the Knight Monsters, playing five regular season games, recording one goal and one assist for two points, with zero penalty minutes and a plus-two rating. Taylor played in all eight of the Knight Monsters’ playoff games, contributing defensively with zero points and zero penalty minutes, rounding out a solid rookie campaign.

Defender Daniil Chayka joined the Tahoe Knight Monsters for his fourth season of pro hockey after an extensive career in junior and professional leagues. He played junior hockey in the OHL and in Russia, winning a championship with the Guelph Storm in the 2018-19 season. His previous professional experience included the VHL, KHL, and AHL. During the 2023-24 season, Chayka played for the Henderson Silver Knights in the AHL, appearing in five games and recording one assist with four penalty minutes and a minus-five rating. He began the 2024-25 season with the Silver Knights, then played four regular season games for the Knight Monsters in the ECHL, tallying one assist, two penalty minutes, and a minus-two rating. Following his stint in Tahoe, Chayka returned to Russia to finish the season in the KHL with Avangard Omsk, playing seven regular season games with zero points, two penalty minutes, and a minus-two rating. He also appeared in nine KHL playoff games, recording one assist and two penalty minutes, rounding out another season of professional hockey across multiple leagues.

Forward Jakub Demek joined the Tahoe Knight Monsters for his second season of professional hockey after an impressive junior career in Slovakia and the WHL, where he won a championship with the Edmonton Oil Kings during the 2021-22 season. Drafted by the Vegas Golden Knights in 2021, Demek spent the 2023-24 season with the Henderson Silver Knights in the AHL. During the 2024-25 season, he played four regular season games for the Knight Monsters in the ECHL, recording two assists, zero penalty minutes, and a minus-two rating. He also appeared in thirty-one regular season games for the Henderson Silver Knights in the AHL, tallying six goals and thirteen assists for nineteen points, with just two penalty minutes and a minus-five rating. Demek did not appear in the playoffs, but his two-way contributions across both leagues highlighted his continued development as a promising young forward.

Defender Samuel Mayer joined the Tahoe Knight Monsters for his rookie season after an impressive junior career in the CCHL and OHL, highlighted by a championship with the Peterborough Petes during the 2022-23 season. In the 2023-24 season, he played for the Ottawa 67’s, continuing to develop his game at the junior level. Mayer appeared in three regular season games for the Knight Monsters in 2024-25 before suffering a serious injury early in the season, which sidelined him for the remainder of the year. During his brief stint, he recorded zero goals and zero assists, but accumulated twenty-one penalty minutes and finished with a minus-two rating. Despite the setback, Mayer remained with the team throughout the season, gaining valuable experience and integrating into the Knight Monsters organization.

Forward C.J. Hayes joined the Tahoe Knight Monsters for his seventh season of pro hockey, bringing a wealth of experience from his time in the NAHL and USHL, as well as NCAA play with Lake Superior State University. Hayes’ pro career has been diverse, including stints in the SPHL, FHL, ECHL, and Europe, highlighted by a championship in the FHL during the 2017-18 season. In 2023-24, he played for the Macon Mayhem in the SPHL and Herne EV in Europe. Hayes began the 2024-25 season with the Pensacola Ice Flyers of the SPHL, appearing in eight regular season games where he scored two goals and added five assists for seven points, while accumulating twenty-five penalty minutes and a minus-three rating. He then played three regular season games for the Knight Monsters, recording one goal, two penalty minutes, and a minus-one rating before being traded to the Toledo Walleye. With Toledo, Hayes played fifteen games, scoring one goal with six penalty minutes and finishing with a plus-zero rating. He was subsequently traded to the Kansas City Mavericks, appearing in three games without recording any points or penalty minutes and finishing with a minus-two rating. Hayes did not appear in the playoffs that season.

Defender Linden Alger joined the Tahoe Knight Monsters for his rookie season after developing his game in the NCDC and USHL. He played college hockey at UMass-Amherst, appearing in forty games during the 2023-24 season. In the NCAA, Alger contributed three goals and seven assists for ten points, added ten penalty minutes, and finished with a plus-five rating. For the 2024-25 season, he played two regular season games with the Knight Monsters, recording no points or penalty minutes and finishing with a minus-one rating. He also appeared in four playoff games, contributing one assist with zero penalty minutes.

Goaltender Justin Robbins, brother of Adam Robbins, joined the Tahoe Knight Monsters for his rookie season after developing his skills in the USHL and playing NCAA hockey for Arizona State University and Sacred Heart University. During the 2023-24 season, he competed for Sacred Heart University. In his rookie campaign with the Knight Monsters, Robbins appeared in two regular season games, totaling 120 minutes in net. He allowed eight goals, recorded forty-eight saves, and finished with a goals-against average of 4.00 and a save percentage of 0.857, though he did not register a shutout. Robbins did not see any playoff action during the season.

Forward Tyler Dill joined the Tahoe Knight Monsters for his third professional season, bringing experience from his junior hockey days in the NAHL and collegiate career at Utica College and Wilkes University. His prior professional experience was in the SPHL, although he did not compete during the 2023-24 season. In the 2024-25 campaign, Dill appeared in just one regular season game for the Knight Monsters, finishing with no points, zero penalty minutes, and a +/- of zero. He did not participate in the playoffs.

Defender Brett Bliss joined the Tahoe Knight Monsters for his rookie professional season after a junior career in the BCHL and playing NCAA hockey for Brown University. During the 2023-24 season, he competed in the NCAA, and he began the 2024-25 season with Brown, appearing in 31 games, scoring one goal with four assists for five points, collecting ten penalty minutes, and finishing with a +/- of plus three. Bliss played one regular season game for the Knight Monsters, recording no points, zero penalty minutes, and a +/- of minus one. He did not appear in any playoff games.

Goaltender Dylan Myskiw joined the Tahoe Knight Monsters for his rookie professional season after playing junior hockey in the WHL and OHL and competing at the University of Western Ontario. During the 2023-24 season, he played for the University of Western Ontario before making his ECHL debut with the Knight Monsters, appearing in one game. In that outing, he played 58 minutes, allowed five goals, made 29 saves, and posted a goals-against average of 5.17 with a save percentage of .853. Myskiw was later traded to the Allen Americans, where he played three games, logging 158 minutes in net. With the Americans, he allowed 12 goals, made 95 saves, had a goals-against average of 4.69, a save percentage of .888, and did not record any shutouts.

The Tahoe Knight Monsters are set to hit the ice for their second season this week, marking the start of the 2025-26 campaign. After an eventful inaugural year, the team is ready to build on its foundation and continue growing in its sophomore season. The puck drops on Friday, October 17, 2025, officially kicking off season two of Tahoe Knight Monsters hockey.