Colten Ellis, a former goaltender for the Worcester Railers, Tulsa Oilers, and Orlando Solar Bears, made history on Wednesday as he became the 770th former ECHL player to make his debut in the National Hockey League, stepping onto the ice for the Buffalo Sabres against the Detroit Red Wings.
In the 2025-26 season, Ellis is highlighted as the second ex-ECHL player to break into the NHL. Over his ECHL career spanning from 2021 to 2024, he participated in 82 games, achieving a record of 39 wins, 27 losses, and 12 ties, which included two shutouts. His performance features a goals-against average of 3.11 and a save percentage of 0.904, showcasing his skills and potential.
Drafted in the third round, 93rd overall, by the St. Louis Blues in the 2019 NHL Entry Draft, Ellis has also honed his craft in the American Hockey League. With 64 games played for the Springfield Thunderbirds, he has earned a record of 30 wins, 26 losses, and 5 ties, along with three shutouts, a 2.82 goals-against average, and a save percentage of 0.919.
This milestone is a testament to Ellis’s perseverance and determination, reflecting the journey many players take from the ECHL to the NHL. His debut marks a significant achievement not only for him but also highlights the quality of talent emerging from the ECHL, offering hope and inspiration for countless aspiring hockey players.