Manchester Storm complete low risk Kaleb Ergang signing

The Manchester Storm made another step towards finalising their roster, signing forward Kaleb Ergang to a one-year contract on Friday [20 June].

Ergang arrives in the Elite League after four seasons in the NCAA and a 13-game stint with the ECHL’s Adirondack Thunder.

The Canadian tallied 49 points (17 goals, 32 assists) in 109 appearances for Ferris State University, finishing his final season of collegiate eligibility with a career-best 21 points (six goals, 15 assists) in 35 games.

Ergang’s collegiate production earned him a short-term contract in the third tier of North American hockey, scoring nine points (six goals, three assists) in 13 appearances for Adirondack.

“We’re thrilled to have Kaleb joining the Storm,” said head coach Cam Critchlow.

“He’s a highly intelligent player who sees the ice well, creates chances, and puts in a shift every night. He brings character and energy on top of that — something that will be a huge asset in the dressing room.”

Analysis: Manchester Storm snare Canadian forward Kaleb Ergang

Kaleb Ergang arrives in the Elite League with a reasonable track record.

The Alberta-born forward started his collegiate career underwhelmingly, recording only three points in his 19-game sophomore season, but bounced back with 14- and 21-point campaigns in his final two years at Ferris State.

Kaleb Ergang, Manchester Storm (Image: NCAA)

Excluding his dominant 55-point season as a Junior-A prospect in 2019-20, the most eye-catching part of Ergang’s career is his 13-game audition with the Adirondack Thunder.

Joining the ECHL side after Ferris State’s collegiate season came to an end, the 5-foot-10 forward recorded an impressive nine points (six goals, three assists) in 13 games.

Contributing from the middle-six, Ergang stepped onto his first professional roster and never looked out of place — an encouraging sign for the Manchester Storm.

Ergang is Cam Critchlow’s fifth forward signing of the summer, joining Loren Ulett, Rais Francis, Tyler Hiram, and Gary Haden on the roster.

With homegrown rookie Francis set for a fourth-line role and Canadian trio Ulett, Hinam, and Hayden targeting top-six positions, Ergang projects as a third line option for the Storm.

Defensively responsible and rarely sent to the penalty box, his work ethic and intelligence lays the groundwork for a successful, but unspectacular, Elite League career.

However, if Ergang replicates his ECHL scoring on British shores, he will quickly outgrow a bottom six role and push for meatier minutes.

The Storm have a reputation for finding diamonds in the rough — Ergang could be yet the latest example of Manchester’s fine recruitment at play.

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