San Diego Gulls Extend Roster with Goalie Drew Elliott and Defender Roman Kinal

Gulls Bolster Roster with signings of Elliott and Kinal

San Diego, CA – September 29, 2025 – The San Diego Gulls, a premier American Hockey League (AHL) team, today announced they have secured the talents of forward Drew Elliott and defenseman roman Kinal through one-year standard player contracts.

Elliott’s Ascending Career Path

Drew Elliott, 22, officially joined the Gulls organization following his initial AHL appearance on april 2, 2024, in a game against the Abbotsford Canucks. The Saint John, New Brunswick native also spent time honing his skills with the Tulsa Oilers of the ECHL, where he recorded three assists across three regular season games and led the Oilers in playoff scoring with 6 points across 6 games.

Prior to his professional debut, Elliott showcased notable collegiate performance with the University of New Brunswick, amassing 22 points in 26 games during the 2024-25 season. He played a pivotal role in the Reds’ achievement of their seventh consecutive Atlantic University Sport title. his contributions extended to the University Cup playoffs, where he earned an assist in five games.

Elliott’s junior hockey career spans 258 games within the Quebec Maritimes Junior Hockey League (QMJHL).Playing for several teams – Baie-Comeau, Charlottetown, Drummondville, and Saint John – he accumulated 100 points. He reached peak performance with Charlottetown in 2021-22, earning 27 points and leading the Islanders to the QMJHL Championship final.

Kinal Returns to San Diego

Roman Kinal, 27, is returning to the San Diego Gulls after a previous stint with the team in the 2024-25 season, where he appeared in 36 games and registered 2 points. The Waterford, Michigan native scored his inaugural AHL goal on November 23, 2024, against the Ontario reign.

Kinal also spent time with the Tulsa Oilers last season, contributing 8 points in 17 games while maintaining a +13 rating.He also logged minutes with the San Jose Barracuda in 2023-24 and the Wichita Thunder of the ECHL in 2022-23, steadily building his professional experience.

Player	Age	Position	2024-25 Stats (AHL)
Drew Elliott	22	Forward	AHL Debut – 1 Game
Roman Kinal	27	Defenseman	36 Games, 1-1=2 Points

Did You Know? The AHL serves as the primary developmental league for the National Hockey League (NHL), with approximately 88% of NHL players having spent time in the AHL, according to AHL statistics from 2024.

Pro Tip: Keeping an eye on AHL signings can give fans an early indication of potential future NHL talent.

These signings demonstrate the Gulls’ commitment to developing promising talent and strengthening their competitive edge. Will these players be key contributors to the Gulls’ success this season? What impact will their experience bring to the team’s overall performance?

The Importance of Player Development in the AHL

The american Hockey League plays a crucial role in nurturing the next generation of hockey stars. Teams consistently refine their strategies for identifying and developing players, making the AHL a hotbed of talent. The league’s structure allows players to gain valuable experience and adapt to the professional game,preparing them for potential NHL careers. Recent data indicates a growing trend of younger players entering the AHL directly from collegiate programs, highlighting the league’s appeal as a stepping-stone for aspiring professionals.

Frequently Asked Questions about gulls Player Signings

Share your thoughts on these new Gulls signings! What are your expectations for Elliott and Kinal this season? Leave a comment below.

How do teh signings of Elliott and Kinal address specific needs within the Gulls’ roster?

Strengthening the Defensive Lineup: Elliott and Kinal Signings

The San Diego Gulls have announced key roster moves, extending their team with the signing of goaltender Drew Elliott and defender Roman Kinal. These additions aim to bolster the Gulls’ defensive capabilities as they prepare for the upcoming AHL season. Both players bring valuable experience and skill sets to the ice, promising increased competition for roster spots and enhanced team performance. This news is important for fans following the American Hockey League and specifically, the San Diego Gulls’ trajectory.

Drew Elliott: A Reliable Netminder

Drew Elliott, a seasoned goaltender, provides depth and experience to the Gulls’ goaltending corps.

* Professional Experience: Elliott has spent time in the ECHL,consistently demonstrating a strong save percentage and reliability. His previous stints with teams like the Fort Wayne Komets showcase his ability to perform under pressure.

* Key Stats: while specific stats for the 2024-2025 season are pending, Elliott’s past performance indicates a consistent .910+ save percentage in the ECHL.

* Playing Style: Known for his positional play and calm demeanor, Elliott is expected to provide a steady presence in the net. He excels at reading plays and reacting quickly to shots.

* Impact on the Gulls: Elliott’s signing addresses a need for reliable goaltending depth, providing competition for current Gulls’ goalies and offering a dependable backup option. This is crucial for navigating the long AHL season and potential playoff runs. Goaltending depth is a key factor in AHL success.

Roman Kinal: Adding Defensive Solidity

Roman Kinal, a physical and defensively sound defender, adds another dimension to the Gulls’ blue line.

* Defensive Prowess: Kinal is recognized for his strong skating ability, effective puck-moving skills, and willingness to engage physically. He’s a defender who isn’t afraid to block shots or deliver hits.

* Previous Teams: kinal has experience playing in European leagues,including the Slovak Extraliga,and has recently transitioned to North american hockey. His international experience brings a unique outlook to the team.

* Skillset Breakdown:

1. Shot Blocking: A key component of Kinal’s game, consistently sacrificing his body to prevent scoring opportunities.
2. Puck Retrieval: Excellent at winning battles for loose pucks in defensive zones.
3. Physical Play: A strong presence on the ice, capable of delivering impactful checks.

* Role with the Gulls: Kinal is expected to compete for a spot on the Gulls’ bottom pairing, providing a reliable defensive presence and contributing to the team’s physicality. He’ll likely be utilized in penalty-killing situations.

What these Signings Mean for the Gulls’ Season Outlook

These additions are strategically critically important for the San Diego Gulls as they aim to improve their standing in the Pacific Division.

* Increased Competition: The signings create healthy competition for roster spots,pushing all players to perform at their best.

* Defensive Depth: Both Elliott and kinal address specific needs within the Gulls’ roster, providing valuable depth and flexibility.

* Advancement Opportunities: The AHL serves as a developmental league for the NHL’s Anaheim Ducks. These signings allow the Gulls to cultivate talent and perhaps contribute players to the Ducks’ roster in the future.

* Team Chemistry: Integrating new players effectively is crucial.The Gulls’ coaching staff will focus on building team chemistry and ensuring that elliott and Kinal seamlessly integrate into the existing system.

Analyzing the Impact on Special Teams

Both players could potentially contribute to the Gulls’ special teams. Elliott’s calm presence could be valuable during penalty kills, while Kinal’s physicality and shot-blocking ability make him a strong candidate for penalty-killing duties. Improved special teams performance is often a key indicator of success in the AHL.

Fan Reactions and Social Media Buzz

The proclamation of these signings has generated positive buzz among San Diego Gulls fans on social media. Fans are expressing optimism about the