Connor Knapp Announced As First Goaltender Signed

NORFOLK, VA. - The Norfolk Admirals, proud ECHL affiliate of the Edmonton Oilers, announced the signing goaltender Connor Knapp on Wednesday, per head coach Rod Aldoff. Knapp, 26, spent the past two seasons with the Reading Royals and Lehigh Valley Phantoms (AHL). In 2015-16 he played in 22 games for the Philadelphia Flyers ECHL affiliate, posting a goals against average of 2.96 and a save percentage of .899. "I'm looking for Connor to come in and challenge for the job. Simple as that," Aldoff said of the first announced backstop. "I want him to be someone who we can lean on, if necessary, and to be a big part of our team." During the 2013-14 season, the New York native saw time with the Buffalo Sabres of the National Hockey League. Over the course of his career, Knapp has 12 games of American Hockey League experience and 104 total appearances in the ECHL. On top of his total number of games played and 6'6" - 205 lbs. frame, there's even more to like about the netminder heading to Norfolk. "This will be the first year he's not on an AHL/NHL contract, so he's obviously motivated to have a career year for both himself and our organization. He's an extremely professional young man and I'm really looking forward to him putting on that jersey for us," bench boss Aldoff said. The Admirals begin the 2016-17 season on Friday, October 14th against the Kalamazoo Wings at the Norfolk Scope. Season tickets, ten packs, and opening night packages are on sale now and can be purchased by calling 757-640-1212. For more information on all things Admirals, follow the team on Facebook (NorfolkAdmirals), Twitter (@NorfolkAdmirals), and Instagram (NorfolkAdmirals).