NORFOLK, VA – The Norfolk Admirals announced today that the team has signed Defenseman Ian Pierce to a contract for the 2026-27 season.
Pierce enters his first season with the Norfolk Admirals and his second full season in the ECHL. He spent the first two seasons of his professional career with three teams, including the Adirondack Thunder (2024-25), Fort Wayne Komets (2025-26) and Rapid City Rush (2025-26).
He joined the Thunder in the late stages of the 2025-25 season, where he had six points (2-4-6) in six games played. He re-signed with the Thunder the following season before being acquired by the Fort Wayne Komets. There, he skated in 15 games and had three assists. In January of the same season, he was a part of a future considerations trade that sent him to the Rapid City Rush, where he played in 22 contests and added seven assists.
“He has a lot of self-motivation to prove himself as a mainstay on our back end. He plays thru the puck and man and has the ability to join the rush,” said Head Coach and General Manager Jeff Carr. “His best attribute is his ability to play hard and relentlessly until the puck is out of the defensive zone.”
“I’m very grateful and appreciative for this opportunity,” Pierce stated. “I’ve heard nothing but great things about the community, the fan base, the atmosphere, and the culture in Norfolk. Can’t wait to get started!”
The Edgewater, NY native played junior hockey for four seasons from 2017 to 2021 with the Dubuque Fighting Saints. He notched 23 points (8-15-23) in 92 games, including eight goals and a +12 plus/minus in his final season. His eight goals tied for first among defensemen, and his +12 rating was second on the team.
Pierce then attended and played at Dartmouth College in the ECAC (Eastern College Athletic Conference) for four seasons. He skated in 100 games with the Big Green, scoring nine goals and adding 31 assists for 40 points.
The Admirals open their 2026-27 season on the road in Savannah, Georgia against the Ghost Pirates on Friday, October 16th at 7 pm. Norfolk skates at home for the first time at Scope Arena on Friday, October 23rd against the Trois Rivières Lions at 7:05 pm.
Season Tickets and Flex Plan Vouchers for the 2026-27 season are on sale now.
Click HERE for more information about ticket plans for this upcoming season.
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