Norfolk, VA – The Norfolk Admirals announced they have signed forward Nathan Noel to a contract for the 2026-27 season.
Noel enters his first full season and second stint with the Admirals; after being claimed off waivers on Dec.15 from the Iowa Heartlanders in the 2025-26 season. The eight-year professional hockey veteran has over 300 professional games played under his belt, split between the ECHL and AHL (American Hockey League). His 63 games played in 2025-26 were a single-season career high, putting up two goals, eight assists, 10 points, and 114 penalty minutes between Norfolk and Iowa.
"Adding Nathan Noel is a big get for our Organizational Identity," said Head Coach and General Manager Jeff Carr. "He’s a violent center in the face-off circle, an agitator and a penalty kill specialist. He provides that and so much more with his focus for a full 60 every night, his art of being the team glue guy, and the most important factor of having over 300 pro games at the ECHL and AHL level."
"I couldn’t be more excited to head back to the Scope this season," Noel stated. "Being a part of this organization, working alongside such dedicated teammates, coaches, and staff, and playing in front of the best fans in the league is something I never take for granted. I can't wait to get to work!"
After spending his junior career with the Saint John Sea Dogs in the QMJHL (Quebec Maritimes Junior Hockey League) over four seasons from 2013 to 2017, which included a Memorial Cup in his final season, he was drafted 113th overall in the fourth round by the Chicago Blackhawks in the 2016 NHL Entry Level Draft.
The St. John’s, Newfoundland native then spent three seasons between the AHL's Rockford Icehogs and ECHL's Indy Fuel across two seasons, playing in 71 contests with the Icehogs. He then spent time with the South Carolina Stingrays, Newfoundland Growlers, and Maine Mariners from 2019 to 2024. He returned to the Fuel for the 2024-25 season, eventually making his way to the Heartlanders and Admirals.
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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