Norfolk VA – The Norfolk Admirals Announced today that the team has signed Defenseman Ryan Gagnon to a contract for the 2026-27 season.
Gagnon returns to the ECHL after spending the 2025-26 season with the Gap Hockey Club in France’s Ligue Magnus, the top professional hockey league in France. There, he skated in 44 games compiling four goals, 17 assists, 22 points and 46 penalty minutes.
The Quesnel, BC native began his professional career in the ECHL; spending two full seasons from 2022 to 2024 with the Allen Americans. In those two seasons he suited up for 120 games and scored four goals with 13 assists for 17 points. 72 of those games came in his rookie season that also included one goal and five assists for six points in 11 Kelly Cup Playoff Games.
In the 2024-25 season, he played in 37 games for the Americans before being traded to the Idaho Steelheads in January. Between both clubs that season, he appeared in 64 games; notching two goals and five assists for seven points.
"Ryan is a right shot D that plays with a physical side and adds grit to our team," said Head Coach and General Manager Jeff Carr. "We are filling our Organization with proven Pro experience, has worn a “C” in junior and college and wants to win for this city and organization."
“I am super happy to have signed with the Admirals. Have only heard great things about the organization, city and fans," Gagnon stated. "Also, excited to see everything the Norfolk area has to offer. I cant wait for October to arrive! Looking forward to playing meaningful hockey and working towards becoming a serious playoff team. See you all soon!"
The newest Norfolk Admiral spent all his five-year junior career with the Victoria Royals in the Western Hockey League that saw him play in 320 games from 2012 to 2017. During that stretch he scored nine goals while adding 57 assists for 66 points and 351 penalty minutes. He had 80 penalty minutes or more in his final three seasons with Victoria.
Gagnon then attended the University of Calgary and played for the men’s hockey team in the Canada West Universities Athletic Association before going professional. He spent four seasons with the Dinos from 2017 to 2022; putting up eight goals and 32 assists 40 points in 99 games.
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