Ayden Pierce, a 2004 goaltender from Oshawa, Ontario, Canada, returns to the EHL for his age-out season with the Boston Jr. Terriers. Last season, Pierce played a pivotal role in leading the Boston Jr. Rangers all the way to the Championship Game, showcasing himself as one of the league’s top goaltenders. Over 18 regular season games, he secured 11 wins, achieving a 1.91 goals-against average (GAA) and a .933 save percentage (SV%). His strong performance extended into the postseason, where he played nine games and maintained a 2.09 GAA with a .938 SV% to his name.

Pierce earned East Division Star of the Week honors in Week 23. During that stretch, he led his team to three straight victories, including a 4-1 win over the Seahawks, a 1-0 overtime shutout with 27 saves, and a shutout in a 2-0 victory against the Bandits. His steady play throughout the season demonstrated his ability to rise to the occasion in crucial moments.

Looking ahead to the upcoming season, Pierce is focused on making every opportunity count.

“As an uncommitted player heading into this season, I am approaching it with the perspective of outworking every other player in the league on the ice, off the ice, and everything in between," said Pierce. "I want to leave nothing on the table for regret. Competing in a league with some of the best goalies pushes me to elevate my game every day. I’m ready to seize every opportunity, whether it’s a practice or a game, and give it my all. My preparation in the offseason was intense, and I’m excited to see that hard work pay off.”

As he prepares for this season with the Terriers, Pierce stated that his main goals are to earn a spot on the Main All-Star Team, win the Goalie of the Year award, and, most importantly, lead his team to an EHL championship.

“Winning a championship is my main goal; it was a great experience last season getting to the Frozen Finals, but there is a lot of unfinished business,” added Pierce.

With the support of his teammates and the guidance of his coach, he is determined to make his final season in the league his best one yet.

Alex Koenig, a 2004 goaltender from Manhattan Beach, California, emerged as the top goalie for the Express last season and is returning for his final year in the EHL. Throughout the regular season, Koenig played 16 games, securing 11 wins with an impressive 1.73 goals-against average (GAA) and a .946 save percentage (SV%). His postseason performance was equally strong, with five games played, a 2.31 GAA, and a .935 SV%.

Koenig played a crucial role in leading the Express to the regular season title in the East Division. His outstanding performance earned him East Division Star of the Week honors in Week 22, following a standout showing in a 2-1 shootout win over the Wizards, where he allowed just one goal on 48 shots. His consistency and skill were further highlighted when he was named a Showcase Star in Week 14, contributing to a perfect 3-0-0 record at the Newington Showcase, including a 4-0 shutout win over the New England Wolves with 18 saves.

Reflecting on his return for another season, Koenig is focused on building upon last year’s success.

“I’m excited to be back with the Express for my final year,” Koenig stated. “We have a great group, and I’m ready to do whatever it takes to help us win another title. Competing against other top goalies in the division only motivates me to perform at my best.”

Koenig is also looking forward to the challenges ahead, particularly the opportunity to face off against other top goalies in the division.

“It’s going to be a privilege to compete with two other really good goalies just in my division, and I know playoffs are going to be really exciting against these guys. I play my best hockey when the stakes and competition are high, so I look forward to those battles,” he shared.

With his eyes set on earning a spot on the Main All-Star Team and contending for Goalie of the Year, Koenig is also driven to lead his team on another deep playoff run. His focus remains on both individual excellence and team success, setting the stage for a memorable final season with the Express.

Isak Saldjoughi, a 2004 goaltender from Monmdam, Sweden, returns to the Seahawks for his final year in the EHL. Last season, Saldjoughi played 25 regular season games, posting a strong 2.23 goals-against average (GAA) and a .925 save percentage (SV%), along with three shutouts. In the postseason, he appeared in four games, recording a 3.73 GAA and a .900 SV%.

Saldjoughi's performance last season earned him East Division Star of the Week honors twice. In Week 15, he was recognized for his standout play in a 2-0 shutout victory over the Express, where he made 31 saves. He continued his strong form in Week 17, leading his team to a 1-0 shutout win over the Terriers with 26 saves. Even stepping in as relief during a 4-3 loss to the Warriors, Saldjoughi made 23 saves.

"I know what I'm capable of, and I just need to play my game, stay focused, and stop as many pucks as I can," said Saldjoughi. “One of my goals is to be on the Main All-Star Team; it would be so fun to represent myself and the Seahawks in the College Series. Another goal I have is to get committed to a school that fits me, both on the ice and in the classroom.”

Pierce, Koenig, and Saldjoughi all have their sights set on making the Main All-Star Team this season. The Main All-Star Team represents the top players in the EHL and will compete against a pair of NCAA Division III programs in SUNY Brockport and Elmira College.

Along with the Main All-Star Team, the EHL also features a pair of Regional All-Star Teams. The Northeast All-Star Team, featuring players from teams only in the North and East Divisions which face-off against Keene State College and the Wentworth Institute of Technology. As for the Mid-Atlantic All-Star Team, which is made up of players from the Central and South Divisions, this year's opponents stand as Post University and Johnson & Wales University.

The EHL All-Star College Series, featuring all three All-Star Teams, spans from October 21st through 26th, with each game being hosted by the respective school/opponent.

These three goaltenders (Pierce, Koenig, and Saldjoughi) enter this season as uncommitted players in a highly competitive division, each aiming to lead their team to a Championship. In addition to their playoff ambitions, they hope to secure college commitments, be named all-stars, and further prove themselves amongst the best goaltenders in the EHL.