ECHL: Gustavs Grigals joins HK Dukla Trencin

Netminder Gustavs Grigals has headed overseas and will join HK Dukla Trencin in Slovakia for the 2024-25 season.

In March 2024, Gustavs Davis Grigals signed a one-year contract to finish the 2023-24 season with the Nashville Predators. Prior to this, he primarily played for the Atlanta Gladiators, where he recorded an 11-19-0 record. As the goalie with the most appearances among Atlanta’s roster this season, Grigals recorded a performance of 8 wins and 15 losses, with a Goals Against Average (GAA) of 3.56 and a Save Percentage of .900. Over the course of his career, he has made 271 appearances. Earlier in the season, he also made his AHL debut with the Milwaukee Admirals, showcasing his potential at a higher level of competition.

He also achieved three shutout wins against the Allen Americans (October 29), Savannah Ghost Pirates (March 13), and Jacksonville Icemen (April 3). After the season ended for Atlanta, Grigals went on to serve as the 3rd available goalie for the Nashville Predators as they made their Stanley Cup Playoff run.

Before his professional career, Grigals competed for four seasons at the collegiate level. He initially played at the University of Alaska-Fairbanks from 2018 to 2022, then continued at UMass Lowell during the 2022-2023 season before making the transition to professional play. In his final collegiate season, he recorded 12 wins, nine losses, and two ties, boasting a remarkable 2.05 goals-against average and an outstanding .924 save percentage. He earned a spot on Hockey East’s Third All-Star Team during his senior year in 2022-23. Additionally, he claimed the NAHL’s Robertson Cup with the Shreveport Mudbugs in the 2017-18 season.