Vilio returns to Admirals

Norfolk, Va. - The Norfolk Admirals, ECHL affiliate of the National Hockey League's Carolina Hurricanes and American Hockey League's Chicago Wolves, announced that defenseman Elijah Viliohas signed a contract with the club for the 2022-23 season.

The Abbotsford, British Columbia native played in his first season as a professional last season. Before signing with the Atlanta Gladiators on October 6, 2021, Vilio participated in training camp with Barys Nur-Sultan in the KHL.

Vilio skated in 50 games for the Gladiators where he posted 23 points (9g-14a) and a +13 rating. He registered his first professional hat trick on January 17 against the Florida Everblades. On March 7, Vilio was traded to the Rapid City Rush for the completion of a future considerations trade. He played in six games with the Rush before being traded to Norfolk on March 31. 

The 25-year-old tallied five points (3g-2a) in eight games with Norfolk. 

Before turning pro last season, Vilio was a major standout at Trinity Western University. In two of his four seasons, he captured BCIHL championships and scored the most points by a defenseman in 2019-20 with 27.