Orgel, Purpura return to Adirondack

Action photo of Ryan Orgel and Vinny Purpura of the Adirondack Thunder

GLENS FALLS, N.Y. – The Adirondack Thunder, ECHL affiliate of the National Hockey League's New Jersey Devils and American Hockey League's Utica Comets, have announced that the club has re-signed defenseman Ryan Orgel and goaltender Vinnie Purpura for the 2023-24 season.

Orgel, 26, joined the Thunder during the 2022-23 season and recorded 20 points (1g-19a) in 45 regular-season games. The Los Angeles, California native added three points (2g-1a) in five playoff games against Newfoundland.

Prior to joining the Thunder, Orgel played in 20 games last season with the Southern Professional Hockey League’s Pensacola Ice Flyers and recorded 14 points (2g-12a). During the 2021-22 season, he played six combined games with the Utah Grizzlies and Idaho Steelheads. Before his professional career began, Orgel played two seasons at the University of Denver and finished his collegiate career with the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point.

Purpura, 24, played in four games for the Thunder last season, going 2-0-1, including a 37-save victory in his pro debut at Newfoundland on March 17.

Before starting his pro career, Purpura played three seasons at Long Island University where he played in 26 games and had a 3.40 goals-against average and a .893 save percentage. Prior to LIU, he spent two years at Boston University. In 53 total NCAA games, Purpura had a 3.38 goals-against average and an .894 save percentage. He spent time in the United States Hockey League for the Omaha Lancers and Youngstown Phantoms before his collegiate career.