Stief, Wheeler ink deals with Adirondack

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 Matt Stief and signed defenseman Ryan Wheeler for the 2023-24 season.

Stief, 27, joined the Thunder in a trade last season and recorded 26 points (4g-22a) in 66 regular-season games. Prior to joining the Thunder, the Westin, Florida native played 54 games for the Idaho Steelheads and had 18 points. In 120 regular-season ECHL games, Stief has totaled 44 points (4g-40a) and was voted the Thunder’s Co-Defenseman of The Year in the 2022-23 campaign.

Prior to his professional career, Stief spent four seasons at Canisius College where he tallied 60 points (5g-55a) in 133 games. During his senior season, Stief served as the team’s alternate captain and had 26 points in 36 games.

Wheeler, 25, split 66 games last season between the Cincinnati Cyclones and Iowa Heartlanders. In 78 regular-season ECHL games, the Lancaster, New York native has 12 points and 51 penalty minutes.

Prior to beginning his professional career, Wheeler played four years at the University of Connecticut where he played in 108 games.