GREENSBORO, NC – The Greensboro Gargoyles, proud ECHL affiliate of the Stanley Cup Champion Carolina Hurricanes and the AHL’s Chicago Wolves, are excited to have four contracted players representing the organization at the 2026 Carolina Hurricanes Prospect Showcase.

Practices opened Friday morning and continued Saturday as the prospects prepare for two contests, facing the Nashville Predators on Sunday, September 13, at 2:35 PM before hosting the Tampa Bay Lightning on Tuesday, September 15, at 2:00 PM. Greensboro is represented by rookies Tyler Cristall, Chase Lefebvre and Oskars Briedis, along with Austen May.

“It’s going to be a great experience, not only for our players, but also for our fans who will get an opportunity to see some of our new faces on the ice before training camp,” said Head Coach Mitch Giguere. “Having four of our players at the Rookie Tournament is a great opportunity for them and speaks to Carolina’s commitment to our affiliation. They’ll get a firsthand look at what it takes to play at the next level, and hopefully they can bring that experience back with them to Greensboro. From there, our job is clear: continue developing our players and preparing them for opportunities with Chicago and Carolina.”

May appeared in 14 games with the Gargoyles to close the 2025-26 season following a four-year NCAA career. The rookie will look to use the Prospect Showcase as an opportunity to prepare for his first full professional season.

“Obviously, I’ve dreamed about putting on an NHL jersey my whole life, so it will be a really cool experience,” said May. “It’s a great opportunity to sharpen the sword. I’m looking forward to getting back into games and feeling that competitive edge again. Playing against the top players here allows me to get ready and be in full swing by the time I get to Greensboro. I’m looking forward to having a strong year and helping make a push to the playoffs.”

Goaltender Ruslan Khazheyev, who appeared in 41 ECHL contests during the Gargoyles’ Inaugural Season, is also on the roster. The 21-year-old, third-year professional has appeared in 21 career AHL games with the Chicago Wolves and enters the final year of his entry-level contract.

Gargoyles broadcaster Casey Ditzel will also be part of the Prospect Showcase, calling Monday’s matchup between the Nashville Predators and Tampa Bay Lightning at 2:00 PM on September 14.

The Carolina Hurricanes will return to Greensboro later this month, hosting the Nashville Predators at First Horizon Coliseum on Thursday, September 24, at 7:00 PM. The preseason matchup marks the return of NHL hockey to Greensboro for the first time since 1999.

Single-game tickets for the 2026-27 Gargoyles season are on sale now. Opening Weekend is set for Friday and Saturday, October 16-17, when the Gargoyles host the Reading Royals. For more information about season tickets or group outings, call (336) 365-0295 or email info@gargoyleshockey.com.