GREENSBORO, NC – The Greensboro Gargoyles, proud ECHL affiliate of the Stanley Cup Champion Carolina Hurricanes and the AHL’s Chicago Wolves, announced today that the team has signed defenseman Tristan De Jong and forward Eric Martin to ECHL contracts for the 2026-27 season. Both players were acquired through future considerations trades following the Gargoyles’ Inaugural Season, with De Jong coming from the Greenville Swamp Rabbits and Martin from the Indy Fuel.

De Jong, 26, is a 6-foot-3, 220-pound right-shot defenseman. He finished his rookie season with Greenville, recording eight points (2G, 6A) in 42 appearances after tallying two assists in 18 games to close the 2024-25 season. The Breslau, Ontario, native served as a two-time captain at the University of Guelph in U SPORTS, finishing his four-year collegiate career with 37 points (6G, 31A) in 92 games. Prior to attending Guelph, De Jong spent three seasons with the Moncton Wildcats of the QMJHL, serving as an assistant captain during the 2020-21 season.

“I’m very excited to be joining the Gargoyles for the upcoming season,” said De Jong. “I’m eager to bring energy on the ice and connect with the fans. The coaching staff is going to provide some promising changes this season, and I’m looking forward to being a big part of that success.”

Martin, 26, also comes to Greensboro following his rookie season. The 5-foot-11, 174-pound forward appeared in 41 games with Indy last season, recording 11 points (5G, 6A). Following a distinguished junior career, Martin attended Bemidji State University, where he served as a two-time assistant captain during five seasons with the Beavers. The Calgary, Alberta, native posted a career-high 26 points (8G, 18A) in 38 games as a senior in 2023-24 before concluding his collegiate career the following season with 88 points (27G, 61A) in 165 NCAA appearances.

“I can’t wait to get to Greensboro this year and play in front of the fans at First Horizon Coliseum wearing the purple,” said Martin. “Looking forward to seeing what we can accomplish as a group and can’t wait to get started and meet everyone in the organization.”

De Jong and Martin join defensemen Artyom Borshyov, Braden Doyle, Austen May, Cullen Ferguson and Oskars Briedis, along with forwards Demetrios Koumontzis, Shane Ott, Thomas Freel and Tyler Cristall, on the Gargoyles’ 2026-27 roster.

Season tickets for the 2026-27 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.