Admirals Sign First Goalie for Upcoming Season

The Norfolk Admirals have signed their first goaltender this offseason, agreeing to an ECHL standard contract with Kristian Stead for the upcoming season.

The 27-year-old British Columbia native returns to Norfolk after starting the 2023-24 season in the SPHL with the Knoxville Ice Bears. He made 13 appearances with the club before appearing with the Tulsa Oilers for five games.

After being loaned to the Admirals last January, Stead played in six games, posting a 4-2 mark with a 1.91 goals-against average. In his second start with the club, he pitched a 25-save shutout against the Worcester Railers on January 14.

Stead finished his tenure with Norfolk with three straight victories, including two shootouts. He was then assigned back to Knoxville in February, finishing the season with the Ice Bears.

"I'm looking forward to helping (the Admirals) build off all the success from last year and play in front of the incredible fans in Norfolk," Stead said following his signing.

The 6-foot-2, 195-pound netminder signed a tryout contract with the Admirals in 2022 for training camp, but reported back to Knoxville a week later. He went 20-9 with the Ice Bears that season with a 3.04 GAA.

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Familiarity, solid play in the net and work ethic were the qualities that led Norfolk to offer Stead a contract for this season, according to general manager and head coach Jeff Carr.

"We believe (Kristian) can be a big part in a tandem goalie situation for us this upcoming year," Carr said.

As of August 22, the Admirals have one goalie, three defensemen and eight forwards on their roster. The club will open the 2024-25 regular season at Norfolk Scope on October 18 against the Adirondack Thunder.