The Niagara IceDogs continue to transform their lineup entering the 2025-26 campaign.
In fact, in the past seven days they’ve signed four new players and rounded out their coaching staff.
First, new General Manager Frank Evola announced the signing of the 2025 first round, tenth overall pick, Ryerson Edgar.
Known for his high motor and two-way awareness, Edgar spent last season with the York-Simcoe Express U16 AAA team, where he posted 33 goals and 27 assists for 60 points in 32 games between the Regular Season and Playoffs.
“We’re thrilled to welcome Ryerson and his family to the IceDogs organization,” said Evola. “He plays the game the right way — he’s responsible, competitive, and has the ability to produce offensively. He’s a player our fans are going to love watching develop.”
Evola and the IceDogs brass then locked up their three Import draftees.
Defenseman Ben Reisnecker (Czechia), goaltender Vladislave Yermolenko (Belarus) and forward Mateu Späth (Germany) have all agreed OHL Scholarship and Development Agreements.
In between all of that, newly named Head Coach – former NHLer – Krys Barch named the rest of his coaching staff, with the hiring of Jon Jutzi and Luke Israel as Assistant Coaches, along with the return of Ryan Luzdik as Goaltending Coach.
Jutzi, a former professional defenseman with over 100 games played in the AHL and ECHL, brings a wealth of playing and coaching experience to the IceDogs’ bench. A native of Tavistock, Ontario, Jutzi starred at Minnesota State University (Mankato) during his NCAA career before transitioning into professional hockey and eventually coaching, where he has developed a reputation as a sharp tactical mind and a strong communicator. Jutzi is a familiar face for Head Coach Krys Barch, as he recently served as an assistant on Barch’s staff with the U16AAA Huron Perth Lakers. “I am honoured to join this organization and excited to get to work. I am proud to be joining a great staff and group of young athletes. My goal is to support our players and coaching staff with energy, commitment, and a focus on improvement every single day” Said Jutzi.
Israel arrives in Niagara after making a name for himself in Junior A hockey circles as a detailed, passionate coach who thrives in player development environments. Known for his energy and ability to connect with players, Israel’s addition signals the IceDogs’ ongoing commitment to growth, accountability, and performance. Israel spent last season with the Brooks Bandits (BCHL) as an Assistant coach.
Also joining the staff is a familiar face in Ryan Ludzik, who returns to the IceDogs as Goaltending Coach. Ludzik previously served in this role with the team and brings a strong background in goalie development, technical instruction, and mental performance. His experience working with elite-level goaltenders across junior, collegiate, and professional hockey makes his return a welcome one for the organization. Ludzik spent from 2015-2019 as the IceDogs Goalie coach and most recently has spent time with the Brock Badgers Men’s & Women’s teams and the St. Catharines Falcons (GOJHL).
“We’re extremely excited to welcome Jon, Luke, and Ryan to the IceDogs family,” Barch.said. “Each of them brings a unique skill set that strengthens our staff and supports our mission to develop high-character players on and off the ice.”
The newly signed players and coaching staff will meet for the first time in person during the final week of August when training camp officially opens.
Rod Mawhood is a lifelong Niagara native who has had the pleasure of working in all three mediums – Radio, Print and TV – for over 20 years. His first announcing gig was with the then St. Catharines Stompers. Since then he’s worked in radio and TV in Toronto, and currently is the announcer for the Niagara IceDogs and Niagara River Lions.
Rod also covers the Buffalo Bills for FOX Sports and the Buffalo Sabres for NBC Sports.
