Worcester Railers HC announce signing of two St. Lawrence University standouts
Forward Woody Hudson and defenseman Ben Masella sign ECHL contracts for 2017-18 season
WORCESTER, MA – The Worcester Railers Hockey Club (@RailersHC), proud ECHL (@ECHL) affiliate of the New York Islanders (@NYIslanders), and Railers HC General Manager and Head Coach Jamie Russell officially announced today that the club has signed forward Woody Hudson (@Morning_woody13) and defenseman Ben Masella (@chickenmasella) to ECHL contracts for the 2017-18 season.
Woody Hudson spent four seasons with St. Lawrence University (2013-17) playing in 140 games for the Saints and recorded 16 goals, 19 assists, and 109 penalty minutes.
Prior to the Saints, the 6-foot-three, 220lb Greece, NY native played three seasons in the United State Hockey League (USHL). Of those three, two were spent with the Indiana Ice, where he recorded 91 games played, 25 goals, 13 assists, and 143 penalty minutes, and served as captain. He played 30 games with the Chicago Steel in the 2012-13 season, totaling two goals, six assists, and 41 penalty minutes. Prior to the USHL, Hudson attended Milton Academy and was part of the 2011 New England Championship team.
The 24-year-old made his professional debut in 2016-17 with the Indy Fuel (ECHL), where he played in 11 games and had one goal, two assists, and seven penalty minutes. He attended the New York Islanders rookie camp in 2015, and the Chicago Blackhawks rookie camp in 2016.
“Woody plays with an edge and will add some size to our roster,” said Russell. “He is a big man that skates well and has a very heavy shot. He finishes his checks and is excited to develop as he learns the pro game.”
Ben Masella also spent four seasons with St. Lawrence University (2013-17) where he played in a total of 99 games and recorded four goals, 24 assists, 79 penalty minutes, and a +15 rating, and served as an alternate captain his senior year.
Prior to the Saints, the 6-foot-one, 215lb Montreal, QC native played one season in the British Columbia Hockey League (BCHL) for the Chilliwack Chiefs and totaled 56 games played, three goals, 10 assists, and 86 penalty minutes.
The 24-year-old made his professional debut in 2016-17 with the Adirondack Thunder (ECHL) and appeared in three games.
“Ben is a steady defenseman that has good mobility,” said Russell. “He competes hard and will move pucks north quickly in transition.”
The Railers are expected to announce more player signings upon approval from the ECHL in the upcoming weeks.
The Worcester Railers Hockey Club, a proud member of the ECHL, will play their inaugural game at the DCU Center on Oct. 14, 2017 vs. the Manchester Monarchs. Full season memberships start at just $432 for 36 regular season games at the DCU Center and can be purchased by calling the Railers front office at 508-365-1750 or by visiting www.RailersHC.com.
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