The ECHL’s Adirondack Thunder has announced that the club has signed veteran forward Shane Harper to a contract for the 2026-27 season.

Harper, 37, played three games with the Thunder last season, recording two assists and a game-winning goal against Wheeling on Dec. 13. Harper recorded 56 points (19 goals, 37 assists) during the 2023-24 season and helped lead the Thunder to the Eastern Conference Finals with 15 points (six goals, nine assists) in 18 playoff games.

The Valencia native set a club record during the 2022-23 season with 75 points (22 goals, 53 assists) in 65 games. Harper also recorded over a point-per-game during the 2021-22 season with Adirondack, scoring 52 points (22 goals, 30 assists) in 48 games.

Harper has spent time in the NHL, AHL, ECHL, KHL and SHL during his career. Prior to Harper’s season in Adirondack, he played in three seasons overseas in the SHL with Örebro HK and Brynäs IF and one season in the KHL with Lada Togliatti. Harper laced up for the Adirondack Phantoms in the AHL for parts of four seasons and played 19 games for the Albany Devils.

In 235 regular-season ECHL games with Greenville, Trenton and Adirondack, Harper has 257 points (100 goals, 57 assists). He ranks second all-time on the Thunder in points (185), fourth in goals (64) and third in assists (121). 

Back home, Harper skated for the Valencia Flyers, California Wave and Los Angeles Jr. Kings.

Photo/Adirondack Thunder/ECHL

— ECHL Staff

(September 10, 2026)