Craig Needham, a name making waves in the hockey world, has shown great promise and dedication throughout his career. From his early days in junior hockey to his recent achievements with the Florida Everblades, Needham's journey is a testament to his hard work and passion for the sport. This article delves into the details of his career, highlighting key moments and accomplishments.
Early Career and Junior Hockey
A native of Medford, Massachusetts, Needham's hockey journey began with the Valley Jr Warriors program. After graduating from Lawrence Academy, Needham transitioned to junior hockey, spending two seasons with the Youngstown Phantoms of the United States Hockey League (USHL).
During his time with the Phantoms, Needham accumulated 37 total points in 133 regular-season and postseason games. In his second season, he served as the team's captain, showcasing his leadership qualities.
His performance in the USHL earned him a scholarship to Providence College, marking a significant step in his hockey career.
Collegiate Career at Providence College
Needham's collegiate career at Providence College was marked by consistent performance and dedication. He appeared in 160 games over five seasons, ranking him second all-time in school history for games played. As an Assistant Captain at Providence College, Robbie recently wrapped up his senior season.
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Over his five years with the Friars, Needham registered 35 total points, scoring 14 goals and providing 21 assists. His commitment and longevity on the team highlight his resilience and passion for the game.
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Professional Career with the Florida Everblades
After completing his collegiate career, Needham signed his first professional contract with the Florida Everblades of the ECHL. He joined the team late in the 2023-24 season, making his debut on March 22.
He saw action in 11 regular-season contests. Needham became a member of the 2024 Kelly Cup winning team.
In his first full season with the Everblades, Needham scored eight goals and added ten assists over 63 games. During the playoffs, he got one goal in 15 games.
The Florida Everblades have re-signed forward Craig Needham to a standard player contract for the 2025-26 season.
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Teammate Ben Brar
Needham isn't the only talented player on the Everblades. Ben Brar also joined the club late in the 2023-24 season and became a member of the Kelly Cup winning team of 2024. Brar played in five regular-season games, registering two assists, and appeared in seven postseason games, picking up one helper. Prior to joining the Everblades, Brar played five years of collegiate hockey at Merrimack University, registering 83 total points in 155 career games. He served as the team captain his final two seasons.
Boston Junior Whalers Elite Hockey Club
In addition to his professional career, Craig Needham is also involved with the Boston Junior Whalers Elite Hockey Club. In 2024, Needham joined the club and will be working mainly with the BJW U16 & U15 Midget Elite Showcase Teams.
This role allows him to give back to the community and help develop the next generation of hockey players.
Season Tickets and Fan Engagement
For fans looking to support Craig Needham and the Florida Everblades, season ticket plans for the 2024-25 and 2025-26 campaigns are now on sale. Becoming a Blades 365 Member offers incredible savings and benefits.
Group Packages are available for groups of 10 or more, and the Everblades offer an easy-to-run online Fundraiser. Fans can also purchase the newest merchandise online or at the Hertz Arena Pro Shop.
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Every Florida Everblades game can be watched on FloHockey.TV, and fans can listen to the game action on ESPN Southwest Florida.
| Season | Team | League | Games Played | Goals | Assists | Points |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023-24 | Florida Everblades | ECHL | 11 | - | - | - |
| 2024-25 | Florida Everblades | ECHL | 63 | 8 | 10 | 18 |
| College | Providence College | NCAA | 160 | 14 | 21 | 35 |
| Junior | Youngstown Phantoms | USHL | 133 | - | - | 37 |