SAVANNAH, Ga. — The Savannah Ghost Pirates, proud ECHL affiliate of the Florida Panthers, announced today that they have signed veteran defenseman David Drake and veteran forward Eddie Matsushima for the 2026–27 season.
Drake, 31, joins the Ghost Pirates after appearing in 57 games with the Norfolk Admirals last season, recording one goal and 11 assists. The Naperville, Illinois, native enters his 9th professional season with 449 career games played, including 435 in the ECHL with Norfolk, Wheeling and Reading. Over his professional career, Drake has totaled nine goals and 90 assists.
Before turning professional, Drake played four seasons at the University of Connecticut, appearing in 124 collegiate games while recording four goals and 21 assists.
Matsushima, 32, arrives in Savannah after serving as captain of the Bloomington Bison during the club's inaugural season. He recorded 18 goals and 22 assists in 56 games last season and has spent the past two years in Bloomington.
The Verona, Wisconsin, native has appeared in 329 career professional games, including 325 in the ECHL with Bloomington, Tulsa, Worcester, Maine and Orlando. A 2022–23 ECHL All-Star, Matsushima has totaled 116 goals and 128 assists during his ECHL career.
Prior to joining the ECHL, Matsushima won an SPHL championship with the Pensacola Ice Flyers in 2021. He played collegiately at the University of Wisconsin–River Falls.
With the additions of Drake and Matsushima, the Ghost Pirates have now signed 10 players for the 2026–27 season.
The Ghost Pirates open the 2026–27 season on Friday, October 16, when they host the Norfolk Admirals at Enmarket Arena. Season tickets are on sale now. Visit ghostpirateshockey.com or call 912-494-2868 for more information or to purchase.
— GHOST PIRATES —
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