River Dragons Acquire Veteran Forward Eric Neiley from Binghamton

COLUMBUS, GA - The Columbus River Dragons have acquired veteran forward Eric Neiley from the Binghamton Black Bears in exchange for financial considerations, adding an experienced offensive presence and proven leader to the club's forward group.

Neiley, 34, has appeared in four games with Binghamton during the 2026-27 campaign after making his FPHL debut last season with the Athens Rock Lobsters. The 5-foot-11, 185-pound forward made an immediate impact in Athens, recording 25 goals and 35 assists for 60 points in 41 games. His 1.46 points-per-game average ranked among the league's top offensive producers.

In addition to his FPHL success, Neiley spent time at multiple professional levels during the 2025-26 season. He appeared in four games with the SPHL's Macon Mayhem, tallying two goals and two assists, before earning another opportunity with the ECHL's Atlanta Gladiators. In five regular-season appearances with Atlanta, he contributed three goals and two assists.

A substantial portion of Neiley's professional career has been spent in the ECHL, where he accumulated 344 appearances between 2015-18 and 2019-25. Primarily a member of the Atlanta Gladiators, Neiley also made stops with the Adirondack Thunder and Jacksonville Icemen, totaling 126 goals and 128 assists for 254 points.

His impact in Atlanta extended well beyond the scoresheet. Across six seasons with the Gladiators, Neiley established himself as one of the most accomplished players in franchise history, ranking third in goals (119), sixth in assists (118), fifth in points (237), and third in games played (315). He also served as the club's captain, providing leadership and consistency throughout multiple seasons.

Neiley also took his talents overseas during the 2018-19 season, competing in England's Elite Ice Hockey League (EIHL) with the Sheffield Steelers and Milton Keynes Lightning. Across 68 appearances spanning parts of two seasons, he registered 26 goals and 25 assists.

The Warminster Township, Pennsylvania native began his professional career in 2015 after signing with the American Hockey League's Providence Bruins as an undrafted free agent. Prior to turning professional, Neiley enjoyed a successful four-year collegiate career at Dartmouth College, where he appeared in 129 games from 2011-15, recording 45 goals and 49 assists. He served as an assistant captain during his senior season and earned several individual honors, including NCAA All-Ivy League Second Team recognition in 2013-14 and First Team honors in 2014-15. He was also named to the ECAC Hockey Second All-Star Team in his final collegiate campaign.

Neiley brings a wealth of professional experience, offensive production, and proven leadership to a Columbus group that continues to build its identity for the 2026-27 season. His ability to contribute offensively, coupled with his experience competing at the ECHL, SPHL, and FPHL levels, gives the Dragons another established veteran as they look to gain ground in the Delta Division. 

Welcome to Columbus, Eric!