ORLANDO – The Worcester Railers Hockey Club, proud ECHL affiliate of the New York Islanders, was awarded the 2024-25 ECHL Rising Star Award at the 2025 ECHL Hockey Summer Meetings on Thursday in Orlando, presented by FEVO.
This is the organization’s first time receiving the recognition. This award is presented to the team that demonstrates the most significant year-over-year growth in total revenue, encompassing corporate and ticket sales, food and beverage, merchandise, and attendance.
“Winning the ECHL Rising Star Award is an incredible honor and a true testament to the dedication, heart, and hustle of our entire team,” Railers team president Kim Golinski said. “This prestigious recognition doesn’t happen by chance; it’s the result of a group of people who believe in each other, who show up every day with passion, and who are deeply committed to our goals and vision.
“I’m beyond proud of what we’ve built together, and this award celebrates the culture, collaboration, and relentless effort that define the Worcester Railers.”
The Railers experienced growth across several departments during the 2024-25 season, resulting in a record-breaking year that saw:
- The best average attendance since the 2019-20 season.
- 180% season ticket increase.
- Nine closed-curtain sellouts.
- A 120% increase in game day merchandise sales, with the highest all-time revenue for merchandise.
- 38,645 group tickets sold.
- Highest ticket sales revenue in franchise history.
- Second-highest corporate revenue in the ECHL.
The Railers were also finalists for the ECHL Community Service Team of the Year award for the seventh consecutive season. The Railers have won it five times since its inception, due in part to the charitable efforts of the Railers HC Foundation.
Established in 2016, the Worcester Railers HC Foundation has donated over $1.8 million and partnered with more than 750 local community organizations throughout Central Massachusetts. The Foundation aims to make the sport of hockey accessible for all and has a primary focus on youth-based organizations in Central Mass.
During the 2024-25 season, the Foundation donated more than $225,000 to local non-profits, contributed over 2,600 volunteer hours, and welcomed more than 2,000 children to the team’s flagship community program, Skate to Success.
