WOLF PACK UNLEASHED: CHRIS ORTIZ
Sep 18, 2025HARTFORD, CT – Chris Ortiz enjoyed a career-year in many ways during the 2024-25 season. The Boisbriand, QC, native set ECHL career best marks in assists (34) and points (39), then went on to play in a career-high 24 AHL games.
Ortiz spent the second half of the season establishing himself as a key piece for the Providence Bruins defensively. He turned that role into eight Calder Cup Playoff games with the club during the spring, which led to interest from teams on the free agent market.
In the end, after taking a step during the 2024-25 season, Ortiz elected to continue his pro journey as a member of the Hartford Wolf Pack.
“Coming into this offseason, my main goal was to find the best opportunity for me to continue developing in the American Hockey League,” Ortiz said when asked about his free agent decision. “When Hartford reached out, it felt like a great fit. They presented a solid opportunity, and I truly believe that my style of play can help the team win games. I’ve also heard a lot of great things about the Wolf Pack organization, so I’m really excited to get things started.”
Ortiz’s breakout campaign began in Wheeling, WV, where he suited up for the ECHL’s Wheeling Nailers. In 45 games with the club, Ortiz shined offensively. He scored five goals and 34 assists for 39 points, good for first among defensemen and fifth overall despite his 45 games played.
It was an offensive outburst that he credited his coaches and teammates in Wheeling for.
“Last year, my coach in Wheeling put me in a great position to succeed,” he said when asked about his ECHL success. “I was fortunate to play with some really talented teammates who made the game easier and helped me grow. That experience definitely prepared me for the next level.”
After just one game on a professional tryout agreement (PTO) with the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins, Ortiz found himself with a second PTO. This time, it was as a member of the Providence Bruins. The Bruins, dealing with injuries and recalls on the blue line, were in search of someone to step up.
Ortiz answered the call, in large part thanks to his mentality.
“When I joined the Bruins, I came in with a ‘nothing to lose’ mentality,” he explained. “Every single day at the rink, I gave everything I had — just trying to earn my spot, stay in the lineup, and contribute however I could. Playing almost half the season in the AHL gave me a lot of confidence.”
In addition to playing a career-high 24 total games in the AHL (23 with the Bruins), Ortiz recorded seven assists. When the postseason came around, Ortiz was a trusted option for the Bruins. He skated in eight games for the club, nabbing an assist in the process.
His stint with the Bruins allowed him to take a key step in his career. It’s allowed him to, as he alluded to, gain a lot of confidence. Ortiz is well aware, however, that the work is not finished.
“That said, every year is a new challenge,” he continued. “You’ve got to prove yourself all over again and earn your place. That’s exactly the mindset I’m bringing into this season.”
That mindset is the one that allowed Ortiz to be one of the most feared offensive defenders in the ECHL a season ago. It’s the mindset that allowed him to earn a key role with a strong Bruins team down the stretch and into the playoffs.
He’s now hoping it is the mindset that will allow him to earn a roster spot in Hartford for opening night and be a contributor for this team in a season where the Wolf Pack will try to return to the Calder Cup Playoffs.
“I’m a defenseman who prides himself on being reliable in the defensive zone,” Ortiz said when asked to describe his game and what he hopes to bring to the Wolf Pack. “I’m also not afraid to join the rush and make plays offensively when the opportunity is there. I just want to stay true to my identity as a player and help the team in any way that I can.”
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ABOUT THE HARTFORD WOLF PACK: The Hartford Wolf Pack has been a premier franchise in the American Hockey League since the team’s inception in 1997. The Wolf Pack are the top player-development affiliate of the NHL's New York Rangers and play at PeoplesBank Arena. The Wolf Pack has been home to some of the Rangers newest faces including Igor Shesterkin, Will Cuylle, and Matt Rempe. Follow the Wolf Pack on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, Flickr, and TikTok.