Rapids Sign Defenceman Declan Flanagan

The Paugan Falls Rapids have added another strong piece to their defence corps, signing 25-year-old defenceman Declan Flanagan for the 2026–27 season.

A 6'1", 190-pound right shot from Kanata, Ontario, Flanagan comes to Paugan Falls with professional experience and a proven ability to make an impact at the NPHL level.

Flanagan has appeared in 75 games over three seasons in the Federal Prospects Hockey League (FPHL), suiting up for the Watertown Wolves and Biloxi Breakers.

He also got his first taste of NPHL action during the 2024–25 season with the Smiths Falls Rideaus, where he made an immediate impact from the blue line with nine points in just eight games.

An excellent skater with a strong shot, Flanagan brings a physical element to his game and gives the Rapids another well-rounded option on defence.

“We were really excited to have the opportunity to draft and sign Declan,” said Rapids Head Coach & GM Randy Peck. “He’s still only 25, but he already has three seasons of professional experience under his belt. We really like his skating, his shot and the physicality he brings. We think he’s going to be a great addition to our defence corps.”

The Rapids acquired Flanagan’s NPHL rights through the Manotick Mariners dispersal draft. Following Manotick’s move to the LNAH, a dispersal draft was held to distribute the rights to Mariners players among the NPHL’s Capital East teams.

In addition to Flanagan, the Rapids acquired the NPHL rights to forwards Doug Harvey, Brett Gustavsen, Nic Hamre and Emile Poirier through the dispersal draft.

Paugan Falls has now officially secured Flanagan’s commitment for the upcoming season.

Flanagan becomes the latest addition to the Rapids roster as the club continues preparations for the 2026–27 campaign.