Zach Boyle links up with Newbound, Villani and Best at the Brewers

General Manager Bill Newbound says having a top-tier defenseman on his team was a non-negotiable.

“There’s no question who that is in South Australia – it’s Zach Boyle,” he says. “Zach brings great experience to the line-up, can quarterback a power play and has a win-at-all-costs mentality.”

Boyle and Newbound made it official on Wednesday, with the Team Australia defenseman signing as the final marquee player for the Port Adelaide Brewers.

Boyle is one of the most exciting players in Australian hockey. It’s all the better he’s a flashy puck moving defenseman.

Despite being only 25-years-old, Boyle already has 148 Australian Ice Hockey League games to his name – more than any other active player in South Australia.

He led all Premier League defenseman in scoring with 27 points. Last year, Boyle had 28 points and was fifth in the competition in scoring. Not bad for a defenseman.

Boyle has been a mainstay on Team Australia since 2018.

“I think the biggest strength I can bring is my experience,” he says. “Both internationally and around Australia, I’ve played a lot of different levels so I’m excited to make the shift to NHSL.”

He joins Steve Best – the prolific scorer who locked himself in with the Brewers last week.

Newbound says it’s a combination that should work well.

“Steve and Zach are both guys that walk-the-walk and lead by example on the ice,” he says. “Both are guys that don’t let anyone take liberties with their teammates. They’ve achieved a great deal and are highly respected in their community.”

With perhaps the most dangerous forward and the most offensively gifted defenseman in South Australia, the Brewers could be an exciting team to watch.

“I think Steve and I will work well together,” says Boyle. “We’re both really offensive players so I think we’ll be able to create a lot of scoring opportunities.”

Boyle says he hopes that excitement translates to fans appreciating the game.

“I hope the NHSL will bring in new spectators to the sport, creating more interest in playing,” he says.

For now, Newbound and head coach Mitch Villani will get to work formulating a draft strategy.

With a flashy defenseman and elite point scorer up front, whoever they draft, goals shouldn’t be an issue.