NHSL teams add Development Players to rosters

Each NHSL team got a little bit deeper after the 2021 Development Player Draft was completed. 

Teams could select up to five players to join their training squads. 

Development players can be added to the roster for limited game time this season, when main roster players are unavailable. Skaters can’t play a game until they reach the age of 18.

Players are permitted to train and work out with their respective clubs. 

Here’s a run-down of the draft. 

ADELAIDE XTREME

Cooper Peacock: A third string goalie for the Xtreme. A converted ice hockey player from a baseball catcher, Peacock no doubt has raw talent and a nice glove hand. He’s only been playing for a few seasons and being around goalies like Friederich and Villani plus former national team goalies Olli Martin and Eric Lien gives him a great opportunity to mature and learn.

Patty Gasiorowski: A promising junior player (U18) who broke into the Premier League this year playing up-and-down with As. Tash Farrier has worked with him in the Jokers before, as has Nathaniel Benson.

General Manager Tash Farrier on the Xtreme Development Players: 

“Patty will be eligible to play league games after Christmas. With his new experience in Premier League this season, we know he has the foundation to build from. He has a great attitude and we know how much he will soak in from those around him. He is looking forward to getting around the Gym sessions with the guys to build up his power and take his game to the next level.” 

“Cooper will be our third goalie. With the two statistical top goalies, and Eric Lien as a former goalie himself, we thought it would be a great environment for him to be around. We will look for Cooper to play a team role and support the team both on the ice at trainings and around the room on game days.” 

PORT ADELAIDE BREWERS

Cam Pope: A developing player who plays with size. He’s played both A-Grade and Premier League with the Joker and has occasionally skated at Adrenaline off-season trainings. Can play defense or forward. 

Shane Akkermans: A goaltender who is working hard to improve his craft. Akkermans has climbed the ice hockey ranks the last few years. He started the season in B-Grade but started the A-Grade playoffs for the Jokers.

Cam Cook: He’s impressed as one of the leaders and better players on the Red Wings A-Grade side. At the end of the season he earned a spot as a regular in the Red Wings line up. He has some size and skates well.

NOARLUNGA STARS 

Tyson Pope: An U18 player who had a solid season with the Jokers in A-Grade. Good skater and creates with solid players around him. 

Yoanne Leveque: A western Australian Premier League player who has high offensive up-side.

General Manager Matt Lothian on the Stars Development Players: “We’ve heard that Yoanne is a hard worker, fast skater, and a solid team guy. We wanted to add to our depth and he was keen to come across and play. Tyson Pope is a young up-and-coming star. He’s smooth skating, lots of natural talent and is great with the puck on his stick.”