Brewers and Xtreme add interstate talent ahead of Friday's clash

The Adelaide Xtreme and Port Adelaide Brewers will have interstate enforcements on hand for Friday's crucial NHSL clash.

The Xtreme are undefeated at 2-0 and looking to create a gap at the top of the standings. The Brewers (1-2), meanwhile, are playing their final game before the Christmas break and desperate for a win.

If they lose the game it means they'll be guaranteed to head into the break in third place with work to do in the second half of the season. If they win the game, they'll equal the Xtreme on points, move into a tie for first place and create a real log jam at the top of the standings.

The game becomes a lot more fun with the added element of some players.

The Brewers will have Newcastle forward Jayden Ryan for a second straight week. Ryan made his NHSL debut last week and tallied two assists in the 4-3 loss to the Stars. He registered 13 points in his last full AIHL season with the Newcastle Northstars. 

Harley Anderson will also join the Brewers from Queensland. Anderson played two seasons with the Adelaide Adrenaline and anchored the second line for most the experience. The 24-year-old put up 15 points in 27 games in the last AIHL campaign in 2019. 

Anderson should be able to help the Brewers out in the face-off circle. The Brewers have won a league worst 40% of their face-offs.

But the Brewers aren't the only team with a key mid-season addition.

Longtime AIHL veteran Adrian Esposito will suit up for the Xtreme. Esposito has 287 AIHL games to his name with the Sydney Bears. He also played professional hockey in Sweden, Japan and England. Esposito has experience with the Australian national team. 

The three players are expected to feature heavily in the game. Two other interstaters will suit up including Xander Wardlaw from Sydney (Xtreme) and Tomek Sak from Perth (Stars).

Wardlaw leads the NHSL in scoring with five points in two games. Sak has been a wrecking ball all season and finally broke through on the scoresheet vs the Stars.

There are a handful of tickets still available at NHSL.com.au. 

Fans are encouraged to bring toys or gift cards as part of the Vinnies Christmas Appeal the Xtreme are hosting.