A new chapter began for one of the Leeds Knights’ latest signings on Friday night as he pulled on the blue jersey for the first time in front of the home crowd.
The Knights opened their 2026/27 pre-season campaign against the Tilburg Trappers at The Castle, giving the new arrival his first taste of game action as a Knight.
After five or six months away from competitive hockey, the forward admitted there was a little rust to shake off, but he was pleased with his first outing.
“It was good. First time in game action in five, six months since my season ended, so a little rusty, but I thought I had some good chances.”
The Knights created plenty of opportunities throughout the game, with the forward also highlighting the performance of his line and the power play.
“It was a fast-paced game, so I thought overall it was pretty good,” he said. “But I've got to clean up some things for sure, and I think I will going forward.”
There was a lot for the new signing to take from his first night in front of the Leeds faithful.
The atmosphere inside The Castle provided an early glimpse of what awaits throughout the season.
“It was rocking. It was good,” he said. “Seeing the fans, it was basically packed in my opinion. I've heard it can get busier, but it was good. The fans, I could hear their energy and we definitely felt it.”
With the Knights having only skated together a few times prior, the opening weekend was always going to be about building fitness, understanding and chemistry ahead of the competitive season.
Despite the limited time together, the new Knight believes the team is already showing plenty of promise.
“As a team, I think we've been working hard. We've only skated maybe five times together, and some guys obviously a couple less, so I think we're looking good. I mean, I think we're a good team.”
For the new signing, the individual focus is equally straightforward — keep working hard, improve with every game and hopefully start finding the back of the net.
“I just want to work my hardest. I don't think about too much, just play the best I can, clean up some things, and hopefully the puck goes in the net soon enough.”
Having arrived at a club with a strong winning culture, the new Knight is already looking forward to becoming part of the group and building towards another successful campaign.
Asked what he is most looking forward to about being a Leeds man, his answer was simple.
“Winning. I've said that a couple of times. Just winning, the winning culture. All the guys in there are unbelievable.
“I just can't wait to keep building chemistry with them and hopefully win some games this year.”
The Knights return to The Castle on Saturday to face the Sheffield Steeldogs, before the league campaign gets underway against the Hull Seahawks on Friday 18th September.
