Ice Dogs supporters meet Derek Campbell; the Ice Dog’s highest profile import signing to date. 

With at least 10 years Pro experience amongst the American Hockey League, East Coast Hockey League, United Hockey League and the Elite League in the UK Derek Campbell will be a force in the Australian Ice Hockey League and certainly worth watching.

“Derek being one of the highest point scorers in the English Elite league as well as being what leagues call an enforcer, he will not only fill the net and set-up his team mates at the Dogs but he will bring a toughness that the Dogs have lacked in the last couple of seasons” explains captain Anthony Wilson.

Campbell can be considered a rare all-round hockey player that will add firepower upfront given the points he has put up in the Elite league, East Coast Pro, Canadian Major Junior and University hockey. On top of that he is certainly not afraid to drop the gloves if need be. 

The Nepean, Ontario native from Canada won’t be alone as the Ice Dogs have stocked up on import talent this season. 

“We are proud to add an import of Derek’s calibre to the line up” says coach Mark Stephenson.  “I think he will fit right in with our team, and his experience will be of great benefit to our pursuit for a national title this season”.

The addition is not only a big plus for the Dogs but also for the local hockey community who will be able to see a high profile import on a consistent basis which is very important to the growth of the sport and gives the kids another idol they can follow.

Ice Dogs supporters and hockey goers can get their first glimpse of Derek at the home opening weekend starting May 15th and 16th when the Ice Dogs face the Penrith Bears and Melbourne Ice.

What do Canadian forwards Jassi Sangha, Brock Backus and Jamie Galbraith have in common?  Well yes they are all Canadian, but they also played on the same junior team, the Kamloops Storm of the Kootenay International Junior Hockey League.  Sangha led the Storm in point scoring for two consecutive seasons and was ranked in the top 5 scoring in the league in 2007 and 2008.  In his time in the KIJHL he was also called up to the Merritt Centennials of the BCHL on many occasions.

After the Storm’s narrow defeat in the KIJHL 2008 final both Backus and Sangha were offered to play for the University of Southern Maine Huskies, while Galbraith finished his third and final season for the Storm who again finished second in early 2009.

With the departure of both veterans Brett Thomas and Chris Sekura, the Kamloops trio will look to bring some offensive spark.   Not to mention a little aid in defence if required as Galbraith plays both positions well. “One thing that hurt us last year in the playoffs were injuries which left us a bit shallow at the back, this year we have an abundance of defensemen and an import which can slip back there if we need him to” adds coach Mark Stephenson.

American forward Matthew Monaghan completes the import roster and adds some more speed and a physical presence which suits the doggies’ just fine.

Most successful campaigns for sporting teams are usually a result of team chemistry.  In the Australian Ice Hockey League it is sometimes quite challenging finding the right mix of imports that will gel and flow with the team.  The Ice Dogs are confident that they have the right mix this year and can now focus on getting the job done.