The Adelaide Adrenaline have today announced the signing of 28-year-old forward Josh Adkins, hailing from British Columbia, Canada. Adkins joins the team as the first import signing for the 2024 season and will bring with him an extensive hockey resume having played in professionally in the United States, France and the United Kingdom.
Josh Adkins is also no stranger to the Australian Ice Hockey League, having spent 2023 with the Newcastle Northstars. It was here he put up 11 goals and 37 assist in 24 games (48 points). He finished the season ranked 12
th in the league for points and 6
th for assists.
Adrenaline General Manager Glen Foll expressed his excitement to be able to bring a player of Adkins calibre to Adelaide as the club endeavours to be a Goodall Cup contender in 2024.
“Josh is a hard-working, honest hockey player with good speed and very capable of putting up good numbers as shown in Newcastle last season. He is also not afraid to throw the body around and has a good defensive game. Having a player with his experience will be great in the locker room and invaluable on the ice.”
And in a somewhat unique situation for AIHL imports, Adkins has already arrived in Adelaide and will join the team for the start of preseason training in the coming weeks. Having the forward partake in a full preseason will give the Adelaide roster a chance to form both on and off-ice chemistry as they work towards the season opener.
“I’m super happy to have had the opportunity to return to Australia and be a member of the Adrenaline for my second season in the AIHL. I’m keen to get to know all the guys on the team, meet all the fans and experience what the city of Adelaide has to offer”, said Adkins when asked what he’s looking forward to in the 2024 season.
And Josh is joining a team that’s looking to make an impact on the league in 2024.
“Obviously last season team didn’t have the results they would have hoped for, but things are looking a lot better already for this upcoming season and we will be a much stronger side. Just from chatting with Glen about the roster, it seems that we will be a much more competitive team from day one.”
“I have a good feeling about the players we are bringing in along with a lot of solid returning guys, we will definitely be a contender this season. I’m hoping I’ll be able to be a big contributor to this revamped Adrenaline squad and help bring some playoff hockey to Adelaide.”
The signing of Adkins marks the first official signing of the 2024 season and will be followed by regular announcements as the club begins to formulate its roster.
Adrenaline memberships are expected to be available early February.
For all sponsorship enquiries please email sponsorship@adelaideadrenaline.com