The Backyard Hockey League, Auckland’s premiere beer league, is back for season 5.
Since all the rosters got a major reset for the 2017-18 season, Puck Yeah invited BHL President Cam Green to provide our readers with the lowdown on all the squads for ‘The Show: Season V’.
Next up in this six-part series, the Toe Dragons.
The Toe Dragons made a major overhaul of their roster this season after losing BHL 2-time MVP Justin Daigle in the 2017 Entry Draft. Somehow, the Dragons brass was able to not only improve but bolster their lineup despite the loss of such a significant contributor. The development of players like Wesley Binedell, Mike Harvey & Adam Laycock has benefited the Dragons and the addition of a few perennial BHL playmakers such as Ice Blacks Jordon Challis and Gareth McLiesh will only further their development moving forward.
Forwards:
Sam Kay – Jordan Challis – Shaun Dickinson
Johnnie Andrews-Nye – Taylor Campbell – Adam Laycock
Taylor Campbell – Rob Morse – Willy Noy
Defencemen:
Alex Luggen* – Gareth McLeish*
Evan Terlesk – Karl Parker
Mike Harvey – Jordan Hills
FHL Reserves:
Mike Harvey, Jordan Hills
Goaltenders:
Greg Davis* – Shawn Henry*
The Frontyard Hockey League is the official farm system for the BHL. The Toe Dragons’ affiliate is the Tip Insects. View their roster here.
Note: Players marked with an asterisk are BHL rookies and can be sent down to the FHL without having to clear waivers.
BURNING QUESTION:
After revamping three-quarters of last year’s roster in the draft, will it change their post-season fortunes and allow them to raise the silver chalice for the second time in four years?
ONE TO WATCH: Alex Luggen (Canada)
Luggen is a playmaker pure and simple and it was the Toe Dragons who benefitted when BHL Veteran Elliot Osbourne was forced to withdrawal from this season due to injury. GM Mike Harvey was quick to sign the BHL Free Agent following the draft. Alex will instantly become the newest version of a true quarterback of the Dragons’ attack.
ON THE FARM:
Familiar faces will adorn the Tip Insects roster in 2018. The reunion will see eight roster spots filled by members of the 2014-15 Backyard Cup Championship team. The team will also have a large upgrade in net as Gregg Franco will find himself backstopping the club. Can comradery prevail and reignite the winning ways for the Toe Dragons affiliate? That remains to be seen.