NHSL announces first team All-Stars

The NHSL has released it’s 2022 All-Star team. 

Three forwards, regardless of position, two defenseman and a goaltender were selected from the talent pool of the 2022 inaugural season. 

From this team, three finalists for the MVP have also been named. Read the story below and stay tuned for a special episode of In the Slot tomorrow night where we interview the finalists and announce the winner.

FORWARDS

Xander Wardlaw (Adelaide Xtreme): Highly skilled and great hockey sense, Wardlaw led the NHSL in points with 17 (10 goals + 7 assists). He was the catalyst for much of the Xtreme’s offense. He’s a playmaker and sharpshooter all in one.

Steve Best (Port Adelaide Brewers): His 13 points ranked Top 5 in the NHSL and #1 on the Brewers. Best helped pace a high-scoring Brewers side but also chipped in with solid two way play. When the chips were on the table, Best stepped up.

Yoann Levesque (Noarlunga Stars): The undrafted development player was the pleasant surprise of the season. He had 10 goals, six assists and ended up being the top player on the Stars. He had a four goal game and played with an innate passion and work ethic.

DEFENSE

Zach Boyle (Port Adelaide Brewers): What a season the South Australian had. Boyle led the NHSL in +/- by a long while with a +11 mark, showing his 5-on-5 play and defensive reliability has got better. The next closest was +6. He also led all defenseman with nine goals.

Graham Charbonneau (Adelaide Xtreme):  It was tough to determine the second defenseman on this team because there were a few strong contenders. But Charbonneau’s six assists were vital to the Xtreme. Importantly he provided balance to the squad. When Charbonneau was in the line-up the Xtreme were 5-1. When he wasn’t they were 0-2. He was the only other NHSL defenseman to average at least a point per game. Talk about value…

GOALIE

Matus Trnka (Brewers): Already named the NHSL’s Goaltender of the Year, the 17-year-old had a big season. He was big down the stretch for the Brewers and led the NHSL in win percentage.

MVP FINALISTS

• Yoann Levesque, Noarlunga Stars
• Zach Boyle, Port Adelaide Brewers
• Xander Wardlaw, Adelaide Xtreme 

GAME 2 FINALS

The Brewers and Xtreme are battling in the NHSL Finals. Game 2 is on Friday night. Get your tickets at bit.ly/NHSLTickets before they sell out.