The Adelaide Adrenaline are happy to announce that Canadian import defenseman Alex Adams will join the team in 2018. He is sponsored by Dr. John Chen.

Adams played a major role on the University of Laurier Golden Hawks in U-Sports (Canadian University League) - the same level of competition as previous imports like last year's MVP Cam Critchlow, star defenseman Casey Babineau, "The Maritime Monster" Matt Murphy, two-year return import Cole MacMillan and 2016 impact player Gabriel O'Connor.

Adams is currently with Knoxville Ice Bears in the Southern Professional Hockey League (SPHL) and will join the team after their playoff run.

He is brought in for his defensive pedigree and to help run the power play.

Alex has made an immediate impact with Knoxville. He joined the club after the University Hockey season finished in February.

Since then he's been thrust into important minutes both on special teams and on defense.

"I consider myself to be a two way defensemen who can give the team what they need in any situation," he says. "I believe I have the tools to make high end skilled plays and I can definitely alter my game to play the role asked of me."

It must be intimidating for a new player to join a team, especially from another country, but Adams says he doesn't think he will have a problem fitting in.

"The big thing I do when I come to a new team is try to be a great teammate and make the plays that shows I want to win. Sometimes a blocked shot or taking a hit at the right time can be the spark needed to win," he says.

"I will do anything of asked of me in Adelaide. If I have to strap on the goalie pads to make us win...I'll do it," he adds.

Alex will help lead a young core that will see more valuable minutes this season. 

Zach Boyle (21), Jordan Geyer and Corey Stringer (20) will benefit from having a big defenseman like Alex Adams around.

Alex says he is looking forward to helping guide other young forwards, like this week's announced players Ryan Foll (22), Brad Chenoweth (18) and Nathaniel Benson (17), through the next level of hockey. 

"I was fortunate enough in both juniors and university to have veteran players guide my game and it translated into me going forward and becoming a pro," he says. 

Alex took the time to answer some further questions about himself and his time in Adelaide. Read them below.

1) What are you looking forward to most about playing in another country?

Given that I have basically spent my entire career playing in different parts of North America I’m just looking forward to embracing a new culture.

The list of things and places I want to do/see during the season will definitely require some planning! It’ll be neat to see how the game is growing globally as well given that I’m from the Toronto area also known as the “Mecca” of the hockey world back home. 
 

2) What has the difference been between playing U-Sports hockey and the SPHL?

The biggest jump between U-Sports and SPHL has been basically the size and strength of guys. Coming from University hockey, where you still see 19 and 20 year olds who are filling out, and then playing in the SPHL where you have 28-30 year olds who’s job it is to put you through the wall changes the way you play and the plays you’d regularly make. 

3) Have you talked to other guys that play in the SPHL? What did they say about the AIHL?

Actually funny enough, my goalie here in Knoxville played for the Melbourne Ice a few years back. Name is Troy Davenport. He has amazing things to say and was a big part of persuading me to come down.

One of the biggest things he said to me was that its an opportunity of a lifetime in the sense that most university students that have recently graduated pay thousands of dollars to travel and by having the hockey I’ll have the chance to see Australia in a much more affordable way. I think guys are also realizing that spending a summer playing in the AIHL is way better then grinding at a summer job and moving back in with your parents back home! 

4) What is your favourite thing about playing hockey?

My favourite thing about playing hockey is the people I’ve met and the places I’ve been through the game. I cant even count the amount of amazing guys, memories and experiences I’ve had. The game has shaped me and given me the chance to grow as a person on and off the ice. 

5) Can you describe for us a moment that sticks out for you so far in your hockey career?

I’ve been playing hockey for so long that its hard to put my finger on just one. I can say most recently that my final game at university this year was a special one. The group of guys was one of the tightest I’d been apart of and that was cool to experience. My buddies back home will laugh but winning a championship with the Sharks in the GDHL (summer mens league) was a blast as well. Doesn’t matter what level it is, nothing taste better then winning!

6) Tell us something about your hometown.

I’m from a town called Orangeville, its about an hour Northwest of Toronto. The town is actually more well known for it being a Lacrosse factory for American Universities (NCAA) and the NLL (pro lacrosse). My dad used to be the mayor for 10ish years when I was younger. And no there is no correlation between my hair colour and my hometown I swear! 

QUICK SHOTS

Favourite NHL Team: Toronto Maple Leafs

Favourite Hockey Player: Erik Karlsson

Favourite Sport Outside of Hockey: Lacrosse

Favourite Athlete (non hockey): Kobe Bryant

Favourite PreGame Meal: Anything that I don’t have to make myself!

Most listened to Song on the Ipod: Depends on the mood

Phone App you can't live without: Instagram.. follow me @alexadaams

If I weren't playing Hockey, I'd be a downhill ski racer, my uncle would make sure of that!