Leeds Knights: Power forward Zach Brooks revealed as first import signing for 2022-23 NIHL National season

The 20-year-old French-Canadian will arrive in the UK next month as something of an unknown quantity - being just two games into his pro career - but also with some glowing references by Aldridge’s trusted North American contacts.

The announcement of any import at NIHL National level is always a big deal, especially for the fans and the head coach is confident they won’t be disappointed after seeing him in action.

“He’s an out and out big, hard-working power forward,” said Aldridge, “He goes to those dirty areas and thrives in those areas. He’s where I will need somebody on the power play - he’s team tough and a big kid that can handle himself.

“Last year I felt we often struggled with secondary scoring and I just think that when you’re in Peterborough on a cold, Sunday night and you’re looking for somebody to get you a big goal, he’s the type of player who is going to get it for you.”

There is always an element of risk when it comes to making import signings at any level - regardless of how many clips there may be of a player floating around the internet.

Coaches and GMs can minimise that risk, however, by doing their homework, utilising their network of contacts to get first-hand feedback on what kind of player they might be getting, should they take the plunge and sign them.

Having first liked what he heard from a trusted players’ agent, further digging convinced Aldridge that Brooks was somebody who would fit right in with what he was trying to achieve in Leeds.

“When we made some further enquiries, the report that came back was that he was exactly what we were looking for and that he was a bit of a diamond,” added Aldridge. “He comes with great references and is coming out of a good, tough, quality league.

“The normal import in this league is probably older, from Eastern Europe, so this is completely out of that mould, I guess. But I also think that with our group, it’s a pretty tough ask to bring in a 25 or even a 35-year-old import to play with a team as young as ours.

“So, I think because he’s the same age as most of our players, that should make it easier for him to fit in and I think our group will love him

“It will be a challenge for him, it’s his first full season of pro hockey, of getting paid for playing, but it’s a great opportunity for both us and him.”

Born in Quebec, Brooks has played his most recent hockey over the other side of Canada, last year icing with the Grande Prairie Storm in the Alberta Junior Hockey League (AJHL).

In 60 games, he posted 22 goals and 28 assists, good enough form to earn him a short-term standard player contract with Trois-Rivieres Lions, the East Coast Hockey League (ECHL) affiliate of the Montreal Canadiens.

But despite having offers to attend summer training camps with several East Coast teams, Brooks decided his immediate future belonged in Leeds.

“I think I’ve found the perfect fit at Leeds,” said Brooks. “I’m very excited to be coming over. I liked the way Ryan was thinking and his vision for how the game should be played and how he wants his team to play and it’s clear he wants to give them the best opportunity to win every weekend.

“I’m your typical new power forward type of player, I love the physical game, I love to hit and I can play well on both sides of the ice. I believe I offer a great offensive side to my game, too and I like to think I’m somebody a team can rely on.”