The Texas Brahmas of the NA3HL are pleased to announce several more signings for the 2014-15 season, with 2 forwards and a goaltender part of the latest group added to the roster. Forward Zach McPherson (95), a free agent signing from Tennessee, along with two Brahmas 2014 Draft Picks, Goaltender Joey Hacker (96) from Pennsylvania and Forward Austin Davis (95) from Maine. “I’m very excited about these three, the roster is really starting to take shape, and with some of the training camp battles we’ll have for the final roster spots, the team is looking towards having a really good season”, said Head Coach Al Rooney. McPherson will be the only player on the team this year that has played for Rooney prior to this season. Zach was a member of back to back TN State HS Championship Ravenwood Raptors squads in 2011-12 and 2012-13 seasons. “Zach is just a great kid on and off the ice, he doesn’t necessarily dazzle you with anything, but is just a solid 2 way player in all three zones of the rink”, added Rooney. “He played defense the first season under me and was one of my most reliable players. I switched him to forward the second season and all he did was go and lead the team in scoring while never missing a game either season. He’s as steady as they come and I expect his game to translate to the Jr level real well.” McPherson spent last season with Northern Michigan playing ACHA hockey but decided to make the jump to Jr hockey this year to explore and open more options for himself. Hacker was the Brahmas 10th round Draft Choice in this year’s draft, and spent time in Detroit at the Brahmas NAHL camp where he stopped 60 of 65 shots in parts of 4 games. “I thought he acquitted himself quite well, couple of those goals he had no chance on, but I think he laid a solid foundation for himself to build upon this season and grow as a player.” Rooney added he only plans to carry two goalies this season, possibly three at times, depending on injuries and call-ups that occur. “So Joey will get his chance to see some action and be a game changer for us, it will be up to him then to deliver on the promise he has shown already. This level is highly competitive for goaltenders, there are a lot of goalies looking for a team so it’s probably the most competitive roster position in all of Jr hockey.” Austin Davis was drafted one round later by the Brahmas and also spent time in Detroit with the Brahmas in their NAHL Main Camp. “Austin displayed some great traits that every Coach wants to see in a player – grit, hustle and character. He never gives up on a play, has good speed, and I think is eager to take his game to the next level. Half the battle for players at this level is ‘coachability’ which he seems to have in spades, so I expect his game to grow quite a bit this season for us and be a key contributor for us, especially on the penalty kill.” With these three signings, the announced roster thus far is up to 15 for the Texas Brahmas, and Rooney expects to add a few more while leaving the final few roster spots open and available to be battled for in their final tryout, which will coincide with the first 2 days of Training Camp. “I want guys to know right away that everything has to be earned at this level. This isn’t youth hockey anymore, guys have to be hungry to play, develop and make a difference for their team as well as themselves. I’m excited about getting the season started, and anxious to see everyone once they are together.” Things are starting to gain speed with the opening of training camp just weeks away on the 23rd of August. The Brahmas will be playing all of their home games in the ‘South Division’ of the NA3HL out of NYTEX Sports Centre with the season opener just over a month away on September 12th. More roster announcements will be made here soon.
