Hockey Hype Australia is pleased to announce the signing of import skater Chris Kushneriuk to the Sydney Bears of the Australian Ice Hockey League (AIHL). Kushneriuk will add skill and versatility to the line-up with experience playing forward and defence.

The 37-year-old veteran will add his presence to an already deep Bears’ roster that is tied for first place in the league and conference. According to the team, Kushneriuk will initially be deployed on the blueline.

Kushneriuk will reunite with Bears’ captain Ryan Annesley – the two played together for parts of two seasons with the Bakersfield Condors in the East Coast Hockey League (ECHL).

The signing of Kushneriuk adds an elite all-situations presence on the blueline for Head Coach Tyler Huberty. Kushneriuk has just arrived in the country, and will meet his teammates tonight in his AIHL debut in the Battle of Sydney.

Health issues interrupted Kushneriuk’s career, but he has made a return to hockey after spending time coaching the Ottawa Junior Senators.

“We know that someone who has faced adversity in his life is going to bring leadership to our team,” Huberty told Hockey Hype Australia. “I’m looking forward to meeting him tonight.”

Huberty revealed that Kushneriuk comes highly recommended by Annesley, and that Kushneriuk and Annesley are close friends.

“I trust the character assessment, he coaches junior hockey in Canada, so he’ll have a high hockey IQ.,” Huberty added. “After tonight we’ll reassess and see where he’s at,” Huberty concluded, referring to Kushneriuk’s ability to play multiple positions.

This season, the Bears have played with an empty import slot on several occasions. Kushneriuk joins fellow import skaters Richard Crowe, Lucas Herrmann, Adam Kadlec, and Kenta Matsukane.

Dane Brumm has played as an import goaltender, although with the return of Anthony Kimlin from injury and James Downie available the Bears will likely utilise game day import spots for skaters.

The Sydney Bears are playing the Sydney Ice Dogs tonight at Macquarie Ice Rink at 7:30 pm. This is the last Battle of Sydney of the season, and the Wilson Cup will be awarded to the Bears who hold a 3-0 series lead.

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