Peterborough Phantoms have recruited a new Canadian netminder

Matt Hennessy will take over the crucial role from his fellow countryman Hayden Lavigne who retired from ice hockey at the end of last season after two years with Phantoms.

Hennessey (24) arrives straight from an impressive three-year stint with Anna Maria College in Massachusetts in the United States. He was a standout in all three seasons, averaging at least 91.5% saves. The team won their NCAA division and Hennessey was named in the Team-of-the-Year and won the league’s Player-of-the-Year prize.

He has also played for Canada’s under 23 ‘Ball Hockey’ side winning a silver medal and a best goalkeeper award at the World Championships. Ball hockey is a fast-paced team sport played on foot using a ball instead of on ice with a puck.

Hennessey will now play in Europe for the first time. He told the Phantoms media team: “I am really excited to sign for the Peterborough Phantoms. From everything I’ve learned about the organization, it’s a great place to play and to compete in a winning environment. I can’t wait to get to Peterborough, meet the team, the staff, and play in front of a great fan base.”

Phantoms’ assistant coach, Nathan Pollard, added: “Matt was a guy we were really excited to bring in. From our conversations with him, you could tell how competitive he is, and he came across as someone who will fit in really well with our group.

"He’s been a difference-maker over the last couple of seasons, helping his team win a Championship while earning a Player-of-the-Year prize. We’re excited to see what he can do here, and if he brings the same compete level and consistency he’s shown over the last few years, we think our fans are really going to enjoy watching him play."