On Wednesday, Head Coach/Director of Hockey Operations Jeff Bes announced signing of defenseman Ethan Hawes to a professional tryout (PTO).
Hawes played with Eindhoven Kemphanen of the Netherlands-2 professional circuit in 2024-25, scoring 3 goals and 18 points in 19 regular season games before adding 2 goals and 7 points in 10 playoff games. The native of Newcastle, Australia has played four seasons for his hometown semi-professional team, the Newcastle Northstars of the Australian Ice Hockey League between 2022 and 2025, scoring 13 goals and 86 points in 87 regular season games. Hawes also represented Australia in the World Junior Hockey Championships in the 2B and 3 divisions, captaining the team in 2022. Hawes previously played junior hockey in North America, most recently with the Oceanside Generals of the VIJHL in 2022-23.