The Swedish forward was reassigned to Sault Ste. Marie after playing several games for the Tucson Roadrunners.
This morning, the Soo Greyhounds confirmed the signing of Swedish forward Noel Nordh. The Greyhounds selected Nordh in the first round of the 2022 CHL Import Draft.
The 6-foot-2, 19-year-old forward joins the Greyhounds after a stint with the Tucson Roadrunners in the AHL. The Swedish forward played two AHL games with Tucson before being reassigned.
Utah selected Nordh in the third round of the 2023 Entry Draft and subsequently signed him to an entry-level contract with the team.
"Noel obviously has a lot of skill," said GM Kyle Raftis. "He's a big body and he knows how to use it ... I think he's someone we can pair with any of our centers to drive offense as a winger in our league."
Nordh has professional experience beyond his time in the AHL. Last season, he played 50 games for Brynäs IF in the Swedish professional league. His six goals and nine assists placed him fourteenth on the team in scoring.
In the 15 games he played for Brynäs IF J20, he scored 10 goals and added 12 assists dominating the U-20 league. If he can replicate this kind of scoring
Replicating that kind of scoring would make him by far the most productive scorer on the Greyhounds roster.
The Greyhounds struggled to find wins early in the season. However, they now have four wins in their last five games. Nordh's arrival will likely boost the team's offense and help them stay in the win column.
"We graduated a lot of players last year ... and coming into this year we knew we were going to be a younger group," said GM Kyle Raftis. "I think with Noel coming it, he allows us to put those [younger] guys into better situations and allow them to increase the success they are already having."
Things are looking up for Sault Ste. Marie. Nordh's arrival combined with their strong play over the last few games should have fans excited. Additionally, 19-year-old forward Marcus Mignosa is getting closer to returning to the lineup.
All these factors working in concert could easily result in the Greyhounds continuing their current run of success. Whether the team continues to find success or not, it seems Nordh will be a large part of the team moving forward.