KÖLN. The Haie squad for 2022/2023 continues to take shape. We secured the services of striker Nick Baptiste. The 26-year-old Canadian is moving from Finland to the cathedral city and will be given a contract until 2023. Baptiste will wear number 13 at the KEC.
“So far I’ve only heard good things about Cologne and the Haie. My impression after talking to the coaches and those responsible is that it fits very well. I’m very excited that it’ll start soon,” says Baptiste happily.
Head coach Uwe Krupp says about the striker: “Nick had a good start in Europe last season. We are very happy that he has decided to come to Cologne. He is a strong power forward who is looking for the direct route to the goal.”
About Nick Baptiste
Nick Baptiste first drew attention to himself in the Canadian junior league OHL. There he was one of the top scorers for the Sudbury Wolves and later the Erie Otters, where he went hunting for points with today’s NHL star Connor McDavid.
The Buffalo Sabers drafted the right-hand shooter in the third round in 2013. Baptiste had 47 NHL games (7 goals, 3 assists) for the Sabers. In the AHL, the forward had 315 games (77 goals, 75 assists) for the Buffalo farm team and later for the Nashville Predators, Toronto Maple Leafs, Ottawa Senators and Dallas Stars.
Baptiste moved to Europe last season. In Finland’s top flight, Baptiste recorded 26 goals and 14 assists in 65 games for Ilves.
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