Peterborough Pete Tommy Purdeller Signs With Hometown Team

The Peterborough Petes’s Tommy Purdeller has signed with his hometown team, HC Pustertal of the ICE Hockey League, ahead of the 2024-25 season, announced on Thursday.

Photo courtesy of Kenneth Andersen and the PEterborough Petes.

Purdeller has spent the last two seasons playing for the Petes.

"Tommy is a very good young player who has developed well in Peterborough,” said Jason Jaspers, HC Pustertal head coach. “I had the chance to speak to his coaches there and also to Tommy himself. He has a great character. If he is prepared to give it his all then he has a great future ahead of him."

The Brunico, Italy native was originally selected by the Petes in the first round, 15th overall, in the 2022 CHL Import Draft. In two seasons with the Petes, the Red Bull Hockey Academy product played in 116 OHL games, scoring 23 goals and 42 assists for 65 points. In 2023, Purdeller played in 17 playoff games for the Petes, scoring twice and adding an assist to help Peterborough win the 2023 OHL Championship.

"I chose the HCP because I am convinced of the path we will take this year,” said Purdeller. “I am looking forward to the new challenge of growing as a player and helping the team in every way. I can hardly wait to play in front of our fans and give everything I can to celebrate many victories in the Intercable Arena. For me, there is only one goal and that is clear, to play as successfully as possible in the long term and help bring a championship title to the Pustertal. I am really looking forward to seeing all the Puschtra again."

“On behalf of the Petes, I’d like to thank Tommy for his dedication to the team and the city of Peterborough over the last two seasons,” said Michael Oke, Petes general manager and vice president of operations. “From winning an OHL Championship last season to leading the team in points and serving as an Assistant Captain this season, Tommy has left his mark on the Petes organization. We wish him all the best as he continues his career at the pro level.”

With Purdeller departure, Martin Matejicek holds one of two import positions available for the Petes next season. The Petes selected Czech forward Adam Novotný with the eighth overall pick in the 2024 CHL Import Draft on Wednesday.

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