Photo submitted by the Peterborough Petes
The latest member of the Petes organization is coming from Germany.
Peterborough selected Rio Kaiser 28th overall in the 2023 CHL Import Draft on Wednesday.
Kaiser, a 6’7” defenceman from Berlin, spent the majority of the 2022-23 season with EC Red Bull Salzburg U20 in Austria. In 18 games this season with EC Red Bull Salzburg, the 16-year-old scored four times and added eight assists for 12 points. Kaiser has also featured for the German U16, U17, and U18 national teams, picking up a goal in five appearances.
General Manager Mike Oke says he’s a big, young defenceman who skates well and he believes the Petes would be an excellent option for him to continue his development.
Originally holding the 31st pick in the draft, three teams ahead of the Petes passed, resulting in Peterborough moving up to the 28th selection. The Petes elected to pass on their second round pick in the draft as Tommy Purdeller will occupy the other import slot on the team.
