SEWELL, N.J. — The Philadelphia Rebels added a mix of international experience, offensive upside and defensive depth during the 2026 NAHL Draft, making seven selections highlighted by Swedish forward Noel Nyberg with the sixth overall pick.
Philadelphia opened the draft by selecting Nyberg, a 20-year-old center from Sundsvall, Sweden. Nyberg spent the 2025-26 season with Skellefteå AIK U20 in Sweden’s U20 Nationell league and brings experience from one of the country’s premier development programs.
The Rebels turned to the blue line in the second round, selecting defenseman Zach Shirkey with the 52nd overall pick. The 6-foot-3 right-shot defenseman served as captain of Honeybaked 16U AAA and recorded 26 points in 53 games during the 2025-26 season.
Philadelphia added another forward in the third round with the selection of Sullivan Stark at No. 98 overall. Stark tallied 50 points in 60 games for the Chicago Reapers 16U AAA and established himself as a consistent offensive producer.
The Rebels made three selections in the fourth round, beginning with forward Brock Bienemann at No. 103 overall. Bienemann recorded 42 points in 44 games with the Pittsburgh Predators 16U AAA while also producing at Penn-Trafford High School.
Just three picks later, Philadelphia selected defenseman Avi Kasargod at No. 106 overall. Kasargod enjoyed a standout season at Academy of Holy Angels in Minnesota, posting 35 points in 26 games while serving as team captain.
With the 127th overall pick, the Rebels chose defenseman Matthew Leaming from Colorado Rampage 16U AAA. Leaming also gained NAHL experience during the 2025-26 season, appearing in two games with the New Mexico Ice Wolves.
Philadelphia rounded out its draft class by selecting forward Zach Greenlund with the 132nd overall pick. Greenlund registered 35 points in 32 games for The Hill School during the 2025-26 campaign.
“Our staff put in a tremendous amount of work leading up to today’s draft, and we’re thrilled with the group we selected,” Rebels head coach and general manager Justin Hale said. “Today’s draft was another important step in building the culture and identity of the Philadelphia Rebels. We added players who compete hard, value development and fit the standard we expect in our program. We’re excited to welcome this group to Philadelphia.”
The 2026 draft class gives the Rebels a strong foundation of forwards and defensemen from respected programs and reinforces the foundation being built for the seasons ahead.