The 26-year-old winger most recently iced in the 2019-2020 season with the University of Ottawa GeeGees, where he played alongside current Stars, Michael Poirier and Connor Sills.
In his latest campaign, Cody posted six goals and 27 assists in 27 regular season games, before adding three more goals and seven helpers in nine playoff fixtures.
Standing at six-foot tall and weighing in at 187lbs, Drover is a two time NLMMHL MVP (2011-2012 & 2012-2013) and the 2014-2015 MJAHL Champion with Dieppe Commandos.
Cody’s previous teams include, Central Impact U18 AAA (NLMMHL), Moncton Wildcats (QMJHL), Dieppe Commandos (MJAHL) and the University of Ottawa (USports).
Hailing from Grand Falls-Windsor, Newfoundland and Labrador, the left-handed attacker has averaged a over a point per game in his combined four years in the USports League.
In 131 regular season and playoff matches, Drover has 147 points (40G, 107A) and an average of 1.12 points per game.
He was also an alternate captain for Dieppe in the 2015-2016 season and was named to the USports East Second All-Star Second Team in 2018-2019.
Discussing his first mid-season addition, Stars Head Coach and GM, Omar Pacha said: “I wanted to add a bit more offence to our line-up, but it was not just the case of bringing someone in as injury cover.
“Our plan is to run an extra import for the next few weeks until we get everybody back and then re-assess everything.
“Cody is a playmaker and a guy that has produced everywhere he has went and he will add a bit more offence to the line-up.
“We need another body and we need more offence, so I am glad we got the deal done pretty quick and considering the market of what is out there now, we are extremely lucky to get Cody.”
Explaining why he pursued the signature of Drover, Pacha continued: “Two years ago, he was a main target but the deal did not happen for logistical reasons.
“So, this year, when I found out he was available and wanted to play, I acted quickly and he was exactly what we were looking for.
“There was another team interested, so we moved swiftly and fair play to the directors for allowing me to make an addition.
“In normal seasons, adding a player or making changes this early would be difficult, but fair play to our fans also for showing up in big numbers so far this season.
“It was these big crowds and joining the Gold Club, that have allowed us to add a player when it is most needed.”
After penning his first pro-contract, an ecstatic Drover added: “I am extremely happy!
It has been my dream to play professional hockey since I was a kid.
“I was pretty upset when Covid took that opportunity away from me the first time, so now I could not be any happier to be joining the Stars!”
He continued: “Ever since Covid ended my playing days I always felt like something was missing.
“I have a fiancé and two great kids but I always knew that was not how I wanted to finish my hockey career.
“I am itching to get back on the ice and help contribute to the Stars season.”
Cody then shared his delight to be linking up with former teammates, Sills, Poirier and also Kyle Haas.
He said: “I am definitely excited to be joining Silsy and Haas again, two great guys who I have great relationships with, and at this point it would be weird to be playing on a team without Mike, he’s been my teammate for the last seven years so why not make it eight.
“So, it was a no brainer really both Mike and Connor speak very highly of the organisation and the fans.
“And just speaking with Omar over the phone the past couple of days, he is very passionate and has a great vision for this club.
“It was an easy decision, myself and my family are really looking forward to this opportunity.”
In his 10-year career so far, Drover has played in 311 regular season games, scoring 399 points (158G, 241A), while recording 64 penalty minutes and across 80 playoff matches, 111 points (26G, 85A) in 80 matches, with 10 penalty minutes.
Cody is in the process of travelling to Scotland now and will hopefully be cleared to play in Friday night’s massive Elite League home match against Cardiff Devils. You can buy your tickets HERE!
Picture Credit: University of Ottawa.
