More prospects signed to tenders
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The Kenai River Brown Bears have tendered two forwards for next season in HoneyBaked Midget Major AAA’s Michael Vallier and Alaska Wolves Midget AAA’s James McMullen.
Vallier, a native of Kalamazoo, Mich., will join defensive teammate Rob Michalka, who tendered with the Bears last month. Vallier finished the 2007-08 campaign with 30 goals and a team-high 46 assists for 76 points in 71 games.
“Mike is a very consistent player and responsible in all ends of the ice,” said Honeybaked coach Rob Krohl. “He was a go-to player for us this year as he was one of our top PK guys as well as on the top PP unit.
“Mike has a nose for the net; he always picks up the garbage. If I had to describe Mike in one word, it would be ‘heart.’ There was a reason why he was my captain.”
McMullen, an 18-year-old Eagle River, Alaska, native who also captained the highly regarded Chugiak High School team for the past two seasons, put up 38 goals and 34 assists in 62 combined games while playing in Alaska.
“James is a two-way player and quality student-athlete who has the speed and skill to play at the Junior A level,” said Brown Bears GM Nate Kiel. We look forward to his development within our organization.”
BISMARCK: The Bobcats have tendered defenseman John Avino, a Mount Prospect, Ill., native who had a short stint with the Bobcats this season over Christmas.
The 1989-born played the 2006-07 season with the Dubuque Thunderbirds of the Central States League, where he netted two goals for eight points.
"John is a steady defenseman who takes care of his own end first," said Bobcats head coach Byron Pool. “He competes about as hard as any player I’ve seen and was a big part of a strong program in Dubuque. I expect John to be able to step in and play a similar role with our program next year."
MARQUETTE: The Rangers have signed their 10th and final tender in forward Ryan Johnson.
The Blaine, Minn., native scored 24 goals for 63 points in 31 games as a senior with Blaine High School this season.
In three years at Blaine, Johnson scored 128 points and, as a senior, was named Minnesota All-State Honorable Mention, All Conference, was his team’s Most Inspirational Player and offensive MVP.
Andy Cousin, Marquette’s Minnesota scout, believes Johnson can make an immediate impact in the NAHL.
“Ryan’s coming out of one of the toughest sections in Minnesota hockey,” Cousin said. “He’s a dynamic forward with top-end skating ability and great hockey sense. I expect big things from him at tryouts and beyond.”