Running With the Bulls

Aug 29, 2013

The North Iowa Bulls had an historic season a year ago capturing USA Hockey's Tier III Junior A National Title. The benefits of that achievement have resulted in 8 previous or current players catching a ride to start the season in the NAHL. Let's take a look, starting with the players from last year's roster, at the guys who were tendered by NAHL teams. 

Brandon Anderson, a sizable and formidable forward, was tendered by the then Texas Tornado. Brandon has been offered a spot on the Lone Star Brahmas training camp roster after competing at their main camp a weekend ago. Chancie Hanson from Wasilla, AK earned the opportunity via tender as a result of a strong showing at the Kenai River Brown Bears pre-draft tryout. Chancie parlayed that spring performance into a main camp selection that brings him back to play in his home state of Alaska. Sun Prairie, Wisconsin native Jake Johnson accepted a tender from the Minot Minotauros shortly after the Bulls wrapped up their National Tourney honors. Jake was a catalyst in the tournament as he netted the 2OT winner in the semi-final game against Helena. Jake's solid performance at the 'Tauros main camp earned him a spot to start the season in Minot. Staying with the theme of providing meaningful scoring at an important time, Conor Jonasson, who netted the game winning goal in the National Championship game, recently made the Rio Grande Valley Killer Bee's at their main camp. Kyle Krueger, from Prior Lake, Minnesota, has the potential to be a high-end player in the NAHL and was tendered by the expansion Minnesota Magicians. Defenseman Bryan McFarlane was drafted by and made, the Soo Eagles. Bryan is a tough customer who will be sure to be seen patrolling the blue line of the 2013 North Division Champions. Richie Marenis made great strides with the North Iowa Bulls after starting the season with the 2013 Robertson Cup Champion NAHL Amarillo Bulls last year. Richie was a force at the Amarillo main camp and again will start with Amarillo. If he stays healthy look for Richie to be a solid offensive performer. Jordan Deckard rounds out the list of Bulls players starting the season in the NAHL. Jordan recently signed an NA3HL contract with North Iowa after playing elsewhere last year. Jordan will be joining Brandon Anderson in Texas with the Brahmas. 

The North Iowa Bulls wish each of these dedicated young men much success with their new teams!