MASON CITY, Iowa – North Iowa’s newest tender signing has already gotten a chance to put on a Bulls sweater, and has even notched a point for the team in a North American Hockey League game. Now, the Bulls are hoping he’ll soon be a permanent part of the team and do a whole lot more.
The North Iowa Bulls are pleased to announce the signing of Anaheim Jr. Ducks forward Luke Baker to an NAHL tender. The Dana Point, California native made his Bulls debut over the New Year’s weekend, earning his first junior assist on the game-winning goal in North Iowa’s 5-3 win over the Austin Bruins on January 1.
Baker has emerged as a perennial standout in the Jr. Ducks organization, posting 24 goals and 20 assists this season entering the second half of January for the program’s 18U team. He has played each of the last three seasons with the Jr. Ducks, posting 96 points during that stretch. He previously played the 2018-19 campaign for the Los Angeles Jr. Kings’ 14U program, scoring 27 goals and 14 assists along the way.
He was part of a memorable 2020-21 season for the Capistrano Unified School District’s hockey team as well, helping them to a Division 2A state championship in the California Amateur Hockey Association and a runner-up finish at the USA Hockey High School Division II National Championship in Omaha, Nebraska. Baker logged ice time in two games at the national tournament, including the championship game, and helped the Coyotes earn their highest finish in program history.
Baker’s tender signing locks him in with the Bulls through at least the start of next season, and any NAHL appearances for the remainder of the 2021-22 season will be made with the Bulls. He is no longer eligible to be selected in the 2022 NAHL Draft this coming summer.
The North Iowa Bulls congratulate Luke Baker on his tender signing and wish him further success as his 2021-22 season continues.