MASON CITY, Iowa – Last winter, defenseman Harrison Stewart got the call to Amarillo, signing a North American Hockey League tender agreement to start the 2019-20 season with the Bulls. After starting the season in the NAHL, Stewart will make his first appearance of the season for North Iowa this weekend, as the Bulls make one of their final appearances at the “Barn.”
Stewart rejoined the Bulls this week, and will be in uniform as North Iowa squares off with the Willmar WarHawks in a home-and-home series on Friday and Saturday. The Rockford, Illinois native was named to the All-West Division list as a defenseman last year, notching 33 regular-season points in 44 appearances. He scored goals in both of the Bulls’ Fraser Cup pool-play contests on the way to a spot in the semifinals.
He played a major role in an Amarillo victory over the Johnstown Tomahawks at the NAHL Showcase last month as well, notching an assist in the second period and firing two shots on the Tomahawks net.
Now, he’ll rejoin a North Iowa defense that has already shown itself to be one of the NA3HL’s stingiest. Opposing teams have averaged fewer than 24 shots per game against Bulls goaltenders, and the 90.5-percent penalty-killing clip is also among the league’s top five.
“Harrison Stewart is a steady defenseman who also has the ability to generate offense,” said Sanden. “More than his hockey abilities, Harrison is a great teammate and person. We are blessed to have Harry back in our group and look forward to him leading from the blue line.”
After a six-game road swing to begin the 2019-20 season, the Bulls will play their final home opener in the North Iowa Ice Arena on Friday evening, with a 7:30 p.m. puck drop against the Willmar WarHawks. Live streaming coverage is available on HockeyTV, with free audio streaming on Mixlr.
The last home-opening bash at the “Barn” will feature a pregame tailgate party, a postgame skate, free koozies with all paid adult admissions, free kids’ admission and more. The latest news and information on Bulls hockey is always available by calling 641-423-4625, visiting www.northiowabulls.com, or following the Bulls on social media. To purchase advance tickets to any Bulls home game this season, click here.