The North Iowa Bulls are well known for their scoring prowess. What gets forgotten on occasion is the strength of the corps of defensemen. Connor Langfield is the rock on the blueline for the Bulls, leading the 3HL in several categories including scoring, game winning goals, and plus/minus to name a few. Ron Lindgren from Janesville, Wisconsin is second in the 3HL in plus/minus at +48 and is tied for 7th in scoring for 3HL D-Men. Tyler Burg, a Buffalo, Minnesota native, is 3rd in plus/minus in the 3HL with a +47. "Burgy" is one of the best shot blockers in the league and is always willing to sacrifice his body for his teammates.
Assistant Captain Andrew Halama from Menomonie, Wisconsin is 6th in plus/minus at +44, and is considered one of the best Bull's defensemen, particularly in 1-on-1 situations. Coach Sanded noted that Halama, "rarely gets beat in that situation and is also very good on the penalty kill." Matthew Kaitchuk from Eagle River, Wisconsin is a shifty skater and also a great puck mover, and its a combination of those skills that have him tied for 10th in the 3HL plus/minus at +36.
Breaking it down, the Bulls have 5 of their 8 defenseman in the top-10 in plus/minus in the NA3HL. Chancie Hanson from Wasilla, Alaska and Tyler Richison from Amery, Wisconsin are both sitting in the top-25 for plus/minus in the NA3HL. Newcomers Matt Fosdick from Brookfield, Wisconsin and Bryan McFarlane from Scottsdale, Arizona have brought another level of skill and toughness to the Bulls lineup as they gear up for a run at the Silver Cup. The NAHL has noticed also, with both Fosdick (Soo Eagles) and Lindgren (Amarillo Bulls) tendered with teams for the 2013-14 campaign. McFarlane is also expected to report back to the Soo at the beginning of next season as well. Langfield and Halama have drawn NCAA attention as well. So while the Bulls forwards may be busy lighting the lamp, the Bulls wouldn't be the Bulls without their key, "The D"!
The Bulls, and this great D-corps, will begin their "Stampede to the Silver Cup" this Friday and Saturday at the Barn in Mason City! Puck drop for both games is 7:30pm so get out to the Barn and cheer on the Bulls!
