University of Alaska Fairbanks
Department of Athletics & Campus Recreation
PO Box 757440
Fairbanks, Alaska 99775-7440
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 14, 1997
Contact: Scott Roselius
Sports Information Director
907-474-6805
(Fairbanks) - The University of Alaska Fairbanks Department of Athletics announces today that three student athletes have signed national letters of intent to attend UAF and become members of the Nanook hockey team for the 1997-98 school year. They are Jim Lawrence (Benalto, AB) a 5-11, 175 lb center/right wing, Chad Hamilton (Calgary, AB) a 6-1, 205 lb defenseman, and Darren Tiemstra (Edmonton, AB), a 6-2, 210 lb defenseman. This brings next year's recruiting class to five as the Nanooks announced the signing of two recruits in November. Pat Hallett (Fairbanks, AK), a 6-2, 195 lb left wing and Ryan Reinheller (Medicine Hat, AB), a 6-0, 190 lb right wing will also join the UAF team. Hallett, is currently a member of the Soo Indians of the North American Junior Hockey League. Reinheller is a member of the Penticton Panthers in the British Columbia Junior Hockey League.
Lawrence was an all-star performer for the Olds Grizzlys in the Alberta Junior Hockey League last season scoring 40 goals and 39 assists, good for third in league scoring. "Jim is a player with exceptional skating skills," says UAF Assistant Coach Tavis MacMillan. "He makes things happen with his ability to beat opponents one-on-one with his speed and puck handling. Jim is exciting player that Nanook fans will enjoy watching."
Hamilton was a standout defenseman for the Cowichan Valley Capitals in the British Columbia Junior Hockey League. As an 18 year old, Hamilton scored 3 goals and 24 assists with the Capitals this year. "Chad is a big, strong blueliner who likes the physical aspect of hockey. He is a solid all-around defenseman, who will be a stabilizing force on our blue line," says MacMillan.
Tiemstra was the defenseman of the year in the AJHL this season, where he scored 4 goals and 47 assists to lead his team into the AJHL finals. He also racked up 240 penalty minutes. "Darren is another big, strong, defenseman with underrated offensive ability," says MacMillan. "He has exceptional leadership qualities and is a very tough kid. Darren and Chad will add some much needed size and strength to our blueline."
Nanook Coach Dave Laurion is pleased with the Nanooks recruiting for next season. "Tavis has done a great job recruiting this year. We've added some much needed size and strength to our line up for next season. The Nanooks, who lost six seniors from this season, expect to sign possibly two more players in the next three weeks.
Phone: (907) 474-7205
Fax: (907) 474-5162
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