University of Alaska Fairbanks
Department of Athletics & Campus Recreation
PO Box 757440
Fairbanks, Alaska 99775-7440
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 8, 1998
Contact: Scott Roselius
Sports Information Director
907-474-6805
The University of Alaska Fairbanks Department of Athletics has announced today that the UAF Hockey Program has signed three student athletes to a National Letter of Intent. Forward Bobby Andrews (Birtle, Manitoba), defenseman Aaron Grosul (Edmonton, Alberta) and Joe Borro (Marquette, Michigan) will join the Nanooks for the 1998-99 season.
Andrews is a player who has the UAF coaches excited. He hails from the British Columbia Junior Hockey League where the 6'1", 185 lb. center was a 1st team all-star for the Langley Thunder. He was among BCJHL leaders in scoring and was the top scorer for his team. Andrews was a teammate of current Nanook Scott McIlroy with the Cleveland Barons in the North American Junior Hockey League during the 1996-97 season. “We are thrilled that Bobby Andrews has decided to become a Nanook,” says UAF’s main recruiter, Assistant Coach Tavis MacMillan. “He is one of the top three forwards that I saw while out recruiting this year. Bobby has the size, vision, skating ability, and skill to be an immediate impact player for our program.” UAF Head Coach Dave Laurion also had the opportunity to see Andrews play and was very impressed. “I believe Bobby is the complete package. He is an effortless skater with great vision. He can also really shoot the puck.”
Grosul, a 6'0", 183 lb. defenseman, played junior hockey for the Camrose Kodiaks in the Alberta Junior Hockey League. He recently turned 18 years old and is one of the youngest blueliners to ever don a Nanook uniform. “Aaron is a very good skater who makes smart decisions on the ice,” says MacMillan. “He is solid defensively while also possessing good offensive instincts. In time, I believe Aaron has all the tools to become an outstanding college defenseman.”
Borro is a 6'2", 196 lb. blueliner who was an all-star with the Soo Indians in the North American Junior Hockey League. A sound defensive performer, Borro has led his team in +/- rating the past two seasons. He was a teammate of current Nanook Pat Hallett two seasons ago with the Indians. “Joe is a good all-around defenseman,” says MacMillan. “He skates well, has good mobility, and is solid defensively. He also has good offensive skills and could see time on our power play this year. I would say Joe has a similar style to Chad Hamilton (Nanook freshman defenseman).”
Laurion is very pleased with this year’s recruiting efforts. “Tavis has done a tremendous job in recruiting some very good players. We need these types of recruits for us to improve in the CCHA.” The Nanooks lose only two four-year players (forward Sean Fraser and defenseman Eon MacFarlane) from last season’s squad. UAF will return 10 of their top 11 scorers, five of their top six defensemen, and their top two goaltenders for the 1998-99 season.
Phone: (907) 474-7205
Fax: (907) 474-5162
[UAF Nanooks Ice Hockey Press Releases]
[UAF Nanooks Ice Hockey Home Page]