University of Alaska Fairbanks
Department of Athletics & Campus Recreation
PO Box 757440
Fairbanks, Alaska 99775-7440
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 7, 1999
Contact: Scott Roselius
Sports Information Director
907-474-6805
Fairbanks - The University of Alaska Fairbanks Department of Athletics announced today the signing of one student athlete to a National Letter of Intent. Casey Bartzen (Saskatoon, Saskatchewan) will attend UAF and join the Nanook Hockey Team for the 1999-2000 season.
Bartzen is a 5-11,185 lb center who was a first team all-star for the Quesnel Millionaires in the British Columbia Junior Hockey League. He was fourth in the league in scoring with 109 points (36 goals and 73 assists). "We're thrilled that Casey has decided to join the Nanooks," says UAF assistant coach Tavis MacMillan. "He is a highly skilled impact player who will make an immediate contribution to our team. Casey is an outstanding skater with great puck skills. He is shifty, has great first-step quickness, and has the ability to make his teammates better. He is a great find for us."
Bartzen will join Colen Pappas (Balzac, Alberta) and Lance Mayes (Brentwood Bay, British Columbia) who both signed in the November early signing period.
Pappas, a 5-11, 192 lb center, played for the Olds Grizzlys in the Alberta Junior Hockey League. "We are excited to have Colen join our team," said MacMillan. "He is a very physical forward who has the skills to be a real offensive contributor at the Division I level. We are pleased to get another good player from Olds. Colen will be a very solid player for us. He is good now, and as an 18 year old has a tremendous upside to his game." Former Grizzlys that have become Nanooks include Larry Moberg, Ian Perkins and Jim Lawrence.
Mayes is a 5-10, 175 lb goaltender was a standout with the Langley Hornets and Merritt Centennials in the British Columbia Junior Hockey League. He sported a 4.43 goals against average and .884 save percentage. "Lance Mayes is an outstanding goaltender," says MacMillan. "He has impressive credentials playing in an offensive minded BCJHL. His team was not at the top of the league so he saw a ton of shots each game. His save percentage is outstanding, especially considering that fact. Lance will push our returning goaltenders, Chris Marvel and Nathan Wheeler, for the starting job immediately."
The addition of Bartzen, Pappas and Mayes gives the Nanooks a solid foundation to build on for the 1999-2000 season. The Nanooks hope to announce the signing of two to three additional players in the next few weeks.
Phone: (907) 474-7205
Fax: (907) 474-5162
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