Two 2007 picks sign

Dana Tyrell signs

Prince George, BC- The Prince George Cougars are proud to announce and wish to congratulate team captain Dana Tyrell, who has agreed to terms with the Tampa Bay Lightning of the National Hockey League. The Lightning selected Tyrell in the second round, 47th overall, in the 2007 NHL draft.

Prince George Cougars General Manager Dallas Thompson says; "Dana is very deserving for achieving this goal of his. All the effort and hard work he has put into his game and the commitment to the Prince George Cougars has certainly helped Dana achieve this terrific milestone in his life.”

Tyrell leads the Cougars in scoring in his fourth full WHL season, with 19 goals and 20 assists for 39 points, and is ranked tied for 13th in league scoring. Tyrell leads the Cougars in power-play goals with 7 and short handed tallies with 3. Tyrell will also attend the National Junior Team selection camp in Ottawa, ON, December 11-15, in hopes of wearing Canada’s colors at the IIHF World Junior Hockey Championship in the nation’s capital, beginning December 26.

Eric Tangradi Signs

Belleville Bulls Captain Eric Tangradi has signed a three year entry level contract with the Anaheim Ducks. As per Ducks club policy, terms of the contract were not disclosed. Tangradi was selected by Anaheim in the second round of the 2007 NHL Entry Draft following his rookie season in Belleville.

Tangradi is in his third season with the Bulls and currently leads the team and ranks fourth in OHL scoring with 20 goals and 46 points in 32 games played. The Philadelphia, Pennsylvania native will be representing Team USA at the 2009 World Junior Hockey Championship beginning December 6 in Ottawa. Selected by Belleville in the sixth round of the 2005 OHL Priority Selection, Tangradi has recorded 49 goals and 77 assists in 153 career regular season games with the Bulls. He has also registered 15 goals and 35 points in 36 career playoff games

I believe both players will have a major impact at the World Junior Championships. Tangradi has already been named to Team USA. Tyrell still has to make the Canadian roster. I fully expect him to make the Team.

That's My Take

(Nathan also is a writer for Maineiacs Post to Post and the Maine Hockey Journal. He can be reached at fourniern@students.nescom.edu)