Bulls sign four

Press Release

The Belleville Bulls are pleased to announce the signings of their top four picks from the 2009 OHL Priority Selection. Goaltender Tyson Teichmann, forward Michael Curtis along defencemen Steven Strong and Alex Basso have all signed Ontario Hockey League education contracts with the Bulls.

Teichmann played this past season with the Quinte Red Devils Minor Midget and was the first goaltender selected in the draft after being taken by Belleville in the first round. In 31 games played with the Red Devils last season, Teichmann, a Belleville native, posted a 1.64 goals against average and six shutouts while leading Quinte to an OMHA Championship.

“Tyson was the top rated goaltender in the draft and his record and performance speaks for itself,” commented Bulls General Manager and Head Coach George Burnett. “We look for Tyson to continue the tradition of elite netminders in Belleville.”

Belleville selected Curtis in the second round after he spent last season with the Toronto Marlboros Minor Midget where he captained the team to an OHL Cup Championship. In 79 games played, Curtis recorded 33 goals and 49 assists and was named player of the game in the championship game of the OHL Cup.

“Michael is a very good two way player who captained a championship team last season,” said Burnett. “His performance in the championship game of the OHL Cup speaks to his ability to elevate his game in key situations.”

Strong was also an important member of the OHL Cup Champion Toronto Marlboros last season where he scored 14 times while adding 52 assists and 78 penalty minutes in 76 games played.

“Selected in the fourth round, we believe that Steven will bring an excellent combination of skating, skill and grit to our blueline along with the experience of winning a championship last season,” commented Burnett.

Basso played last season with the Mississauga Senators Minor Midget where in 55 games, he recorded 11 goals and 31 assists while adding 82 penalty minutes. Basso was also selected in the fourth round.

“Alex is a strong skater who shows great skill and on-ice vision that will be a welcome addition to our team,” said Burnett.

“We are extremely pleased that Tyson, Michael, Steven, Alex and their families have made the decision to commit to the Bulls,” commented Bulls General Manager and Head Coach George Burnett. “All four players are working hard in preparation for training camp in August and will provide a solid foundation for the future in Belleville.”



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