BLAZERS SIGN THREE PLAYERS

Press Release

Kamloops, BC – As the Kamloops Blazers prepare for an exhibition game tonight, the team has announced the signing of three players. Mitch Friesen (Surrey, BC), Jesse Shynkaruk (Saskatoon, SK) and Aaron Macklin (High River, AB) have all signed education contracts with the hockey club.

Friesen was selected by the Blazers in the fourth round of the 2011 WHL Bantam Draft. The 6’3” and 171lb forward played last season with the Valley West Hawks of the BC Major Midget League. The now 16-year-old finished sixth in league scoring with 23 goals, 33 assists for 56 points in 40 games last year.

Shynkaruk was selected by the Blazers in the seventh round of the 2011 WHL Bantam Draft. The 16-year-old played last season with the Midget AA Saskatoon Steel putting up 57 points in 39 games. The 5’8” and 152lb center was a stand-out at training camp.

Macklin was listed by the Blazers in January 2012. The 17-year-old forward played with the UFA Bisons in the Alberta Midget Hockey League finishing with 20 points and 57 penalty minutes in 29 games. The rugged 6’2” 189lb native of High River, AB will suit up with the Blazers for exhibition games this weekend.

“All three players performed very well at our training camp this past week,” commented Director of Player Personnel, Matt Recchi. “Mitch, Jesse and Aaron all have a good opportunity to make our team and have earned their spot here thus far.”

(Nathan can be reached at nathanfournier@mainehockeyjournal.com)