Bobcats Make Trade, Sign Tender
May 23, 2008 - North American Hockey League (NAHL)
Bismarck Bobcats News Release
Bismarck - Bobcat Country may seem quite from the outside, but inside all gears are turning. The Bobcats home ice, the VFW Sports Center, is being totally renovated with all new seats, a press box and other improvements. With the sounds of machinery screaming threw the office windows, the âCats coaching staff has been just as busy remodeling the club for the upcoming season. Today Bismarck announced that they have used their final tender with the signing of Alex Gerke and have made a four player trade with the Motor City Machine of the North Division.
Alex Gerke will make the move from the Dubuque Thunderbirds north to Bobcat Country. Gerke, a native of Tomah, Wisconsin, was more than a powerful asset for the Hurster Cup Champions. In 46 games the defenseman netted 45 points, 37 of which came on the powerplay. Last season the Bobcats only produced 42 powerplay tallies and ranked 16th in the league with their 12% powerplay ratio. Gerkes' impressive powerplay numbers helped him rank 4th in scoring for the Thunderbirds this season and attract the âCats coaching staff.
"Alex has a tremendous amount of skill," said âCats Head Coach Byron Pool. "He was the quarterback of the powerplay, and he will probably fill that role in Bismarck. Alex will make our special teams better," Pool Stated.
Bismarck also made a 4 player trade with the Motor City Machine (formally the Southern Minnesota Express). The Bobcats shipped the Taurence twins back to their home state of Michigan in exchange for Jordan Singer and Chris Slavik.
Last season Nick Taurence finished 7th in scoring for the âCats with 7 goals and 12 assists in 50 games played. His twin brother Nate was one of Bismarck's top defensemen netting ten points in 55 games. Nate also finished in the top five in (plus/minus) with a -1 rating.
The âCats defensive hole will be filled by Chris Slavik. The 6 foot tall 180 pounder played in 38 games for the Express last season finishing with 6 points and 63 minutes in penalties. The forward gap will be filled by Lino Lakes, Minnesota forward Jordan Singer. Singer finished his rookie season with 13 goals for 30 points in 57 games played for the Express.
"Singer will be a good second year player, he has good size and skill. Jordan is the kind of player that can make big improvements," said âCats head coach Byron Pool. "On the other side Slavik could be a good powerplay guy even though his numbers from last year might not show it," Pool stated. "Both of these players could be real nice additions to our club. At the same time we wish Nick and Nate the best of luck this season and in the future."
Don't forget to get your 2008-09 season tickets NOW! Call the Bobcats office at (701)222-3300 or get them online at www.bismarckbobcats.com. Bobcat hockey....LET THE GOOD TIMES ROAR!!
• Discuss this story on the North American Hockey League message board...
North American Hockey League Stories from May 23, 2008
- Phantoms Enthusiastic after NAHL Draft - Mahoning Valley Phantoms
- Bobcats Make Trade, Sign Tender - Bismarck Bobcats
The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.
