Saints Sign Forward Willie Knierim to a USHL Tender
April 24, 2014 - United States Hockey League (USHL)
Dubuque Fighting Saints News Release
DUBUQUE, IA- The Dubuque Fighting Saints have added another key component to the team's future. The club announced on Thursday that they have signed forward Willie Knierim to a tender, and the 16-year-old will begin his USHL career in the 2014-2015 season. Knierim, a product of the prestigious Chicago Mission program, is a highly touted player who had interest from a number of USHL teams, and is currently being recruited by numerous NCAA schools.
The 16-year-old forward is a native of Skokie, Illinois, and appeared in 24 league games this past season with the Chicago Mission Minor Midget U16 team. The 6-foot-2, 201-pound right-winger scored 6 goals and 19 assists, notching 25 points and 52 penalty minutes. He also skated in three games with the Mission U18 team, scoring one goal.
"His size and skill set jump out at you right away," said Mike Field, Fighting Saints Assistant Coach and Director of Scouting. "What convinced us Willie could help us win as 16-year-old was his character, hockey sense and high compete level. We are excited to have him join the Fighting Saints and help us battle for a championship next season."
Under the guidelines of the tender, Knierim will be required to dress in a minimum of 50 percent of the Fighting Saints games next season. Additionally, by signing him to a tender, Knierim will take the place of a 2014 Phase I Draft selection. As Dubuque traded away its 2014 Phase I Draft 1st Round selection to Muskegon in the Alexx Privitera deal, the Fighting Saints will give up its 2014 Phase I Draft 2nd Round selection in lieu of tendering Knierim.
The Fighting Saints take on the Indiana Ice this weekend for the first two games of the Eastern Conference Finals. Dubuque battles the Ice on Friday for Game 1 at 6:05 p.m. CT from the Pam Am Pavilion in Indianapolis. Fans are encouraged to attend the Fighting Saints Watch Party for Game 1 at Courtside, located at 2095 Holliday Drive in Dubuque. Those wishing to attend can reserve a table by calling 563.583.0574.
Dubuque returns home to the Mystique Community Ice Center for Games 3 and 4 (if necessary) of the best-of-five series on Friday, May 2 and Saturday, May 3. Tickets for both games are available now at the Fighting Saints Box Office at the Mystique Community Ice Center, online at DubuqueFightingSaints.com or by calling 563-583-6880.
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United States Hockey League Stories from April 24, 2014
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- Ice, Saints Line up in Eastern Conference Finals Action - Indiana Ice
- Saints Sign Forward Willie Knierim to a USHL Tender - Dubuque Fighting Saints
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