Bighorns ink six from Global Showcase
Published on July 3, 2006 under North American Hockey League (NAHL)
Helena Bighorns News Release
The Helena Bighorns wasted little time in signing who they believe will help them defend their back-to-back Nor Pac Championships.
Bighorn President, Mike Butters, signed six players out of the Global Scouting Showcase in Las Vegas earlier this month. This year marks the first time the showcase was held in the U.S., and according to Butters, it was very successful. "I have been attending Global for 11 years now and the fact that Roy Henderson brought it to the U.S. will help teams immensely." Butters added, "We were able to sign 6 quality layers out of there and we couldn't be happier."
The most prominent player signed by the Bighorns at global was forward Russell Roe. Roe played for the Peoria Coyotes in the WSHL last season and tallied 20 goals and 12 assists to go with 102 penalty minutes. Roe's 32 points were good enough for tops among Coyotes scoring last season. "The addition of Roe will give us some scoring punch immediately," said Butters. "He has good on ice awareness and shows a great deal of hustle. To play in Helena you have to work hard and Russell has shown that he is willing to do that."
The Bighorns wasted no time in signing one of Roe's teammates when they inked defenseman, Mike Marino. Marino was one of the top blue liners in the WSHL last season and picked up 6 goals and 11 assists in 38 games with the Coyotes. The 5' 11" - 205 lb. Glendale, AZ native also added 57 penalty minutes to his totals. Butters was impressed with Marino's attitude. "Marino played hard all week. He skates well and is good with the stick. He should figure in prominently on our blue line this year."
The Bighorns added a well rounded forward in Bobby Bonnett. Bonnett ('86), played last season for the Comox Valley Glacier Kings of the Vancouver Island Junior Hockey League (VIJHL), scoring 14 points on 6 goals and 8 assists in 29 games. The 5' 11" - 180 lb. winger also racked up 183 penalty minutes in that time. "Bob has good skills and shows a lot of grit and hard work on the ice."
The Bighorns added a rough and tumble player in Andrew Doherty. The 6' 3" - 225 lb. winger appeared in 35 games for the Cypress Cyclones in the SSJHL, picking up a goal and an assist while amassing 98 minutes in penalties. "Doherty has some size, but he can play, too," said Butters. "He will be a guy who will develop as a well rounded player over the course of the year."
Also signing with the 'Horns was forward Derek Rodgers. Rodgers played last season for the LA Kings Midget Minor program. The 6'0" - 170 lb. forward has a ton of skill and was coached well. "Derek is a guy we see playing college hockey down the road," said Butters. "He has plenty of skill and drive. A year with Scottie will move him up the ladder."
Rounding out the Bighorn signings was that of defenseman, Doug Wenglare. Wenglare (87), played last season for the Inland Valley Wild. The 5' 5" - 190 lb. defenseman may be small, but he is shifty and can move the puck. "Wenglare was a guy that kept popping out at me all week," said Butters. "Every time I went to look at other guys he made a good play, rubbed a guy out. I think he is going to be the surprise of our recruiting class this year. If he remains focused the rest of this summer and comes into camp in top shape, I think Bighorn fans will hear his name a lot."
The new signings will get their first chance to impress Coach Cunningham when they arrive in Helena for main camp on August 18th. The Bighorns main camp will be held in Helena at the Helena Ice Arena and fans are welcome to see the new kids in action all weekend for free. The weekend will be capped off with the 6th annual "Blue/White Classic." Tickets for the Blue White game will be $5.00. All Bighorn Season ticket holders and mini-plan holders will receive free admittance.
North American Hockey League Stories from July 3, 2006
- Stapleton takes OHL job - Traverse City North Stars
- Bighorns ink six from Global Showcase - Helena Bighorns
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