Eleven vets return to Blizzard for year two
August 24, 2004 - North American Hockey League (NAHL)
Alexandria Blizzard News Release
The Minnesota Blizzard Junior "A" Hockey organization recently completed its official tryout camp to determine the 25 individuals that make up the roster for the start of its second season in the North American Hockey League.
More than 80 prospective players attended the official tryout camp at the home of the Minnesota Blizzard, the Runestone Community Center in Alexandria, Minnesota. Head coach Dave Boitz and assistant coach Jeff Crouse noted that the competition was intense during the course of the camp. Some difficult decisions were made to reduce the field to the final 25 players who make up this year's roster.
A total of 11 returning veterans compose the nucleus of the roster. Leading the way is returning goalie Marcus Paulson from Eden Prairie, Minnesota, who posted a winning record with a save percentage near 90 percent in his first year of Junior "A" hockey last season.
The returning defensemen are all Minnesota natives. They include Ricky Akkerman from Mora, Tim Manthey out of Anoka, Karl Larsen from Princeton, and Nick Peters, who hails from Eden Prairie.
Six forwards return from the inaugural Minnesota Blizzard squad, led by one last season's top scorers, Jake Nelson from Superior, Wisconsin. Nelson's enthusiasm and hustle on the ice may make him a fan favorite again in 2004-05.
The other returning forwards are all from Minnesota and include Joey Bacon from Cambridge, Sean Fish, an Anoka High School graduate from Ramsey, Matt McDonald from Lakeville, and Alexandria's own Shawn Bitzan.
Bitzan is one of two Minnesota Blizzard players who will play junior hockey in their hometown of Alexandria. Incoming forward Andrew Olson is also from Alexandria. Both Bitzan and Olson enjoyed a number of productive years in high school hockey.
The second goalie for the Blizzard this coming season, Clay Nestor, is from Glenwood, which is located just south of Alexandria.
The Minnesota Blizzard begin their second season in Fairbanks, Alaska on Thursday, September 23. The home opener is set for Saturday, October 16, when the Helena Bighorns visit Alexandria.
Single game, as well as season tickets, for Minnesota Blizzard home games are now on sale. Contact the Blizzard ticket office at (320) 763-1413 for more information.
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