Maryland Black Bears Use First Tender on Mercer Chiefs Forward Jude Kurtas

November 17, 2018 - North American Hockey League (NAHL)
Maryland Black Bears News Release

The Maryland Black Bears signed their first tender to U18 Mercer Chiefs AAA Forward, Jude Kurtas. The tender signing secures the Black Bears the NAHL rights to Jude Kurtas for next year's 2019/2020 season. The Mercer Chiefs are the direct youth affiliate of the Maryland Black Bears (NAHL) and the Youngstown Phantoms (USHL).

The 5'10, 160 pound right-handed forward has shown a lot of potential during his youth hockey career. The Dunellen, New Jersey, native has scored 2 goals and 2 assists through 6 games with Mercer Chiefs so far. Jude put up 38 points last year at U16 tier one. He also was selected to the league U16 All Star game. Jude put up 63 points in 21 high school hockey games last year (31 goals, 32 assists) playing for Hillsborough High school. He recorded the most points out of any sophomore in the state of New Jersey for high school hockey last season.

"I have seen Jude grow as a player and as a person the last few years. He always was an elite skater with great hands, but he has grown into a complete player. He has the potential to be a very special player if he keeps pushing himself off and, on the ice," said Rob Broderick, Chiefs Hockey Director and Black Bears scout. "This is well deserved and a big congratulations to Jude and the Black Bear organization has a good one!"

Kurtas will attend the Black Bears main camp next summer to compete for a roster spot.

NAHL Tender Process: Each NAHL team is given seven total tenders to sign players prior to the NAHL draft in June 2019. The tender process allows teams to add players to next season's protected list ahead of the draft. Maryland has six remaining tenders to sign.

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