There's a Blizzard Coming!
August 19, 2004 - North American Hockey League (NAHL)
Alexandria Blizzard News Release
Alexandria, MN- 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, which was held at the home of the Minnesota Blizzard, the Runestone Community Center in Alexandria, MN. 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 that make up this year's roster.
A total of 11 returning veterans compose the nucleus, of the 2004-05 Minnesota Blizzard roster. Leading the way is returning goalie, Marcus Paulson from Eden Prairie, MN, who posted a winning record, with a save percentage near 90 percent, in his first year of Junior "A" Hockey last season. Returning defensemen include Ricky Akkerman from Mora, MN; Tim Manthey, out of Anoka, MN; Karl Larsen from Princeton, MN; and Nick Peters, who, like teammate Paulson, 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, WI. Nelson's enthusiasm and hustle on the ice may make him a fan favorite again, in 2004-05. Other returning forwards to the Blizzard include Joey Bacon from Cambridge, MN; Sean Fish, an Anoka High School graduate from Ramsey, MN; Matt McDonald from Lakeville, MN; 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 have enjoyed a number of productive years, in High School hockey. The second goalie for the Blizzard this coming season, Clay Nestor, is from Glenwood, MN, which is located just south of Alexandria.
The Minnesota Blizzard begin their second season in Fairbanks, AK on Thursday, September 23rd. The home opener for the Blizzard is set for Saturday, October 16th, 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.
North American Hockey League Stories from August 19, 2004
- There's a Blizzard Coming! - Alexandria Blizzard
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- Lawson leads US Under-18 team at World Junior Cup - St. Louis Bandits
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- Jr. Blues open training camp - Springfield Jr. Blues
- Seventh member of Cavalry commits, tryouts this weekend - Topeka Pilots
- Jets new radio partner to air every game - Fargo-Moorhead Jets
- Fairbanks final camp next week, fans invited to annual golf tournament - Fairbanks Ice Dogs
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