Steel Sign Three Tender Picks
Chippewa Falls, WI- The Chippewa Steel of the NAHL have announced the signing of three tender picks for the 2021-2022 season. Cole Miller, Blake Lewis, and JJ Grainda have all signed their tender agreements.
Cole Miller played in 46 Ohio Blue Jackets AAA program games last season. The 5’7 130-pound defenseman recorded 16 total points. “We’re excited to add Cole to the organization. He has the ability to play in all situations on the ice and fits our style of defenseman being able to get up and down the ice. Being a captain of his U18 team we’re also looking forward to the leadership he will bring to the locker room,” stated Head Coach Carter Foguth.
Blake Lewis played in 40 games last year for Culver Military Academy Prep. Lewis impressed during the 2019-20 campaign with 19 goals and tallied 25 assists. “Blake is a highly-skilled forward that has the ability to produce and make his teammates around him better. We’re excited to have him join us next season and feel he can be a big addition for us right away,” commented Head Coach Carter Foguth.
JJ Grainda played in 38 games last year for the Ohio Blue Jackets AAA program. The 6’3 190-pound forward picked up 31 total points. “JJ’s speed and skill fit right in with the way our team likes to play. We have been impressed with his game so far and he continues to get better and better. We look forward to having him join us next season.” stated Head Coach Carter Foguth.
A tender is a contract, of sorts, a player signs announcing his intentions to play for that particular NAHL team and that NAHL team only. Once a player signs a tender with an NAHL team, his playing rights belong to that team within the NAHL and he may not be recruited by any other NAHL team. Each team is granted ten (10) tenders – plus or minus any trades – which become active on Nov. 1. Tendered players are not eligible for the NAHL draft.
Stay connected during the season by following the Steel @chippewasteel on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and online at chippewasteelhockey.com.
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The Chippewa Steel are members of the NAHL which is the oldest and largest junior hockey league of its kind in the United States and one of only two USA Hockey-certified leagues that operate under the non-pay-to-play model. The NAHL is also one of the best at advancing players to NCAA and professional hockey. Notable Alumni of the NAHL include Ryan Suter (MIN), Patrick Kane (CHI) and Phil Kessel (ARI) All league games are viewable via HockeyTV. For more information, visit chippewasteelhockey.com.