CHIPPEWA FALLS, WI – Over the weekend, the Chippewa Steel continued building the blue line. Two-way defenseman Zach Sondreal agreed to terms on a tender contract.
Sondreal joins a long list of Steel tenders who have leadership experience. He most recently wrapped up his third season as captain of Cretin-Derham Hall, a private high school in St. Paul, Minnesota.
Statistically it was the best year of his career, with 10 goals, 16 assists and 26 points in 29 games. Over the course of his career, he tallied 63 points in 71 games as a defender.
“I try to be a sound defenseman,” Sondreal said when asked to describe himself as a player. “I strive for a good breakout pass and I like to join the rush when I can.”
“Zach is a hard nose, gritty defenseman with some offensive upside,” head coach Casey Mignone said. “He is a true competitor and we look forward to having him be a part of the Chippewa Steel family.”
No doubt Sondreal will be a do-it-all player for the Chippewa Steel. Standing at 6’0″ tall, he is a smart player who can play in both ends.
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.
The Steel are excited to bring him to Chippewa Valley and wish him congratulations!
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. All league games are viewable via HockeyTV. For more information, visit chippewasteelhockey.com.