Bulls Santopoalo off to the NAHL
January 3, 2014
By Jared Patterson, Globe Gazette
North Iowa is losing its leading scorer, Tim Santopoalo, to the North American Hockey League.
Santopoalo, who not only leads the Bulls with 64 points but leads the NA3HL, accepted a spot with the Springfield Jr. Blues. The move was finalized earlier this week.
The 5-foot-7 forward scored 29 goals in 28 games and also had 35 assists for North Iowa.
Santopoalo scored at least one goal in five straight games for North Iowa.
North Iowa coach Todd Sanden said Santopoalo will play four games this weekend for Springfield and there is a possibility he could rejoin the team at a later date.
“He certainly is a cornerstone of this program,” Sanden said. “You can’t replace guys like that. I don’t think we have a guy in our room that does exactly what Santopoalo brings or can bring the excitement he can bring. Tim Santolpoalo sells tickets.”
Sanden said Kyle Krueger is the likely replacement on the first line.
North Iowa also traded forward Taylor Brown to Granite City for a tender and cash.
Brown accumulated 21 points (6 goals, 15 assists) in 26 games for North Iowa.
