Steel signings have team headed in right direction

The Twin City Steel, members of the North American 3 Hockey League (3HL), are making some big strides in just their second season as a franchise. With some organizational changes occurring earlier this Spring, the team has been hard at work to improve the organization.  With that said, the team is proud to announce the signings of two of the most sought after players on the junior market, Nicholas Schriener of Fargo North High-School and Calvin Miska of Centennial High-School.

Schriner was named to North Dakotas All-State team and won the State Championship with the Fargo North Spartans. He also took part in the Upper Midwest High School Elite League. Nick was drafted 3rd round of the NAHL draft by the Coulee Region Chill this year.

Miska played his high-school hockey for the Centennial Cougars in Lino Lakes, Minnesota. He chose to play out his senior year of high-school after previously making the NAHL's  Alaska Avalanche 30-man roster in the summer of 2011. Calvin’s younger brother plays for USA's national development team as a goalie.

Newly appointed head coach and general manager for the Twin City Steel, Aaron Slagle, remarked on the signings.  “Nicholas is no cupcake… he is a big solid defenseman that is not afraid to throw his size around. He is a great skater with a lot of speed, has a powerful shot and has a great first pass. He is a force on the ice and a player you must be aware of. He knows how to win… he is use to it. If he spends some time with us, look to see him up top on the power play and log a lot of ice time. I am very excited for Nicholas and the opportunity and journey that is in store for him. He is a great kid with that leadership attitude. He deserves every bit of his success and so far he has earned it.”

“Calvin plays with a chip on his shoulder. He is one of the greatest skaters I have seen. He skates with the strength and skill of a Division 1 hockey player. Not to mention, he has one of the quickest releases and shots I have come across in a long time. He skates and trains with us during the summer and just continues to improve and impress me. He has the physique of a 25-year-old college player and keeps up with the college division 1 guy that works with us during the summer. He is making strides mentally and physically and he has a winning attitude. If Calvin spends time with us this season look for him to fit in with our top returners and spend time on the power play. Just like Nicholas, Calvin has a great career in hockey ahead of him,” said Slagle.

Miska remarked, “I'm excited, obviously grateful and honored to be a part of this growing team. I have been able to skate with coach Slagle the last two summers and I love the work ethic that he installs in us. His practices and off-ice sessions are very organized and second to none. He is a young coach that has a lot of energy. He knows the game like he is 80 and has been doing it for 30 years. I love everything about the team… the ownership and the great set up they have in place.  It’s a great organization and I’m glad I have the opportunity to be a part of it.”

Twin City also signed an up-and-coming power forward with a knack for scoring with Marshall Cook, who played for Omaha's 18U AAA hockey team this past season in the North American Prospects Hockey League (NAPHL).

“Marshall has a lot of potential and has a gift for scoring goals. He seems to always be in the right place at the right time. He has that little something that you can’t teach. He is physical power forward with that touch of scoring. He comes to us knowing he will be always be working hard on his game. He too has that winning attitude and desire to be the best. I am also very excited to see what is to come of Marshall,” said Slagle.

Along with Schriener, Miska and Cook, Twin City also went to work on their goaltender situation by signing some skilled young goaltenders.

Evan Jamar, who spent his high-school career with the Minnesota power house Duluth East Greyhounds, and then played this past season with the Duluth Clydesdale’s.

Joseph Garapolo comes from Libertyville, Illinois and played for the Philadelphia Little Flyers    previously.

Matthew Pearless, from Framingham, Massachusetts played for the Boston Junior Bandits this past season.

All three are young promising goaltenders each of which stand over six feet tall. Newly appointed goalie coach Scott Cardinal is excited to work with these young men.

Things are heating up and looking good for the Twin City Steel, who are building a strong infrastructure and new identity in a competitive league. The 2012-13 season is looking bright for the Steel.