Elite Hockey 18U duo of Ion and Root sign NAHL tenders
November 16, 2017
The Elite Hockey Program of the North American Prospects Hockey League (NAPHL) is pleased to announce that forward Trevor Ion and defenseman Brendan Root have both signed NAHL tender agreements with the Springfield Blues, who compete in the NAHL’s Midwest Division.
Ion, 17, is a 5’9/150 lbs. forward, who is in his first season with the Elite Hockey Program that competes in both the NAPHL and ECEL. The native of Bronx, New York, is second on the team in scoring this year with 36 points (21g-15a) in 40 games. In 13 NAPHL games, he has record 13 points this season.
Ion was previously named the NAPHL Apex Learning Virtual School 18U Offensive Peak Performer for the month of September. He scored at least a goal in all four games and had two, three-point games, which included a hat-trick in a 6-3 win over Madison.
“Trevor has consistently been one our leaders on and off the ice. The Springfield Blues organization is getting a player with tremendous scoring instinct to go along with a high end skating ability,” said Elite Hockey 18U Head Coach, Luke Curadi.
Root, 17, is a 6’5/215 lbs. defenseman who is currently in his first season with the Elite Hockey Program, who are proud members of the ECEL, NAPHL & AYHL. Root who hails from Allendale, New Jersey, has 17 points (5 goals, 12 assists) and serves as one of the team’s assistant captains. In 12 NAPHL games this season, he has six points.
“Brendan provides great size on the back end along with a bomb for a shot. Additionally, he is of high character and will work to become an impact player eventually at the NAHL level,” said Elite Hockey 18U Head Coach, Luke Curadi.
“The Elite Hockey Program has been really good for my development,” Root said. “It sets you up well. You play a lot of games, a tough schedule, short turnarounds, great training and the facilities are top notch. It all gets you ready for the next level.”
Ion and Root becomes are two of the three players from the Elite Hockey 18U team that have already signed NAHL tenders in the 2017-18 season (Jin Lee - Philadelphia Rebels).
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, which include two (2) tenders exclusively used on players from the NAPHL - plus or minus any trades - which became active on Nov. 1. Tendered players are not eligible for the NAHL draft, which will be held on June 5, 2018.
