Northstar 18U forward Strinden signs NAHL tender
November 26, 2019
The Northstar Christian Academy of the North American Prospects Hockey League (NAPHL) is pleased to announce that 18U forward Ben Strinden has signed a North American Hockey League (NAHL) agreement with the Minot Minotauros of the NAHL’s Central Division.
Strinden, 17, has followed a strong first season at Northstar Christian Academy in which he posted 55 points (29 goals and 26 assists) in 47 games last year, with an even stronger second season this season in which he has 24 goals and 27 assists in 34 games played.
The 6’0/160 lbs. native of Fargo, North Dakota, made his NAHL debut with Minot back on November 16th when he scored his first junior goal, had two shots, and finished +1 in the Tauros 4-3 win. That game settled things for both the Tauros and Strinden.
“Ben passed his test and then some in the game he played last weekend. He fit right in and had an immediate impact scoring a goal for us at a crucial point of the game,” said Minot head coach Marty Murray.
“It was a great experience to be able to get in a game against the Wilderness. The team and coaches made me feel very welcome and it definitely solidified my choice to play for Minot,” said Strinden
“I decided to sign with Minot because of the top-notch facility, coaching staff, and Minot’s strong fan base,” continued Strinden. “My goal is to help Minot win the Robertson Cup next year. I want to play NCAA Division 1 hockey and see how far I can go from there. I believe I am a strong two way player that brings it every shift, and I can put the puck in the back of the net while still bringing the physical presence as well.”
“He has a very high ceiling on where he can get to as a player and his character is off the charts as well,” continued Murray. “Ben has an equal ability to make a great passing play or finish with a goal scorer’s shot.”
“I see Ben as a top NCAA DI player as his work ethic, toughness, and ability to shoot the puck will lead to great success on the ice for him,” said Northstar Knights Hockey Director Rick Randazzo. “Ben is a fierce competitor who has the potential to be an incredible player at the junior and collegiate level. He is a natural goal scorer, with an extremely fast release and a powerful accurate shot.”
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 2, 2020.
