May 6, 2008

FAIRBANKS, AK - Interim head hockey coach Dallas Ferguson announced today that Nik Yaremchuk of St. Albert, Alberta has signed a National Letter of Intent to join the Nanooks' program.

The 5-foot-10, 170-pound Yaremchuk is in his second season with the Sherwood Park Crusaders of the Albert Junior Hockey League. An assistant captain for the Crusaders, he led the team offensively, chipping in 67 points (28 goals, 39 assists) in 60 games, which included 19 multi-point performances and was highlighted by a four-point (1G, 3A) night on September 30 against the Calgary Canucks.

His scoring prowess helped him earn a spot on the AJHL North Division All-Star Team, which featured two of his future teammates and Nanook recruits in defenseman Scott Enders and forward Ron Meyers, both of they Lloydminster Bobcats. He was tied for 13th overall in the AJHL for scoring and 15th in points per game, tying Meyers average of 1.1 points per contest. He was recognized by his team at the end of the year as the leading goal scorer, points leader and fan favorite.

"Nik is a very skilled player: he skates well, makes plays, and competes," said Ferguson. "Nik has great offensive instincts and he understands the game."

The left-handed center was a standout from the beginning of his junior hockey career, notching 39 points (20 goals, 19 assists) in 48 games as a rookie during the 2006-07 campaign and being named to the AJHL All-Rookie Team.

"His talent and character makes players around better," Ferguson said. "We are very excited to be adding Nik to the Nanook Hockey Program"

The latest addition to the Nanooks recruiting class of 2008, which includes: forwards Ron Meyers (Prince Albert, Saskatchewan), Jarret Granberg (Foremost, Alberta), Jordan VanGilder (Lino Lakes, Minnesota), Erik Slemp (Red Deer, Alberta), Carlo Finucci (Burnaby, British Columbia), Adam Cardwell (Long Beach, California), and Justin Brossman (West Linn, Oregon) and defensemen Scott Enders (Edmonton, Alberta) and Kaare Odegard (Red Deer, Alberta), Cody Butcher (Anchorage, Alaska), Aaron Gens (Baudette, Minnesota), and Joe Sova (Berwyn, Illinois).