Three member of the St. Louis Jr. Blues will be moving on to higher levels next year. Paul Zuke, a second year member of the team, signed a tender with the Alexandria Blizzard of the NAHL prior to the NAHL Draft held earlier this week.
According to Head Coach Jack Behan, \”Paul was given the opportunity to skate with the Blizzard earlier this season and played well when given the chance.\” He goes on to say, \”Paul became an integral part of our team at the end of his first year and an even bigger part this season. His commitment to the defensive zone got him more ice time, which gave him a greater opportunity to shine offensively. Paul will be a great addition to the Blizzard line-up and we wish him great success!\” His offense increased from 3G, 3A in 2007-08 to 24G, 24A for 48 points in 44 games in the 2008-09 season.
John Wright has committed to Marian University, NCAA DIII in Fond Du Lac, WI. The 20 year old defenseman led all scorers from the blue line last year, notching 44 points in 45 regular season games. Says Behan, \”Johnny was outstanding on the blueline for us last year. Because of his ability to move the puck, his speed, his ability to find the open man he was hard to defend against. His presence on the ice made it harder for teams to defend us, because he was always a threat, which gave us more room down low.\” In addition to his offensive ability, Wright was described as a \”warrior\” by Behan. \”He is one of the toughest kids I have ever coached, hands down! He played through injuries, that would have sidelined most players. Marian is getting a tough, hard working character kid!\”
Jake Menzel has committed to Johnson and Wales, NCAA DIII in Providence, RI. Menzel was at the top of or led the league in many of the goaltending areas all season long. He ended up 3rd in GAA, 1st in Sv%, 2nd in Wins and 2nd in Shut-outs. According to Behan, \”Jake came to us last summer and wanted a chance to play ice again. He had been playing inline and was out of shape. So we challenged him to get back in shape and come in prove he belongs and he didn\’t disappoint.\” Behan went on to say, \”Jake was a 20 year old rookie, performed rookie duties, but also had a strong voice in the locker room. The other kids looked up to him and respected him like he was a vet.\”
