Huskies sign Bunger, Dobson

The Michigan Tech hockey program today announced the addition of Ryan Bunger and Drew Dobson to the team's 2006-07 roster.

"We are very pleased with this incoming class," said Huskies' head coach Jamie Russell. "This group filled our needs for next season and into the future. These players have great character and share a deep enthusiasm for the Michigan Tech hockey program."

Bunger, a 6-foot-1, 185-pound forward, comes to MTU as a two-year veteran of the North American Hockey League, having played 117 games with the Bozeman IceDogs in his two-year career. He notched 17-27--44 points in 53 games with 134 penalty minutes in 2004-05 and scored 29-31--60 points in 64 games in 2005-06.

Bozeman's third-leading scorer this past year, Bunger helped the IceDogs advance to the NAHL regular-season championship after an outstanding 48-9-1 campaign. In addition to tying a NAHL single-season record for victories, Bozeman amassed a 22-game unbeaten streak and 20-game winning streak.

"Ryan is a hard-working player that will be a valuable addition to our program," said Russell. "He has good speed and strength and plays with a lot of heart."

A 5-foot-11, 180-pound defenseman, Dobson will join Michigan Tech after skating with the Waterloo Black Hawks of the United States Hockey League for each of the past two seasons. Dobson played in 60 games and posted 5-21--26 points in 2004-05, which solidified a spot on the USHL All-Rookie Team. During his final year in Waterloo, Dobson compiled 2-15--17 points in 52 contests.

Dobson was one of 22 players named to the USA Hockey Junior Select 18-Under Team that competed at the 2006 Viking Cup in Camrose, Alberta. The blueliner tallied two goals and seven assists as the U.S. secured a bronze medal and 5-1-0 record in the tournament.

"Drew is a great puck-handling defenseman that brings a lot to the table with his consistency and edge," Russell said. "He has played against some quality competition, which should help him succeed in college hockey."

The duo of Bunger and Dobson join forward Phil Axtell (former Marquette Electricians midget major forward) and defenseman Eli Vlaisavljevich, who signed with Michigan Tech during the fall early period in 2003, and brings MTU's total 2006-07 class to four student-athletes.

Notes: Alex Gagne, who redshirted last season, will see his first action in a Michigan Tech uniform in 2006-07 ... Bunger's grandfather, Ernst Windberg, also attended Tech.