Northern Michigan adds three more

Compiled by MiCHO Staff

Northern Michigan University has announced two more players are set to join the Wildcats roster, while a familiar face is also coming back to Marquette to rejoin the team.

Forwards Kory Kaunisto and Brian Nugent have committed to join the ‘Cats and goaltender Reid Ellingson, who was on the team during the 2007-08 season, is rejoining NMU for next season.

Kaunisto (6-foot-1, 180 pounds) is the brother of current Wildcat Ray Kaunisto. A native of Sault Ste. Marie, he played for the Lincoln Stars of the United States Hockey League during the 2008-09 season and registered 17 points on seven goals and 10 assists. During the 2007-08 season, he appeared in seven games for the Waterloo Black Hawks of the USHL and collected three points (2-1).

"Kory is a good pick-up," said Northern Michigan head coach Walt Kyle. "He will only get better with time."

Nugent (5-foot-10, 185 pounds), from Victoria, B.C., played for the Victoria Grizzlies of the British Columbia Hockey League the past three seasons. His best season was this past season (2008-09) with 52 points in 53 games on 27 goals and 25 assists. During the 2007-08 season, he had 47 points on 27 goals and 20 assists.

“Brian is a strong, honest, hard-working player. He will remind fans of Matt Siddall,” said Kyle.

Ellingson (5-foot-11, 178 pounds) played for the USHL's Green Bay Gamblers during the 2008-09 season. The Cloquet, Minn., product appeared between the pipes for 40 games for the Gamblers and was 24-11 with a 2.72 goals-against average and a .902 save percentage. During the 2007-08 season, he was 4-4 for the ‘Cats with a 2.90 goals-against average and a .896 save-percentage.