Michigan Tech signs Kero, two others

Michigan Tech Press Release

Three players have signed National Letters of Intent to join the Michigan Tech Huskies.

Tanner Kero, a native of Hancock, has played 18 games for the Marquette Rangers of the North American Hockey League this season. The 5-foot-11, 160-pound forward, has scored eight goals this season, tied for the team lead. His sister, Jordana, is a member of the Michigan Tech volleyball team.

“We always like to have quality local talent on our team,” said MTU head coach Jamie Russell. “Tanner has proven in the last couple years that he can compete against the top players in the US at the US Select Festivals and continues to gain strength which will be a key for his development.”

Dennis Rix, a high-scoring forward, has tallied 176 points (61 goals, 115 assists) in 200 games for the Grande Prairie Storm of the Alberta Junior Hockey League. The Grande Prairie, Alberta, native is currently leading the AJHL in scoring this season with 45 points (17 goals, 28 assists) in 24 games. He also led the team in scoring during the 2007-08 season with 54 points (24 goals, 30 assists) in 61 games and was named the team’s most improved player. He helped the team to the Enerflex Cup league championship the following season.

“Dennis is a player with great offensive skills and we are very excited to sign a player of his skill level so late in the recruiting process,” said Russell.

Dan Sova, a 6-foot-3, 210-pound defenseman, is starting his second season for the Waterloo Black Hawks of the United States Hockey League. Last season he tallied 28 points (two goals, 26 assists) and 102 penalty minutes in 58 games. The Cottage Grove, Minn., native recorded 42 points (11 goals, 31 assists) in his senior year of high school to lead the Pioneers to the Minnesota State championship.

“Dan is another big, strong player who will add depth to our defense," Russell said. "Another attribute that we appreciate is his leadership serving as a team captain at both the high school and junior level.”

The trio joins two other players that have already committed to the team.

Brad Stebner, a 6-foot-4, 205-pound defenseman, is starting his third season with the Fort McMurray Oil Barons of the AJHL. He currently has 64 points (11 goals and 53 assists) and 278 penalty minutes in 135 career games. The Fort McMurray, Alberta, native is the top defenseman on the team with 19 points (two goals, 17 assists) this season in 26 games.

Jacob Johnstone, a 5-foot-10, 182-pound forward from Grand Ledge, currently ranks third on the team in points with 10 (five goals, five assists) in eight games this season for the Sioux Falls Stampede of the USHL. He spent the previous two seasons with the Green Bay Gamblers, where he finished with 20 points (nine goals, 11 assists) for 20 points in 101 games.