BISMARCK, N.D.–The Bismarck Bobcats, proud member of the North American Hockey League, have signed three players to tender agreements for the 2023-24 season.
Anthony McIntosh (left), Trent Anfinson (center), and Kade Kohanski (right), all 2005-born players, would join the Bobcats if they decide to play in the NAHL next year.
McIntosh is a North Dakota native currently playing on the east coast. The 18-year-old from Minot has been a member of the Pittsburgh Penguins’ AAA hockey system for two seasons. Previously, McIntosh played for Northstar Christian Academy in Minnesota. He has produced considerable offensive numbers each of the last three years.
“McIntosh is a great skating defenseman who is very strong and defends well with a good stick,” Niko Kapetanovic, Bobcats’ head scout, said. “His athletic ability and compete level will continue to elevate his game when he comes to Bismarck … We are extremely excited to bring the Minot native back to North Dakota.”
The Bobcats are a little familiar with Anfinson. The Sioux Falls, S.D. native saw a taste of NAHL action in January when he suited up for the Aberdeen Wings against Bismarck. Not long after he faced the Bobcats, Anfinson signed his tender to head north.
Anfinson, a 17-year-old forward, is Sioux Falls Power’s leading scorer at roughly a point per game this season. He and Landon Fandel, current Bobcats defenseman, were teammates in the Sioux Falls program last year.
“Trent is a blue collar forward who can score goals and has a winner mentality in every aspect of his game,” Kapetanovic said. “His game will be extremely translatable in Bismarck because of the great coaching he has gotten at the Sioux Falls Power program. Trent is someone who can play in multiple rolls in your lineup and will take pride in everything he does. Look for him to be a fan favorite and bring a worker mentality to Bismarck.”
The same weekend the Bobcats saw Anfinson in Aberdeen, Kohanski was earning some time in the spotlight at Hockey Day in Minnesota. The 17-year-old forward from Hermantown, Minn. recorded a hat trick in the outdoors at Hockey Day Minnesota against Mahtomedi. Kohanski has 12 goals and 25 points in 19 games for Hermantown High School this season.
“Kade is a player who I have watched and appreciated for a number of years,” Kapetanovic said. “His compete and play making ability will make his game extremely translatable for junior hockey. Hermantown is consistently one of the best programs in the state every year. Kade is well coached and checks all the boxes that we want in Bismarck.”
Kohanski put up two points per game for last season’s Class A championship team in Hermantown. The Hawks have won three titles in the last seven seasons.