Photo credit: Phil Andraychak
BISMARCK, N.D.–Patrick Johnson and Calvin Hanson returned to Bismarck after performing at the North American Hockey League’s Top Prospects tournament in Cranberry Township, Pa. on Monday and Tuesday.
The tournament, an all-star showcase of sorts for uncommitted NAHL players, allowed every team to send players to represent their organizations.
Johnson scored a goal for Team Central on Monday. Hanson followed with a goal on Tuesday. Both players finished the tournament with two points–one goal and one assist–total in two games played.
“Both played really well,” head coach Layne Sedevie said. “Calvin is a little bit different than Patrick, since (Johnson) has another year, but you want to go there and not shoot yourself in the foot. Play well, because whether someone needs another forward right now … or when colleges start losing guys because they are signing pro contracts … they go back to those notes.”
Johnson leads the Bobcats with 34 points (14 goals, 20 assists) in 38 games played. Hanson’s 29 points are fifth on the team, with 14 points coming in his last 12 games. Both forwards have been key to the team’s 7-2-2 record since January 1st.
“It is great for both of those guys to go there and play well,” Sedevie said. “Really, they need to have that push through the second half here … Thankfully, both our guys showed really well.”
Success at the Top Prospects Tournament is not unfamiliar for Sedevie. Last season, Quinn Rudrud recorded two goals and two assists in a single game, then committed to the University of Alaska Fairbanks soon after. Ryan Raylor, now at Clarkson University, scored two goals at the tournament two years ago.
The Bismarck Bobcats host the St. Cloud Norsemen on Friday, February 10 and Saturday, February 11 at the VFW Sports Center. Game times are 7:15 p.m. Fans can receive a free specialty Bobcats jersey at Friday’s Farmers Union Insurance food drive by donating three cans of food or $10. Limit one jersey per individual. Tickets are on sale for all home games at tickets.bismarckbobcats.com.