Former University of Wisconsin-Stout defenseman, Nick Klaren, signed with the CHL's Laredo Bucks on Thursday.
I think I’ve said “the Laredo bucks have signed yet another player” or something along those lines too many times this off-season. It’s repetitive to keep going down that path. But, it doesn’t stop being true, especially after their latest acquisition. The Bucks added rookie defenseman Nick Klaren to their roster this afternoon, expanding their number of signed players to 19. The press release says that Klaren spent the last four years at the Univeristy of Wisconsin-Stout, where he amassed 64 points (23 G, 41A) in 108 games. Head coach and GM Terry Ruskowski really likes the offensive upside the young D-man shows, and feels he’s going to be a good addition to the team. Read on for the full press release and the requisite stats.
***
LAREDO, TX – The Laredo Bucks of the Central Hockey League announced Thursday that they have signed rookie defenseman Nick Klaren for the 2009-10 season. Klaren spent the last four years at the University of Wisconsin-Stout.
In his college career the 25-year-old Klaren played in 108 games for the Blue Devils scoring 67 points (23-44=67). 10 of Klaren’s 23 college tallies were on the power-play. Klaren’s offensive numbers increased in each of his four seasons in Wisconsin.
“Nick put up very good offensive numbers as a defenseman and I like that,” said Bucks President/General Manager and Head Coach Terry Ruskowski. “I’ve heard a lot of good things about the way he plays.”
Last season Klaren, 6’1, 200 pounds, helped lead the Blue Devils to the Division III Frozen Four in Lake Placid, New York. In the National Semi-Finals Klaren picked up an assist in the Blue Devils 3-2 overtime loss to Gustavus Adolphus.
Last season the North St. Paul, Minnesota native notched career high’s in goals (8), assists (19), and points (27).
“His numbers increased in every college season, and we feel that he will only get better here in Laredo,” Ruskowski said.
In 2007-08 Klaren played in a career-high 30 games, and put up 21 points (7-14=21) while helping lead the Blue Devils to the NCHA Finals, and to an NCAA berth. Klaren was named the NCHA Player of the week on February 11, 2008, when he scored three goals in two games, including two against then top-ranked St. Norbert.
Klaren scored 11 points (5-6=11) in 2006-07, and eight points (3-5=8) in 2005-06.
Klaren played three years of junior hockey from 2002-2005, splitting time between the USHL and NAHL. Klaren played in a total of 146 junior games with the Tri-City Storm (USHL) and the Wichita Falls Wildcats (NAHL), scoring 53 points (16-37=53) and picking up 220 PIM’s.
Klaren is the 19th Buck signed this off-season, including the 10th rookie.
