On Thursday, the Allen Americans announced the signing of Tobias Whelan (shown above in Game 7 of last year's Conference Semi-Finals) for the 2010-2011 season. (Photo Credit: John O'Neill)
The Allen Americans announced this morning that Tobias Whelan, the talented rookie out of Lakehead University, will return for the 2010-2011 season.
Whelan finished the 2009-2010 season with 33 points (18G, 15A) in 57 games. He also had 70 penalty minutes and a plus-6 rating.
The Americans have to love what they get with Whelan: arguably one of the best “all-around” games on the team. He can play a physical game and isn’t afraid to drop the gloves if he has to, but also has some fantastic offensive tools. He’s also a leader in the locker room, and those kinds of guys are invaluable throughout the course of a season.
Here is the team’s press release:
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ALLEN, Texas – The Allen Americans have re-signed standout rookie Tobias Whelan (WEE-lan) for the upcoming season.
“Whelan is a very valuable player because he can play in all situations,” Americans Head Coach and General Manager Dwight Mullins said Wednesday. “He’s another guy in our locker room that is glue. We will look for him to give a lot of leadership.”
The six-foot, 190-pound forward scored 33 points (18g-15a=33) in 57 games last year before recording seven points (4g-3a=7) in 19 postseason games.
Whelan, 26, ended the regular season ranked high among rookies. He was tied for most shorthanded goals among first-years with three. The forward was also sixth in scoring for players in their first professional year and tied for third in game-winning goals among rookies with three.
The Orillia, Ontario, native recorded Allen’s first and only Gordie Howe Hat Trick Friday, Feb. 12, against Amarillo when he fought Chris Cloud, grabbed a goal and notched three assists in the game.
Whelan amassed 101 points in as many games in five seasons with Lakehead University before joining the Americans.
Whelan returns to the Americans this fall with Bruce Graham, Nino Musitelli, Colton Yellow Horn and Liam Huculak. Former CHL Rookie of the Year David Nimmo is also under contract with Allen for 2010-11.
