By Mason Lyttle (@MasonLyttle) | Jan 16, 2018 | 2:42pm
JANESVILLE, WI – The Janesville Jets, proud members of the North American Hockey League (NAHL), have signed forwards Brenden Olson and Ian Doner to tender contracts, securing their NAHL rights for the 2018-19 season.
A tender is a contract a team offers a prospect to reserve his rights for the upcoming NAHL season. When a player signs a tender, his rights belong to that team within the NAHL, and he may not be recruited or drafted by any other member club. Each team is granted 10 tenders, which became active on November 1, and which they can either use on a prospect or trade to another NAHL club.
Brenden Olson
Olson (5-11/160) is a 2000 forward from Eau Claire, where he suited up two seasons for Eau Claire Memorial High before joining Team Wisconsin’s program in fall 2017. There, he scored 16 goals in 21 games in the “Before” season of the Minnesota High School Elite League.
“I like to use my speed and control the puck to make plays and create opportunities on the ice,” said Olson.
Olson is the third Wisconsin player tendered this season by the Jets, joining defensemen Jordon Halverson (Hudson) and Max Techel (Wausau).
“I’m honored to get the opportunity to be a part of a successful NAHL team like the Jets,” he said. “I enjoy working and learning to develop my game to become a better player every day.”
Coaches Say
“I have witnessed Brenden’s skill and passion as he developed into an elite player. Brenden is one of the top forwards in Wisconsin, and he possesses exceptional skating abilities, puck handling skills, and great play-making decisions. He has learned that if he combines his work ethic with his skill, he has the tools to be a D-I college hockey player.” — Brad Byce (TW U18)
“Brenden had a tremendous 2017 Team Wisconsin Fall Elite League. Every time I was able to watch TW this fall, Brenden made an impact. We are excited to have Brenden and look forward to seeing him in a Jets uniform next season.” — Corey Leivermann, Jets Assistant Coach
Ian Doner
Doner (6-3/196) is a big-bodied ’99 forward from Washington state with an impressive pedigree. Wisconsin hockey fans might recognize the name from his father Lexi, who played college hockey in Madison from 1980-94, winning two NCAA titles, or from Ian’s sister, Molly, who also just finished her four-year Badger career in 2016.
Ian plays with the NA3HL’s Yellowstone Quake in Cody, Wyoming, where he has tallied 84 points in 76 games over two seasons. This year alone, Doner has snapped in 29 goals on 54 points in 34 games.
Doner skated one game of NAHL action this season with the Minot Minotauros and is eager to take his next shot at Tier II with Janesville.
“I’m very excited to tender with the Janesville Jets,” he said. “I look forward to joining the team in the future.”
Coaches Say
“Ian has been a player that came into the Quake last season and has put forth the effort and brings a great attitude throughout the process of his development here.. His best attribute throughout has been his work ethic. He comes in every day ready to work and pays attention to detail. He has continued to grow as a player and as a person. I’m very excited for this opportunity for him and look forward to his future success.” — Ryan Theros, Quake Head Coach
“I had the opportunity to see Ian play last season and this season. Ian has taken big strides this year. I look forward to seeing him in a Jets uniform next season.” — Corey Leivermann, Jets Assistant Coach
Becoming a great development program for NCAA hockey means building for the future while focusing on the season at hand. This weekend the Jets take their six-game win streak to Richfield, Minnesota, where the Minnesota Magicians await their first home meeting with the Jets. Janesville is back home next Friday, January 26th versus the Fairbanks Ice Dogs. Get your tickets here, or go to any Janesville area Lions Quick Marts location for discounted ticket vouchers. Stay connected to the Jets through Facebook and Twitter.
