By Mason Lyttle (@MasonLyttle) | Dec 7, 2017 | 11:26am
JANESVILLE, WI – The Janesville Jets, proud members of the North American Hockey League (NAHL), have signed Andrew Hicks (D), Jordon Halverson (D), and Keaton Jakrzewski (F) 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.
Andrew Hicks
Hicks (5-10/181) is a ’99 defenseman from Minnetonka, Minnesota. He played 21 games for Team Northwest in the fall “Before” season of the Minnesota High School Elite League, registering eight points. He now captains the Minnetonka Skippers, currently ranked 3rd in the state behind only Edina and Duluth East.
In the recent era of skilled, puck-moving defensemen, Hicks is another blueliner focused on his skating.
“I’m a two-way defenseman who’s strong coming out of my zone,” he said. “I can make plays in the defensive zone and can contribute offensively.
“I’m super excited to have the opportunity to put on the Jets jersey and advance my game. It’s fun right now to watch the team have success. Janesville has been a great organization with success at both moving players on and winning games, so it is an honor to be a part of such a great organization.”
Coaches Say
“Andrew has the potential to be a very good hockey player in the NAHL next season. His skating and play-making abilities make him a very effective two-way defenseman.” — Tadd Tuomie (MN HS Elite League)
“Andrew was a player that impressed me a ton throughout the Minnesota High School Elite League season. Andrew is a solid two-way defenseman who will be able to play in all game situations next season” — Corey Leivermann, Jets Assistant Coach
Jordon Halverson
Halverson (6-2/185) is a 2000 birth year from Hudson, WI. Halverson played 20 regular season games with Team Wisconsin this fall, registering eight points, and added three more in three playoff games. Halverson will play the traditional high school season at first-ranked Hudson High, where he won a state championship last year with former Jet Chase Blackmun.
“I believe I’m a solid, two-way defenseman who can jump up into the play to create offense, while playing a strong, physical game in my own end” said Halverson. “I see the ice well and like making plays at both ends of the rink.
It’s an honor to be able to sign my tender and officially become a Jet. I couldn’t be any more excited about this next step in my hockey career and I look forward to contributing to the organization in any way possible.”
Coach Says
“Jordon comes highly recommended from numerous coaches that have seen him play throughout the Team Wisconsin season. He’s a strong two-way defenseman who can skate well for his size.” — Gary Shuchuk, Jets Head Coach & General Manager
Keaton Jakrzewski
Jakrzewski (5-10/152) is a 1999 birth year from Lake Orion, MI, about an hour north of Detroit. He developed with the Honeybaked Bantam program before joining the Meijer AAA program. In 49 games across the Midget and NAPHL tournament schedule, Jakrzewski has recorded 22 points.
“I’m honored to have the opportunity to play for a great NAHL program like the Janesville Jets,” said Jakrzewski. “I’m looking forward to using my speed, creativity, and tenacity to be a major factor in the organization’s future success.”
Coaches Say
“Keaton is a player that will compete hard every single game. He’s been an awesome leader for us on and off the ice. The Jets are getting a phenomenal kid.” — Brian Sherry, Meijer U18 Head Coach
“Keaton has had an outstanding NAPHL season thus far. I’ve had the opportunity to watch him play several times, and I love how hard he competes every single game.” — Corey Leivermann
Becoming a great development program for NCAA hockey means building for the future while focusing on the season at hand. A busy week for the Jets coaching staff of practice and tendering futures wraps up tomorrow at the Janesville Ice Arena. The Jets host the Kenai River Brown Bears and the Springfield Jr. Blues tomorrow and Saturday in the Weekend of Giving event. Tomorrow is the Jets’ Ice Out Hunger Event, and Saturday is the fourth annual Teddy Bear Toss. Click here for more details on the Weekend of Giving. 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.