By Mason Lyttle (@MasonLyttle) | April 9, 2020 | 3:30pm
JANESVILLE, WI – The Janesville Jets, proud members of the North American Hockey League (NAHL), have signed defenseman Cal Mell to a tender contract, securing his NAHL rights for the 2020-21 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.
Cal Mell
Mell (5-10/175) is a 19-year-old right-handed defenseman from Cumming, Georgia, northeast of Atlanta. Mell played 11 games of NAPHL U16 hockey with Connecticut’s Elite Hockey Academy in 2017-18, then made the jump to the Eastern Hockey League.
Over the last two seasons with the Walpole Express, Mell has played over 80 games and logged nearly 50 points. His five goals and 24 assists led all Express defensemen this season.
Former Jets assistant coach Cody Campbell is the head coach of the Express.
“I am really excited for this opportunity and look forward to joining the Jets family,” said Mell.
Coaches Say
“Cal has been a rock on the back end for us this season. He has not only produced offensively, but also has consistently shut down other teams’ top lines. Cal is a great-skating ‘D’ with high-end hockey IQ. Having previously worked in Janesville, knowing their staff and the culture they have there, I have no doubt that Cal is going to be an impact player for the Jets next season. We are extremely excited for Cal to get this opportunity at the next level.” — Express head coach Cody Campbell
“The Jets’ coaching staff is excited to have Mr. Mell sign a tender with us for next year. Cal is an elite skater who skates with his eyes up and has potential to run a power play. He is very comparable to former Jet Carter Ekberg.” — Jets general manager Joe Dibble
Tendered List
F James Barbour | Lake Forest, IL | Mount St. Charles Academy
F Brody Lucas | Mankato, MN | Northstar Christian Academy U18 (NAPHL)
D Cal Mell | Cumming, GA | Walpole Express (EHL)
G Owen Millward | Davis, CA | Fox Motors U16 (T1EHL)
F Max Montes | Hartland, WI | Milwaukee Jr. Admirals U16 (T1EHL)
F Nolan Murphy | Boston, MA | New England Knights (NA3HL)
F Matt Romer | Chicago, IL | Chicago Mission U18 (HPHL)
F Jared Scott | Waukesha, WI | Milwaukee Jr. Admirals U18 (T1EHL)
D Will Troutwine | Evelth, MN | Eveleth-Gilbert HS
D Gunnar Williams | Elgin, IL | Team Illinois U16 (HPHL)
100+ NCAA commitments since 2009.