By Mason Lyttle (@MasonLyttle) | January 29, 2019 | 2:37pm
JANESVILLE, WI – The Janesville Jets, proud members of the North American Hockey League (NAHL), have signed forward Branden Piku to a tender contract, securing his NAHL rights for the 2019-20 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.
Branden Piku
Piku (5-7/145) is a 2002-born right-handed forward from St. Claire, Michigan, about 20 minutes south of Port Huron. In 16 games this season for Meijer AAA Hockey’s 16U team in the NAPHL, Piku has scored 10 goals and 18 points.
Piku hit another level at last week’s NAPHL Showcase in Troy, Michigan, scoring three goals and adding four assists for seven points in four games, all wins.
Earlier this month, Piku announced his Division I commitment to Lake Superior State University.
“I’m thrilled to sign a tender with such a first class organization,” Piku said. “I’m excited to play in one of the best junior leagues in the world.”
Coach Says
“We are excited to have Branden as a part of this organization for next season. Branden is a very talented hockey player, which shows by his Division I commitment to Lake Superior State. Piku will add both skill and grit for the Jets next season.” — Corey Leivermann, Jets Head Coach
Becoming a great development program for NCAA hockey means building for the future while focusing on the season at hand. The Jets are set for a home showdown with the Springfield Jr. Blues this weekend after splitting last weekend’s series at the Nelson. Tickets are available online or at any Lions Quick Mart location in Janesville. All NAHL regular season and postseason games are broadcast live on HockeyTV.com.
