NORTH RICHLAND HILLS, TEXAS — The Lone Star Brahmas are pleased to announce “the addition of eight new players to the organization per trade agreements and the 2020 NAHL Draft,” said Head Coach Dan Wildfong on Tuesday. Skaters Alex Murray, Luke Beerman, Owen Nolan, Dawson McKay, David Andreychuk, Rowan Miller, Daunte Fortner and Tyler Blanchard will call North Richland Hills home for the 2020-21 season. Continue reading to learn more about each player.
Alex Murray, defenseman
The Glenview, IL native was acquired in a trade with the St. Cloud Norsemen late Monday night. In exchange for the skater, the Lone Star Brahmas traded a fourth-round draft pick in Tuesday’s 2020 NAHL Draft to St. Cloud. Murray played 50 games for St. Cloud in the 2019-20 season, amassing 11 points (2g-11a), as well as spent time during the 2018-29 season within the NAHL on the Amarillo Bulls, Janesville Jets, and Brookings Blizzard. The defenseman is committed to Miami University (Ohio).
Player’s thoughts: “I’m very excited to be a part of one of the best programs in the NAHL for my final year of junior hockey. I’m looking forward to playing great hockey in front of the Brahmas fans and winning hockey games. I can’t wait to meet my new teammates and the coaching staff. I’m looking forward to getting started!”
Luke Beerman, forward
Luke Beerman joins the Brahmas from the Swan Valley Stampeders in the Manitoba Junior Hockey League (MJHL), where he totaled 57 points (18g-39a) in 60 games played. The Marquette, Mich. native also suited up for nationally-ranked Shattuck St. Mary’s 18U AAA and Prep teams in 2017 and 2018. Beerman plays forward, shoots left and stands at 6’1”.
Player’s thoughts: “It’s an honor to be drafted by such a top-notch organization. I can’t wait to get down there and build off last year’s success!”
Owen Nolan, defenseman
Owen Nolan hails from Mahopac, N.Y. and comes to the Lone Star Brahmas from the Surrey Eagles in the British Columbia Hockey League (BCHL). The defenseman played in 54 games in his first year as an Eagle, recording four goals and 17 assists. Like some past and current Brahmas skaters, Nolan is committed to play for Army (U.S. Military Academy) in the 2021-22 season.
Dawson McKay, forward
This 6’3 forward most recently tallied 12 points (9g-3a) in nine games for the Powell River Kings (BCHL). Born in Houghton, Mich., McKay has spent time in the NAHL previously with the Bismarck Bobcats, playing in ten games for the North Dakota team during the 2018-19 season.
David Andreychuk, left wing/centerman
A Gunnery School alumni, David Andreychuk amassed 16 goals and 37 assists in 35 games played for the USHS-Prep team. The centerman/left wing is originally from Chatham, N.J. and stands at 6’1”. Andreychuk is committed to St. Lawrence University for the 2021-22 season.
Player’s thoughts: “I was super excited to get drafted to an organization that can help me develop as a hockey player.”
Rowan Miller, forward
The 5’11” forward most recently played for the Powell River Kings (BCHL) totaling 15 points (8g-7a) during the 2019-20 season. Miller is a Scottsdale, Ariz. native.
Daunte Fortner, forward
Fortner returns to the Brahmas after playing two games with the organization at the beginning of the 2019-20 season. The 6’0” forward also spent time in the NAHL with the Jamestown Rebels and Odessa Jackalopes before heading to the MJHL to play with the Swan Valley Stampeders, where he played 35 games and totaled 25 points (7g-18a). Fortner is from Kingsford, Mich.
Player’s thoughts: “I’m honored that Lonestar drafted me. Excited to play for their organization!”
Tyler Blanchard, forward
No stranger to NYTEX Sports Centre, Blanchard has spent the past two seasons playing for the Texas Jr. Brahmas in the NA3HL. In the 2019-20 season, the 5’11” forward played 41 games and tallied 61 points (25g-36a). Blanchard is a San Jose, Calif. native.
Player’s thoughts: “It means a lot to have the opportunity to skate for such a great organization. I’m looking forward to being a part of their winning culture and becoming a better player under Coach Wildfong. Huge thanks to my past teammates and coaches for helping me get to where I am today!”
The Lone Star Brahmas main camp kicks off on July 30, 2020.
Sydney Johnson is a media and content intern with the Lone Star Brahmas.