FORT McMURRAY, AB (September 1, 2014) – The Fort McMurray Oil Barons of the Alberta Junior Hockey League have signed 1995-born forwards Aaron Ryback (Winnipeg, MB) and Nick Harder (Sherwood Park, AB), the team announced today.
Ryback played last year for the Alexandria Blizzard of the North American Tier III Hockey League (NA3HL) in Minnesota, scoring 44 points in 46 games. Prior to that, Ryback was an alternate captain for the Lundar Falcons of the Keystone Junior Hockey League (KJHL) in Manitoba, where he recorded 40 points in 35 games in their 2012-13 campaign, while affiliating with the Winnipeg Blues of the Manitoba Junior Hockey League (MJHL).
Harder spent last season with the Camrose Kodiaks after completing his minor hockey career with the Sherwood Park Kings organization. In his final year with the Kings’ Midget AAA squad, Harder was the recipient of the Brett Pearce Award for perseverance, hard work, and dedication to hockey.
“With our current numbers situation, we felt it would benefit our team to add a greater veteran presence to our lineup,” said Oil Barons general manager and head coach Curtis Hunt. “Both Aaron and Nick bring some excellent experience and skill to our team, and we’re looking forward to seeing them continue to develop with our organization.”
The Oil Barons open their 2014-15 season on Friday night when they host the Drayton Valley Thunder at 8 PM at the Casman Centre.
Tickets are available at the Casman Centre box office, by calling 780 743 5509, or at oilbarons.com.