Standout rookie Whelan coming back to Allen
ALLEN, Texas – The Allen Americans have re-signed standout rookie Tobias Whelan (WEE-lan) for the upcoming season.
“Whelan is a very valuable player because he can play in all situations,” Americans Head Coach and General Manager Dwight Mullins said Wednesday. “He's another guy in our locker room that is glue. We will look for him to give a lot of leadership.”
The six-foot, 190-pound forward scored 33 points (18g-15a=33) in 57 games last year before recording seven points (4g-3a=7) in 19 postseason games.
Whelan, 26, ended the regular season ranked high among rookies. He was tied for most shorthanded goals among first-years with three. The forward was also sixth in scoring for players in their first professional year and tied for third in game-winning goals among rookies with three.
The Orillia, Ontario, native recorded Allen’s first and only Gordie Howe Hat Trick Friday, Feb. 12, against Amarillo when he fought Chris Cloud, grabbed a goal and notched three assists in the game.
Whelan amassed 101 points in as many games in five seasons with Lakehead University before joining the Americans.
Whelan returns to the Americans this fall with Bruce Graham, Nino Musitelli, Colton Yellow Horn and Liam Huculak. Former CHL Rookie of the Year David Nimmo is also under contract with Allen for 2010-11.
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