The Texas Brahmas of the NA3HL are pleased to announce the signing of 2 defensemen for the upcoming 2014-15 season. Returning from last year’s team is Ian Atencio (95), a 6’1”stay-at-home defenseman from Colorado, as well as newcomer Conor Durkin (96), also standing at 6’1”, hailing from Algonquin, Illinois. Both are expected to bring not only size to the blue line, but sizable contributions to the team in the Brahmas inaugural NA3HL campaign. Head Coach Al Rooney had already noted that it was important to have a healthy mix of new and old for the roster this coming season, and the teams first announced signings demonstrate that. Atencio, who played 30 games for the Brahmas last season, returns and is expected to bring a physical presence in the Brahmas end of the ice. “I had spoken to him several times before finally getting a chance to see him myself on the ice at our Camp held at NYTEX in June”, said Rooney. “Upon seeing him play there, it was a no brainer to want to have him return and be a big factor for us this season. I like his mix of skills, as well as how he handled himself in various situations. I’m real pleased to have him back with us.” Durkin, who skated for the Milwaukee Admirals U-18’s last season, was one of several tendered players by Coach Rooney this off-season, first catching his eye with his performance at the Brahmas Pre-Draft Camp held in Chicago back in May. “Conor is also a player that I think can play in various situations for us, and really serve as a guy that can make an impact immediately. He moves the puck well, has good size, but also is mobile enough to keep our opponents honest on the forecheck. Both of these players will see a lot of minutes for the Brahmas this season.” Look for more roster signings and announcements coming soon. The Brahmas will be playing out of NYTEX Sports Centre this season as members of the NA3HL’s ‘South Division’.
