Fairbanks Lands Older Knelsen

The University of Alaska-Fairbanks got a commitment for 2007 today from Brandon Knelsen of Drumheller in the AJHL. Knelsen is an '87 born forward who has gotten off to a fast start in his first year in the AJHL by scoring 8 points in his team's first 5 games.

While Knelsen looks to be a decent player, the bigger implication for the Nanooks is that it will possibly give them a leg up on the rest of college hockey for Brandon's younger brother, Dion, an '89 forward that is also starting his first season with Drumheller in the AJHL, and has scored 9 points in 5 games playing on a line with his brother. Dion is currently ranked as the 16th best uncommitted forward for the class of 2007 by Western College Hockey on the 2007 Recruiting Board.

Fairbanks now has two commitments for the class of 2007, both from Alberta in Knelsen, and Drayton Valley forward Jeff Lee. Lee struggled last year in Drayton Valley as one of the youngest players in the league, but is also off to a fast start year, tallying a goal and five assists in his team's first 5 games.