Northstar 18U forward Croal signs NAHL tender

The Northstar Knights of the North American Prospects Hockey League (NAPHL) are pleased to announce that 18U forward Cody Croal has signed a North American Hockey League (NAHL) tender agreement with the Austin Bruins of the NAHL’s Central Division.

Croal, 18, has been one of the Knight’s best forwards so far this season. The 5’11/175 lbs. native of North Branch, MN, has 17 goals and 19 assists for 36 points in 19 games played overall during the 2021-22 season. He leads the Knights with 1.89 goals per game.

In NAPHL action, he has recorded 11 points in 10 games played.

“I am very excited and blessed for the opportunity to sign a tender with Austin. I would like to thank my family, friends, Northstar Christian Academy and most importantly, God,” said Croal.

This is Croal’s second season playing with the Knights 18U team in the NAPHL. Last season, he recorded 17 points in 11 NAPHL regular season games. He took his game to another level in the Dixon Cup Playoffs as he posted 11 points in six games, helping Northstar capture the 18U title.

His is the fourth player from the Knights 18U team who has signed an NAHL tender so far this season.

As the Knights program continues to grow, so does the recognition. “It’s great to see some individuals recognized,” said 18U Head Coach Rylan Galiardi. “I think it's a testament to our team that these individuals can stand out because of our team and Northstar is gaining a reputation as guys that are prepared and well coached. We're just gaining a reputation because of our three pillars in the Spiritual, Academic and Athletic area so coaches know now that they are getting warriors that come out of Northstar.”

Click here to see a list of NAPHL tenders for the 2021-22 season

A tender is a contract, of sorts, a player signs announcing his intentions to play for that particular NAHL team and that NAHL team only. Once a player signs a tender with an NAHL team, his playing rights belong to that team within the NAHL and he may not be recruited by any other NAHL team. Each team is granted ten (10) tenders, which include two (2) tenders exclusively used on players from the NAPHL - plus or minus any trades - which became active on November 1st. Tendered players are not eligible for the 2022 NAHL Draft.