Brock Men's Hockey bolster the blueline

ST. CATHARINES, Ont. - The Brock University men's hockey program is pleased to announce the addition of three defensemen Daniel Tanel (Brampton, Ont.), Mitch Gaulton (Grimsby, Ont.) and Eric Bonawitz (Lewiston, ME). 

"We are a strong defensively committed team, but we felt, after reflecting on our season, there was a need to create depth within our defensive corps," said Brock head coach Murray Nystrom. "All three of these players bring size, mobility and puck moving skills to a group that is already good in those areas. Each player also brings major junior experience to Brock."

"Positional depth, particularly at defence, is an important factor in a team having a long successful season. We want to build on our success from last year and these additions will help us do that," added Nystrom.

Tanel, a 6-foot-6, 225-pound defenseman, played the past four seasons with the Acadie-Bathurst Titan of the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League. He played in 210 career games registering three goals and 26 assists for 29 career points. He also collected 176 penalty minutes. 

"After playing four years in the QMJHL, it is nice to be closer to home," said Tanel. "I visited Brock for the first time a couple weeks after my season, and as soon as I walked around the school and the hockey arena I knew it would be a perfect fit for me. I am very excited about going to Brock next year and being a Badger student-athlete. I am very thankful for everything the Titan has done for me and everything I have learned from them. I know the university has high expectations for the Badgers hockey team and I am excited to help the team go above and beyond those expectations."

Gaulton, a 6-foot, 200-pound defenseman, is a five-year veteran of the Ontario Hockey League spending four and a half seasons with the Erie Otters and the majority of his final campaign with the Kingston Frontenacs. In 201 career OHL games, Gaulton registered 21 goals and 59 assists for 80 career points.  In the 2008 NHL Entry Draft, the New York Rangers drafted him in the 6th round (171st overall).

"I am very thankful for the opportunity that lies ahead of me at Brock University as a student-athlete," said Gaulton. "I am looking forward to making a significant contribution on the ice, in the community and on campus."

Bonawitz, a 6-foot-2, 210-pound defenseman, played this past season with the Woodstock Slammers of the Maritime Junior Hockey League coached by former Badger Jason Tatarnic. In 2010, he played in 42 regular season games with the Slammers adding five goals and 23 assists while collecting 178 penalty minutes. He also played one season in the QMJHL with the Lewiston MAINEiacs registering one goal and four assists in 40 games with 80 PIMs.   Prior to Lewiston, he played one season with the Syracuse Stars of the Eastern Junior Hockey League where he added 12 points and 57 penalty minutes in 40 games.

"We are very happy for Eric and we know he will be an impact player for Brock on the backend," said former Badger and Woodstock head coach Jason Tatarnic. "He was our best player in the playoffs. We look forward to following his career at Brock and placing his picture on our alumni wall."

The Badgers will be releasing their 2011-12 season schedule and season tickets next week.