Lethbridge – A busy offseason for the Pronghorn men's hockey program continues, as head coach Spiros Anastas announces the commitment of three more players to the 2015-16 recruiting class. With the new additions, this year's recruiting class has now reached 15.
 
With the arrival of Evan Wardley, Zane Jones and Mitch Makin, coach Anastas has added considerable size to the Pronghorn line-up and builds on the offseason theme of bringing in players with southern Alberta connections.
 
"These three guys are huge additions, both literally and figuratively, for our program," said coach Anastas. "There is a common trend amongst many of our now 15 committed recruits and our returners as well; they are connected to Lethbridge."
 
"Some are born here, many played their junior or even minor hockey here, and a few have had parents or other family members attend University here."
 
Evan Wardley * 6'3" 218 lbs* Defence *Vulcan, AB * Seattle Thunderbirds (WHL)
 
Wardley joins the 'Horns after four years with the Seattle Thunderbirds and will take advantage of the WHL scholarship program as he pursues a post-secondary degree.
 
Over his four-year WHL career, Wardley suited up in 208 games, recording nine goals and 31 assists and set career highs last season with six goals and 16 assists, while being a plus seven.
 
At the end of the season last year, Wardley got a taste of professional hockey suiting up for three regular season and six playoff games with the Wheeling Nailers of the ECHL.
 
"Evan brings size, a great stick, and leadership to our program," said Anastas.  "He is a defenseman who has a pro skill-set and tremendous upside and his physical presence will be a key asset to our revamped defensive core."
 
"He was drafted to the WHL out of the Lethbridge Minor Hockey system and has a genuine affection for our city.  We are extremely excited to see Evan battle the way he can night in and night out for the Pronghorns."
 
Zane Jones * 6'3" 210 lbs*Left Wing *Olds, AB * Vancouver Giants/ Lethbridge Hurricanes (WHL)
 
During a four-year WHL career, Jones played 260 games for five teams, having stops in Victoria, Calgary, Everett, Lethbridge and Vancouver. He finished his WHL career with 77 goals and 72 assists and was a two-time 20 goal scorer.
 
This past season he set career highs with 29 goals and 45 points, splitting the season between the Lethbridge Hurricanes and Vancouver Giants.
 
As a 16 year old, Jones played for his home town Olds Grizzlies in the Alberta Junior Hockey League, scoring 21 goals and 40 points.
 
"Zane plays a man's game, he's big and solid, but is the type of player you want with the puck in the dying minutes of the game," said head coach Spiros Anastas.  "He is heavy on the puck and has no problem finding the net; I think it will be an easy transition into the CIS for Zane."
 
Mitch Makin * 6'3" 185 lbs*Right Wing *Lethbridge, AB * Alberni Valley Bulldogs (BCHL)
 
A Lethbridge minor hockey product, Mitch Makin returns to Lethbridge after three seasons in the BCHL with the Alberni Valley Bulldogs. In 141 games with the Bulldogs, Makin recorded 42 goals and 58 assists, and he also set career highs as a 20 year-old, scoring 25 goals and 60 points last year.
 
With the Lethbridge Midget AAA Pronghorns during the 2011-12 season, Makin lead the team in goals with 23 and second in points with 37.
 
"Mitch had a fantastic career in the BCHL and was a leader statistically and in the locker room," said Anastas.  "He can really shoot the puck and is another big body added to our new crop of forwards."
 
"There's a lot of upside in Mitch and I can see him getting progressively better over his CIS career."
 
The 'Horns will open training camp in late August and fans will be able to get their first look at the 2015-16 Pronghorn team September 4^th and 5^th  when they host the Portage College Voyageurs in a pair of pre-season games at Nicholas Sheran Arena.
 
 
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