U16 forward signs with USHL Club for ‘23-24 season
On Wednesday, the Green Bay Gamblers of the United States Hockey League (USHL) signed Lev Katzin to a tender agreement for the 2023-24 season. Kaztin is the fifth overall tender in the history of the Gamblers and first since 2013 when they signed Brent Gates, Jr.
Gamblers Tender Katzin ‼️ The Green Bay Gamblers are proud to announce we have signed forward Lev Katzin to a tender. Katzin is the first tender signed by the Gamblers since 2013. Welcome to Green Bay Lev! #GoGamblers pic.twitter.com/Dhmrfg3VQD
— Green Bay Gamblers (@GamblersHockey) March 1, 2023
The USHL allows each of its 16 member teams to tender up to two players that are eligible for the upcoming Phase 1 USHL Draft this spring. However, as a result of tendering Katzin, the Gamblers will surrender their first-round pick in the draft. Other players born in 2007 will make up the eligible options for teams when they make their selections on May 2nd.
Clearly, the scouting staff for the Gamblers saw something special in Katzin for them to be willing to part with their first-round pick. With the season that Katzin has had up to this point, it is easy to see why.
The left-shot forward has split his duties this season between St. Andrew’s College and the No. 2 Toronto Marlboros U16 club, which plays in the Greater Toronto Hockey League (GTHL). A dynamic and skilled two-way center, he has scored 42 goals and 120 points in 64 games this season. Stellar play that has propelled the Marlies to a 55-10-0 record and a consistent spot among the top-tier programs in the World Rankings. In fact, they were just named WHH’s top Canadian team for the month of February.
Speaking on the Gamblers’ website, Head Coach and General Manager Michael Leone shared his thoughts on the signing.
“We are thrilled to add a player of Lev’s caliber to our group for next season and beyond,” said Leone. “He’s intelligent and dynamic; a winning hockey player with the character and values that embody the Green Bay Gamblers organization and all we stand for.”
The Gamblers sit tied with the Youngstown Phantoms for second place in the Eastern Conference with 55 points. They are aiming for a strong finish to their season to get back to the playoffs; a spot where they missed out last year. An organization known for fostering elite talent, with notable alumni such as Blake Wheeler, Casey Mittelstadt and Anders Lee.
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