AUSTIN, MN – For the second time in two weeks, the Bruins have had a player called up to the USHL. Forward Benito Posa is heading to the Muskegon LumberJacks. In exchange, the Bruins receive Canadian-born forward Dante Sheriff. The move marks the second recent advancement by a Bruins player, after defenseman Anthony Stark was sent to Madison for Chase Pilawski last week.
Posa has racked up six goals and an assist in 17 games for the Bruins in his first NAHL season.
“I want to thank the coaches and the staff of the Austin Bruins for the countless hours they put into making that organization one of the best in the NAHL,” said Posa. “I’m grateful that I got to play in Austin and meet some life-changing people and play in front of the best fans in the league.”
Howard also had praise for Posa. “We are extremely excited for Benito and the opportunity he has with Muskegon. It took Benny some games to find ways to contribute – as expected with most rookies – but he started finding the back of the net and using his size to play physical,” he said. “He has done a lot in his short time in Austin and always brought a great attitude to the rink. We all wish him the best of luck in the USHL.”
Dante Sheriff is an 18-year-old forward from Toronto who has played 14 USHL games this season between Muskegon and Fargo. His AAA experience was in Canada, where he suited up for the Vaughan Kings, Halton Hurricanes, Brampton 45s, and finally Brampton Bombers between 2013-17. Sheriff’s point total has increased each year, topping out at 44 in 46 games with the Bombers last season.
“Our staff first got to see Dante skate at a USHL Camp and all of the NAHL coaches that were there were all raving about how talented he is, including Coach Rooney, Coach Kelly and I,” said Bruins head coach Steve Howard. “We left that camp joking around about how much we would like to have Sheriff in Austin and here he is! He’s a skilled player that can really skate. The fans in Austin are going to like watching him play.”
The Bruins try to keep both their winning streak (5) and point streak (8) alive this weekend in Bismarck, with a pair of 7:15 PM faceoffs at VFW Sports Center. Fans are encouraged to watch the games at The Bakery Lounge – the official home of Bruins road games. Saturday’s game is also a radio broadcast on AM 1480 KAUS and myaustinminnesota.com. All games are streamed live on HockeyTV.com
