By: Ken Oda, minotauroshockey.com
Minot, ND – The Minot Minotauros have tendered defenseman Vitaliy Novitskyy of the Sioux Falls Jr. Stampede AAA for the 2016-17 season. The 1997 born native of Kharkov, Ukraine, stands 6’2” and 200 lbs., and is the captain of the Stampede U18 team. Through 50 games played for the Stampede this season Novitskyy has 11 goals and 15 assists along with a +15 rating. Novitskyy has also played on NAHL game this year dressing as an AP player for the Minnesota Magicians on November 14th when he posted an assist and a +1 rating against the Brookings Blizzard.
Novitskyy said he is, "extremely excited and blessed about this opportunity. I feel this organization will be the best fit for the style of game I play and a good place to be and grow as a player.” The defenseman also was quick to thank the people who have helped him grow as a player saying “[I] wouldn't have been able to do this without my coach who has taught me so much this past season and without the support of my family in Sioux Falls."
The Tauros are equally excited to have signed Novitskyy, Head Coach Marty Murray described Novitskyy, "The Minot Minotauros are very excited to announce a tender agreement with Vitaliy Novitskyy. We had Vitaliy up to practice with us a few weeks ago and we feel like he will make a seamless transition to junior hockey. He defends very well, makes a good first pass, and is mature both on and off the ice. We believe he'll have an immediate impact on our club in the 2016-17 season. Coach Galiardi has done tremendous work with him, and there is no doubt he will be junior ready come next fall”
Next season Novitskyy will join returning defensemen Colten Berg, Luke Davison, Jacob Dittel, and Sam Fuss. Check back to minotauroshockey.com for all Tauros news, or follow us on Facebook and Twitter.