Minot, ND – The Minotauros are proud to announce that Minotauros alum and 2015 NAHL Rookie of the Year Blake Lizotte has signed with the Los Angeles Kings in the NHL. Lizotte becomes the second Tauro alum to sign an NHL deal following Merrick Madsen signing with the Arizona Coyotes in 2018, however when Lizotte takes the ice this weekend he will be the first Minotauro alum to play in the NHL.
Lizotte left Minot as the Tauros all time single season points leader with 52 in the 2014-15 season, a mark that remains third all time in franchise history. His 38 assists that season remains the most by any Tauro in a single season. His time in Minot not only earned him league Rookie of the Year and NAHL Central Forward of the Year honors but also a commitment to NCAA DI St. Cloud State and the fourth overall pick in the 2015 USHL Draft by the Fargo Force.
Watch Blake Lizotte 2017 Tauros Alum Spotlight Video
Tauros Head Coach Marty Murray also billeted Lizotte and remains in contact with the former Tauro. Murray described Lizotte’s time in Minot, “from the get go we realized he was going to be a special player. He looked like a 12-year-old kid weighing 138 pounds but he had the heart of a lion. The intention was to keep him until the high school season started but by that point it was evident that he was ready to move on. It was a pleasure to work with him and help him do that.” As for Blake’s development since he left Minot Murray said, “anytime you hear someone talk about Blake it is the same things we thought about him: his character is off the charts and his work ethic is unmatched. I’m sure the LA Kings will be saying the same things as the coaches in Fargo and Saint Cloud.”
After leaving Minot Lizotte played two seasons for the Fargo including being named captain for the 2016-17 season. Over his two seasons in Fargo Lizotte recorded 111 points in 110 games. From there Lizotte moved on to St. Cloud, in his two seasons at St. Cloud Lizotte posted 22 goals and 47 assists in 76 games played. As a Freshman he was fifth on the team in scoring with 27 points and made the NCHC All-Freshman Team. This season he centered the top line on the top ranked team in the country and was second in scoring with 42 points and made the All NCHC First Team. Both seasons Lizotte was there St. Cloud won the NCHC title.
Despite being four seasons removed from being a Tauro Lizotte still had warm memories of his time in the Magic City. “Minot was a special place for me, it was pivotal for my success not only as a hockey player but it also helped me grow as a person. The coaching staff, teammates, billets, and whole town of Minot have helped me become who I am! And for that I will forever be grateful for my time there!”
The Kings have three games remaining in the regular season, tonight against the Arizone Coyotes, Friday against the Anaheim Ducks, and Saturday against the Vegas Golden Knights. Stay tuned to minotauroshockey.com and the Tauros Twitter for updates on the progress of Lizotte and all Tauros Alum.