ROCHESTER, Minn. – The Rochester Grizzlies and Head Coach Chris Ratzloff added three more tenders for the upcoming season on Wednesday.
One day after announcing a trio of tenders, the Grizzles welcomed an additional three to the roster including forwards Connor Chesner and Kyle Brown along with defenseman Garrett Thomas.
Chesner, 18, joins the Grizzlies after playing the past three seasons with Aspen High in Colorado. At 6-foot-3, 168-pounds, Chesner is the largest forward on the Grizzlies roster. Using his size, the Aspen, CO, native managed 14 points in 34 games with the Skiiers during his career. In 2019-20, Chesner was named team captain and helped Aspen get to the post-season.
Joining Chesner in the forward grouping is 17-year-old Kyle Brown. Out of Saginaw, MI, Brown had an incredibly potent season in 2019-20 with Tri-Valley High where he logged 50 total points in 24 games, including 35 goals. Not only did Brown average over two points per game during the regular season, Brown scored a goal and added four assists for five points in five playoff games with the Tri-Valley Titans. Brown only played one season with Tri-Valley High, prior to 2019-20 he also gained experience in the NAPHL with Meijer AAA 16U and in 2017-18 played for the Oakland Jr. Grizzlies 15U program.
Thomas, 18, was the lone announced on Wednesday. The 5-foot-7, 140-pound blue-liner played four years with New Richland High in Wisconsin. In 90 games, the defenseman registered 37 total points including a career-high in 2019-20 of 14. Thomas’ stats grew year-over-year and his leadership qualities earned him the captain “C” in 2019-20.
Up next for the newest Grizzlies, they’ll have the opportunity to earn a spot on the Rochester roster and wear the black-and-gold full-time in 2020-21.
The Rochester Grizzlies are still looking for families who’d like to become part of the team by being billet parents. If you’re interested in becoming a billet and housing a Rochester Grizzlie throughout the season while forming a relationship with a great young man, let us know by emailing tj@austinbruins.com.