Replacing a Second Team All-NA3HL goaltender (Caleb Cross will play at Northern Illinois University this winter) is no easy task, but Butte Irish Head Coach Marc Brodeur has signed a trio of talented netminders who he thinks can do the job.
16-year old Nicholas Ulyanov comes to Butte after a season with the Portland Jr. Winterhawks 18U team which competed in the USA Hockey National Championships. At 6’0″ 180-pounds this prospect has a high ceiling for advancement. His older brother, Alexander, will also play in the NA3HL this season skate after signing with the West Bend Power.
Keegan Strong has a season of Junior hockey experience after playing in Canada last season. After beginning the year in the SIJHL, Strong moved to Alberta and the Sexsmith Vipers (NWJHL) where he played in six games. The 18-year old is a native of Homer, Alaska.
The oldest of the trio is Tyrus Pratley who recently turned 19. Pratley spent last season playing with the Maine Moose 18U. Hailing from Leonardtown, Maryland, he has NA3HL experience too with a callup to the New Jersey Titans (NA3HL) for a three-game stint in 2021-22.