Peoria defenseman Killian signs NAHL tender

The Peoria Mustangs of the NA3HL are pleased to announce that defenseman Charlie Killian has signed a North American Hockey League tender agreement with the Springfield Jr. Blues of the NAHL’s Midwest Division.

Killian, 19, is in his first season playing junior hockey, which has been spent between the NA3HL and the NAHL this season. The 6’0/170 lbs. native of Mendota Heights, Minnesota, began the 2020-21 season in the NAHL with the New Mexico Ice Wolves, appearing in seven games.

He then transitioned to the Peoria Mustangs in the NA3HL, where he has made an impact, recording two points in his first four games played this season.

The Peoria to Springfield pipeline has seen a significant boost in recent years with former Mustangs such as Braden Stewart, Tristan Trudel and Blake Finley suiting up for the Jr. Blues. Additionally, former Mustangs coach Tyler Rennette is the head coach for the Springfield Jr. Blues.

Mustangs assistant coach Blake Ortman shared in his excitement for Killian’s signing, “When Charlie came to us from New Mexico, his plan was to develop and get back to the NAHL next year. He came to Peoria with a great attitude and an incredible work ethic. We are very happy for Charlie and can’t wait to see him have success at the next level.”

Prior to playing junior hockey, Killian played high school hockey in Minnesota for St. Thomas Academy.

Click here for a list of 2020-21 NA3HL tenders

A tender is a contract, of sorts, a player signs announcing his intentions to play for that particular NAHL team and that NAHL team only. Once a player signs a tender with an NAHL team, his playing rights belong to that team within the NAHL and he may not be recruited by any other NAHL team. Each team is granted ten (10) tenders, which includes one tender exclusively used on players from the NA3HL - plus or minus any trades - which became active on Nov. 1. Tendered players are not eligible for the 2021 NAHL Draft.