Bruins sign seven players

The Bruins have been busy over the past week locking up '93 and '94 prospects. Keith Cassidy got two players signed last Thursday and has inked four more since then, with another one coming in the next few days.

Here's a brief look at each player, along with what director of player personnel Rick Oakes had to say when I spoke with him on Monday (name, position, year, hometown, team, 2010-11 stats):

Tyler Kauk, D, 1993, Winnipeg, Winnipeg Thrashers, 44-7-17-17

"Tyler’s a big, strong, physical defenceman. He’s going to be able to step in and play right away, and play a lot. He’s got a big shot from the point that will be very beneficial to our power play and more importantly than anything he’s a character kid, a great leader and a winner."

Ben Johnstone, RW, 1993, Carlyle, Yorkton Harvest, 40-22-22-44

"Benny Johnstone is a Carlyle kid who has worked hard the last few years to get to where he’s at. He’s coming in to make the club and play out a lifelong dream to put on the Bruins jersey. To say he’s excited would be an understatement. But he doesn’t expect anything to be handed to him."

Tanner Froese, RW, 1993, Estevan, Swift Current Legionnaires, 44-23-24-47

"He’s another young man that’s worked hard. He’s spent his last two years in AAA in Swift Current. He was a captain for them last year. He’s a great character kid and he’s going to bring a lot of leadership. Being a local kid is an added bonus. He’s a big, strong winger who drives the net hard and he’s going to put up points in this league."

Taylor Reich, LW, 1993, Estevan, Saskatoon Contacts, 43-22-24-46
*Reich has not signed a contract but will next week when Cassidy is in Estevan
 
"Taylor Reich had a great season with the Saskatoon Contacts, in a first-class program with a winning tradition. We expect him to bring that winning tradition with him. He was also a captain there. Team-wise, he had a lot of success this year and he’s very passionate about wearing the jersey. He’s going to fulfill a very big role for us."

Austin Yano, D, 1993, White City, Moose Jaw Generals, 39-15-20-35 (as a LW)

"He played a couple of years in Moose Jaw, predominantly as a forward, but we’re looking at him as a defenceman for the upcoming season. He sees the ice very well, he moves the puck well, he’s got a big shot, and he’ll be good on the power play."

Denin Boesch, D, 1993, White City, Yorkton Harvest, 40-6-11-17

"Another good character guy. He went through some hard times last year, being released from his AAA team that he had been with for two years. He persevered, went to Yorkton and took on a prominent role as a top two defenceman and by all accounts was a first class citizen and a great leader. He’s got some local ties."

Tyler Bell, D, 1994, Regina, Regina Pat Canadians, 44-5-17-22

"Tyler’s an underage guy who still has some aspirations of looking at the Western League too. Our commitment to him is if he doesn’t make the WHL, we have a spot for him. He’s improved his foot speed and skill level the last two years with the Regina Pat Canadians. He’s a very good player to watch."

More signings should trickle in soon.