BISMARCK, N.D.–The Bismarck Bobcats, proud member of the North American Hockey League, have signed forward John Kneidel to a tender agreement for the 2023-24 season.
Kneidel, captain of the Ohio Blue Jackets AAA team, finished this season tied for second in scoring with 21 goals and 48 points in 55 games.
“John can play center and wing and has ability to play anywhere in the lineup,” Niko Kapetanovic, Bobcats head scout, said. “He is much like a Swiss Army knife as he can impact the game in a variety of ways. His skating, compete, and length will make his translation to the NAHL a smooth one.”
The 18-year-old from Dublin, Ohio, would be just the fifth Bobcat from Ohio in team history and the first under Layne Sedevie. The AAA Blue Jackets compete against teams from all over the country and play a junior hockey-like schedule.
“Getting to know John throughout this process has reassured how well he will fit in with the culture we have in Bismarck,” Kapetanovic said.
A tender agreement is a contract giving a North American Hockey League team the rights to a player for the upcoming season. If a tendered player decides to join the NAHL, he would join the Bobcats. Tendered players who are current rookies on this year’s team include Julian Beaumont, Ian Engel, Nick Baer, and Kade Kohanski.