BISMARCK, N.D.–The Bismarck Bobcats are proud to announce the tenders of Daniel Johnson (left) and Logan Opgrand (right) for the 2023-24 season. The duo of defensemen signed their agreements on November 1, the first day North American Hockey League teams are allowed to finalize tenders.
Johnson, a 17-year-old from Edgewood, Md. is currently playing AAA hockey in Chicago for the Windy City Storm. Johnson, whose resume includes a USHL game played for the Youngstown Phantoms, has four goals in his first six games this year at AAA.
“DJ has an elite work ethic and motor that separates him from his competition,” said Niko Kapetanovic, Bobcats’ head scout. “His skating, compete, and strength are in the top tier for AAA players across the country. Picture a power forward who plays defense and you get DJ, not to mention he is a heck of a young man who will be great in Bismarck’s high character locker room.”
Opgrand, a fellow 17-year-old defenseman, is from Eagan, Minn. where he plays at Eastview High School and the Minnesota Elite League. Opgrand led all defensemen in scoring in last year’s high school season. The Bobcats’ coaches and staff believe they are getting another hard worker and old-time hockey player in Opgrand.
“Logan is by far the hardest kid in Minnesota to play against,” Kapetanovic said. “He is a bit of a throwback Having coached against him and watching him closely the last couple of years, the best is yet to come with Logan. He defends well, plays tough, is strong on pucks, and is really starting to hit his stride. Logan will quickly become a fan favorite, I have a good feeling on that.”
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 joined this year’s squad include Julian Beaumont, Sam Blanton, Ian Engel, Mitch Simmons, C.J. Kier, and Nick Baer. So farThe Bobcats have finalized agreements for five players, with more to come.