The ‘06 defenseman from Park Ridge, Illinois, Dean Andrews played a key offensive role from the blue line for the Midwest Division club. The third-year NAHL veteran got his weekend started on Friday night with a three-point performance. Andrews first showed up on the scoresheet with an assist on Ben Green’s tally in the opening frame. The Park Ridge, Illinois, native notched his next point of the night in power-play fashion. Andrews fired from the blue line in the second period, recording his first goal of the season for the Ice Dogs. His final point of the night against the Minnesota Mallards would come just seconds later in the middle frame as he provided the set-up to Dane Gatmaitan’s power-play goal.
Heading into Saturday night, the third-year veteran repeats his second-period performance, this time against the Janesville Jets. While the Ice Dogs were on the penalty kill, Ryan Shanahan was able to force a turnover of the puck in Fairbanks’ defensive zone. Andrews would then carry the puck across the neutral zone and score in breakaway fashion for the Ice Dogs. His ability to aid Fairbanks’ offensive efforts continued minutes later as he provided the primary assist on Dane Gatmaitan’s power-play tally in the middle frame. He skated to his second multi-point game for the Midwest Division club.
For the weekend, the 6-foot blueliner recorded five points for the Alaska-based club. He tallied two goals and recorded three assists for the Ice Dogs’ two-game set.
Head coach of the Ice Dogs, Dakota Bell, explains in detail what it means to see the Fairbanks veteran earn recognition for his work on the ice this past weekend.
“As one of our veteran players, it’s great to see Dean recognized on our first weekend of action for his performances. Dean put in a ton of work in the gym this offseason, and he’s come into camp from day one with a point to prove. Since we acquired him a couple of years ago, all he’s done is get better every day and continue to develop. Combine that with the experience and leadership he brings, and we have a pretty special player on our hands. Dean’s success this year will come from his skating, as he’s one of the most mobile defensemen in the NAHL. He plays in all situations for us and is someone we’ll lean on heavily as we prepare for the Showcase this coming week!”
2nd Star: Dane Gatmaitan, F, Fairbanks Ice Dogs
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