Bremerton, WA - When Head Coach Jay Miller returned from a scouting trip this past season he had a list started with the players he was going after when the season ended. High on that list was defenseman Mike Tilly from the Kenai Peninsula, Alaska.

"I saw them play a few times over the last few years. (Mike) Tilly was actually skating out as a forward when I watched him this winter and man he was a force. Not the biggest kid but reminded me of the Tasmanian Devil out there. Always around the puck, extremely fast and tenacious."

Though Coach Miller had him slated as a forward, Assistant Coach Justin Adams had another chance to watch him later and reported back that he was playing defense. "I knew that Jay had him rated high on his list and when I say hom on the blue line I figured Jay would be even more excited. I know how much he likes fast offensive defensmen to play in his run-and-gun style game. On top of that he is physical and a very good defenseman."

The 5'7" 170 lbs. Alaska native racked up 7 goals and 16 assists in 23 games last season and looks to get some significant playing time on West Sound's new revamped defense. Tilly took a few minutes to answer some questions:

Why did you choose the Warriors?

West Sound is known to be one of the better teams in the NPHL and Coach Jay is good at moving players on and can get me a pretty good opportunity while playing for him.

What do you think you can bring to the Warriors?

Definitely won't bring size, not the biggest guy but I play bigger than everyone else so a physical game.

What do you hope to get out of the season?

Obviously I hope to help get W's and play good enough to come back next season and move up and exceed in my playing abilities.

Well the West Sound Warriors are happy to add you to the family. Welcome and GO WARRIORS!