The Holland River Bandits are pleased to announce the signings of Phillip Molton, Brendon Hanser, Kyle Sada and Connor Eckheardt. Hanser and Sada are returning to the Bandits from last season, Molton and Eckheardt will be playing his first season for the Bandits in the MWJHL. All four boys fit the River Bandit program, they all have great character, strong work ethic, and a winning attitude.

   “The first four players we have signed are going to be integral parts to the club,” said River Bandits management. All three boys are from the US and will bring a new brand of talent to the team.

Phillip Molton a 19 year old, is from Lakeland, Florida, the son of Chris and Vicki Molton is going to be a great addition. Molton  a 5’9 168 lb. right handed defensemen, who played in the Empire Junior League last year has graduated from McKeel Academy of Technology and has been accepted to Florida Atlantic University, and has chosen to defer his enrollment to play this year and just work on his hockey. “Phillip is one of those diamonds in the rough, he came to me last year in Florida and played solid two way hockey, he’s a physical specimen ,fitness wise and he has the ability to transfer what I teach him to the ice immediately, he’s super smart and reminds me of Rich Peverly from the Bruins,” said Phillips Coach. The River Bandits are happy to have Phillip on the roster.

Brendon Hanser  18 year old goalie, is from Billings Montana, the son of Becky and Spence Hanser  and played for the River Bandits the last half of last season. He was a nominee for goalie of the week in the MWJHL several times  and is also graduating from Billings Central Catholic High School this month. “Brendon is a big kid, he’s 6’1 and 210 lbs, he covers a lot of net, he had a .869 SVP last year and plays the position well, I had him in Florida also and watched him stop the first 56 shots in a game against the Atlanta Knights, he is phenomenal when he plays his game,” said Hanser's Coach.  Hanser stepped into Holland last year and played well and is looking forward to coming back for year 2.

Kyle Sada turns 16 years old on August 4^th and is from Mooresville, North Carolina and is the son of Donna and Bobby Sada. He split his year between the Empire Junior League and the MWJHL. “Kyle is an exceptional hockey talent, he is young but, he’s a good one, and gets better every time he’s on the ice, another of my Florida kids that I have a feeling we will be seeing at the next level when he turns 18,”said Chighisola. Kyle played in the Empire Junior League for the East Coast Eagles prior to playing for Chighisola with SpaceCoast, then Kyle came to Holland River for the final 4 games of the season. “Kyle is a little guy but reminds me a lot of myself when I played, he has great hands, a great shot, very smart on the ice,  plays with a chip on his shoulder, and is in great shape physically,” said Kyles Coach.  The River Bandits are expecting big things from Sada this year.

Connor Eckhardt is 18 years old and hails from Tampa, Florida.His mom Wendy has seen lots of rinks since Connor was a boy. Connor played in the GMHL in Canada for both the Lefroy Wave and the Shelburne Red Wings last year. Connor then joined the Space Coast Empire team last year along with Molton and Hanser. Connor is 6’2 and 180 lbs and still growing. He plays both forward and defense, and will make a huge contribution to the River Bandits. “Connor is a great kid, he loves the game, plays physical and has great skills, he can pretty much do whatever you ask him on the ice,” said Eckhardts Coach. His former coach in Lefroy said, “Connor has a great work ethic and could play NCAA hockey if he continues to progress.” Connor would love to play at the University of Michigan and that may be a lofty dream, but not unattainable. More about Connor;  http://www.rocketsports-ent.com/tampa-bay-lightning-feature-article-connor-eckhardt-in-canada/