Justin Ertel's impressive play in 2023-24 is paying off literally for the overage North Bay Battalion forward.
On Monday, Dallas Stars General Manager Jim Nill announced that the club has signed Battalion forward Justin Ertel to a three-year entry-level contract. The contract will begin in the 2024-25 season.
Ertel, 20, has registered 66 points (25-41—66) in 61 regular-season games for the North Bay Battalion of the Ontario Hockey League (OHL) this season. Among team leaders, Ertel ranks fourth in goals (25), assists (41) and points. He also paces the club in shorthanded goals (4), shares first in power-play assists (15) and ranks fifth in plus-minus (+23).
Since joining the Battalion for the 2022-23 campaign, the 6-foot-2, 186-pound forward has amassed 39 goals and 102 points (39-63—102) in 107 regular-season contests. He also recorded six points (1-5—6) in 20 postseason contests for North Bay in 2023.
Ertel, who was a 3rd round selection by the Troops in the 2019 OHL Priority Selection, spent the 2021-22 season with Cornell University where he earned nine points (1-8—9) in 23 games before de-committing from the NCAA school to join the Battalion in the fall of 2022.
With the news this week, it's obvious that decision has paid off for Ertel.
“Justin has worked hard for this entry-level deal," said Adam Dennis, Battalion GM.
"Last year was a bit of a roller coaster but he earned from his experience and translated it into a great year to date. We are thrilled that Dallas has rewarded his efforts and we look forward to being a part of his development for the remainder of his time in North Bay and beyond.”
A native of Kitchener, Ontario, Ertel was selected by Dallas in the third round (79th overall) of the 2021 NHL Draft.
The Dallas Stars also recently signed Powassan native Connor Punnett, who plays for the Oshawa Generals, to an entry-level contract last week.
