NATHAN BALKWILL SIGNS PRO DEAL
The Columbus River Dragons announced that the team has signed former Bradford Bulls defenseman Nathan Balkwill for the 2023-24 season.
The 23-year-old Orillia, Ontario native spent last season playing for S-Kiekko in Finland, where he put up 5-7-12 in 32 games along with 77 minutes in penalties. The 6-0, 190-pound blueliner is known for his physical play and was the most penalized player in the NOJHL for both 2018-19 and 2019-20.
In 2021-22, Balkwill put up 14 points in 14 games (2-12-14) and another five points in 11 playoff appearances as he helped the Bulls make it to the North Division Finals. The River Dragons and Bulls entered into a working agreement in the spring of 2019 to help build a pipeline for players to professional hockey. Thanks to Bulls President and General Manager Brandon Billie, who also serves as the River Dragons Head Scout, several players have been welcomed into the Columbus fold over the past several seasons.
