Scout.com > Western Michigan Broncos Sign Two More Story URL: http://westernmichigan.scout.com/2/255112.html WMU Media Relations BroncosIllustrated.com Apr 26, 2004 KALAMAZOO - The Western Michigan University ice hockey team has announced the signing of two student-athletes to National Letters of Intent. The newest Broncos are center Brian Bicek (Downers Grove, Ill.) and defenseman Jonathan Lupa (London, Ont.). The signings complete WMU's recruiting class for the 2004-05 season, which consists of seven individuals who have committed over the past year. Below are updated biographies for the incoming class: Nathan Ansell, D 5-11, 195 *shoots: right *DOB: 6/6/86 *Sarnia, Ont. Sarnia Blast (Western Junior B Hockey League) Signed in fall 2003 Ansell was named Most Valuable Player of the WJBHL, leading the Blast to a regular season championship. A WJBHL All-Star selection, Ansell compiled 15 goals and 26 assists for 41 points in 48 games this year. He ranked first in scoring among team defensemen and fifth overall. Ansell breaks out of the zone well and will bring quickness to the Bronco blue line. Daniel Bellissimo, G 6-2, 170 *catches: left *DOB: 8/15/84 *Toronto, Ont. Stouffville Spirit (Ontario Provincial Junior Hockey League) Signed in spring 2003 ? deferred enrollment to 2004 Bellissimo split time with three teams this season. He joined the Stouffville Spirit Jan. 10 just prior to the playoff after spending most of the year with the St. Michael's Buzzers. He started the season with the Georgetown Raiders. The athletic netminder finished with a 3.82 goals-against average and one shutout in 31 games. Bellissimo was named to the South Conference All-Star Team. His older brother, Vince, is a two-time scoring champion for the Broncos. Brian Bicek, C (BY-seck) 5-8, 170 *shoots: left *DOB: 11/24/85 *Downers Grove, Ill. Cleveland Barons (North American Hockey League) New signee Bicek amassed 26 goals and 45 assists for 71 points in 56 games ? finishing a point shy of the NAHL scoring title. He shared top honors for assists. Bicek recorded 40 goals and 90 points two years ago for the Chicago Chill Midget AAA squad. Bicek will add speed to the Bronco lineup and is a proven goal scorer with good hockey sense. Mike Erickson, RW 6-3, 200 *shoots: right *DOB: 4/12/83 *Eden Prairie, Minn. Des Moines Buccaneers (United States Hockey League) Signed in fall 2003 Erickson was chosen in the third round (72nd overall) of the 2002 NHL Entry Draft by the Minnesota Wild. He spent one-and-a-half seasons with two-time NCAA champion Minnesota, before returning to the junior ranks. Erickson captained the Buccaneers where he led the team in scoring ? finishing eighth in the USHL ? with 37 goals and 24 assists for 61 points in 58 games. Erickson was tabbed a USHL Second Team All-Star. He possesses a heavy shot and brings size up front for the Broncos. Erickson will have two years of eligibility with the Brown & Gold. Jeff Kyrzakos, RW (Kur-ZOCK-us) 6-2, 195 *shoots: right *DOB: 2/6/85 *Mississauga, Ont. St. Michael's Buzzers (Ontario Provincial Junior Hockey League) Signed in fall 2003 Kyrzakos helped the Buzzers to the Southern Division title and finished fifth in playoff scoring with 11 goals and 30 points in 25 games. During the regular season he stood third in team scoring, collecting 25 goals and 55 points in 42 games. Kyrzakos was rated 236th by NHL Central Scouting in its mid-term rankings. Kyrzakos doesn't shy away from contact, impressing WMU coaches with his physical play. Mike Lesperance, LW (Less-PER-onse) 6-1, 195 *shoots: left *DOB: 6/9/85 *Newmarket, Ont. Newmarket Hurricanes (Ontario Provincial Junior Hockey League) Signed in spring 2003 ? deferred enrollment to 2004 Lesperance finished fourth in team scoring with 10 goals and 33 points in 43 contests. An assistant captain, Lesperance was ranked 203rd by NHL Central Scouting in its mid-term report. Lesperance plans on pursuing a career in broadcast journalism after graduation. An extra year of juniors has helped mature his game. Jonathan Lupa, D 6-0, 200 *shoots: right *DOB: 7/6/83 *London, Ont. Stratford Cullitons (Mid-Western Junior Hockey League) New signee Lupa was named Most Valuable Defenseman of the Mid-Western Junior Hockey League, earning selection onto the All-Star team. He registered four goals and 20 assists in 44 games. Lupa's Culliton squad lost just five times during the 48-game season and won the Sutherland Cup Championship. Lupa played four years of juniors ? his maturity and competitive fire will be assets for the Broncos. Copyright © Scout.com and BroncosIllustrated.com