Texas Stars Open ATO Season Signing Dallas ELC Defenseman Jack Anderson

(Credit: Michigan Tech Athletics)

It wouldn't be a Texas Stars season without an ATO signing from Michigan Tech or Ferris State. This year, Michigan Tech wins the mantle with the Stars signing defenseman Jack Anderson out of college to an amateur tryout deal following the announcement of his two-year entry-level contract with the Dallas Stars.

Anderson played three seasons at Lindenwood University, a small private school in the suburbs of Anderson's native St. Louis, Missouri. For his final season, he transferred to Michigan Tech and wore an "A" for the Huskies. He moved to the Upper Peninsula along with his Lindenwood head coach, Bill Muckalt, who took the head job this season, and defensive coach Benton Maass, who also made the same move to follow Muckalt. Former Texas Star Tyler Shelast is also on staff at Michigan Tech with 13 years under his belt there.

Anderson profiles as a big man defenseman. He's 6'6 and 225 pounds. He had his best offensive season of his collegiate career at Tech, leading the defense with 11-13=24.  At the conclusion of the season, Anderson was named the CCHA Defensive Defenseman of the Year in addition to earning All-CCHA First Team Honors.

His time in Cedar Park will not be his first time playing for a Texas-based team as he skated a single season for the El Paso Rhinos in the NAHL. He amassed 136 penalty minutes in 57 games there.

With Texas stacked up relatively well on defense, you'd have to imagine Anderson skates only occasionally in a 6/7 role this season. His ELC ensures he'll be in the mix next year.