Boll signs with Whalers, shuns NCAA

Jared Boll said no to the NCAA and hello to the OHL.

(Photo credit - Robert Meyer)

Jared Boll, acquired by the Plymouth Whalers last week from the Kingston Frontenacs for fifth-round draft choice in 2006, has shunned Minnesota-Duluth and will instead play for the Whalers this season.

“We're excited about having Jared on board,” Plymouth head coach and general manager Mike Vellucci said. “We think he'll bring some scoring with grit and toughness to the rink.”

“I've heard nothing but good things about the Whalers,” said the 19-year-old Boll. “I'm excited to get started and become part of things, especially since Plymouth acquired my rights. I had a few options, but the OHL seems to suit my game.”

In signing Boll, a Crystal Lake, Ill., native, the Whalers' Chicago connection gets a little stronger. Current Whalers Gino Pisellini and Mike Letizia come from the Chicago area, as do 2005 draft choices Kyle Jendra (Chicago Chill) and Vincent Loverde (Chicago Young Americans).

Boll and Pisellini were teammates in 2002 with the Team Illinois midgets.

Although Boll, a center, was drafted by Kingston in the 6th round (101st overall) of the 2002 OHL Draft, he played the last two seasons for the Lincoln Stars of the United States Hockey League. Boll scored 23 goals and 24 assists for 47 points and a league-leading 294 penalty minutes in 59 games last year and scored six goals with eight assists for 14 points and 176 PIMs in 57 games for the Stars in 2003-04.

Boll was captain of the Stars last season and made the USHL all-star team. He is currently ranked 212th by the National Hockey League Central Scouting Bureau among North American skaters.

In coming to Plymouth, Boll understands the physical side of the game.

“Penalty minutes are a part of the game,” Boll admitted. “I have no problem getting into your face. I have to play physical to be effective.”

Boll will report to Plymouth's training camp August 30 with the rest of the Whalers.