The Portland Winterhawks have signed 16-year-old North Dakota native Alex Schoenborn to a contract. Schoenborn is a highly-touted prospect who was receiving interest from many NCAA schools, and was a first round pick, 12th overall, in the 2011 United States Hockey League’s Futures Draft.

The 6’2”, 195-pound forward currently plays for the Omaha Jr. Lancers U16 AAA team that plays in the North American Prospects Hockey League (NAPHL), and he ranks second in the league in scoring with 10 goals and 17 assists for 27 points in 13 games.

“Alex’s signing is a statement that he’s confident he can pursue both his academic and professional goals with the Winterhawks, as very few top prospects from North Dakota choose the WHL,” said General Manager & Head Coach Mike Johnston. “Along with being one of the top players in the U.S., Alex is also an honor student, and we’re excited that he’s joining our organization.”

Schoenborn attended the USA Hockey Top-40 camp for players born in 1995, the same camp attended by current Winterhawks players Brendan Burke and Chase De Leo.

“Alex is a physical power forward who also possesses terrific skills and a hard shot, and we’re confident he will be an outstanding player in our league,” continued Johnston. “Alex joins a very talented pool of 1995 and 1996-born players in our system who we will build around for the future.”

Schoenborn will finish the season with the Omaha Jr. Lancers and is expected to join the Winterhawks next season.

Winterhawks Easy Rose Garden Parties are now available and include 10 VIP Club Level seats, 10 limited edition Winterhawks hats and 10 Skibowl lift tickets for only $195 – a $1,000 value. This limited time offer presented by Skibowl provides $100 worth of fun, hockey and skiing per person for only $19.50. Call 503-236-HAWK or e-mail seats@winterhawks.com to get your Easy Rose Garden Party package today.