Michigan Tech signs eight, including three Minnesotans

Michigan Tech announced its recruiting class for the 2013-14 season earlier this week. It has three players from the state of Minnesota:

* Tyler Heinonen, Delano, 6-0, 190 F, second year with Muskegon of USHL ... Has 8-7-15 in 19 games this season; 21-12-33 in 50 games last season

"Tyler is a pure goal scorer," Huskies assistant Damon Whitten said, according to a Tech news release. "Any time you can add a guy who scores goals naturally, it's a great addition to your program. He's a real dynamic player with his ability to shoot and score."

* Jake Jackson, Oakdale, 5-11, 175. Plays for Tartan. Had 25-19-44 last season.

"He's a great skater who will add a ton of speed to our lineup," Whitten said. "He also has the ability to score goals and play a tenacious game. He really fits the style we are looking to play."

* Dylan Steman, Hanover, 5-10, 180 F. Playing for Cedar Rapids of UHSL. Has 1-7-8 in 17 games. Played high school hockey at Maple Grove.

"Dylan's another great all-around player," Whitten said. "He skates very well, he's tenacious and he has great skill. He'll fill a lot of different roles for our team."

* Mark Auk, Grosse Point Park, 6-0, 170 D, playing for Port Huron of NAHL. Has 3-9-12 in 24 games.

* Christopher Leibinger, Saginaw, 5-9, 170 D. Plays for Muskegon of USHL. Spent most of last season with Traverse City of NAHL, 5-15-20 and plus-12 in 55 games.

* Joel L'Esperance, Brighton, 6-2, 195 F. Playing for Tri-City of USHL. Has 1-2-3 in 19 games.

And two from other parts:

* Marcus Ericsson, Lulea, Sweden, 6-0, 185, D, playing for Des Moines of USHL. Has three goals in 11 games.