Bloomington, Ill. - The Bloomington Bison announced the signings of forward Brett Budgell and defenseman Jake Murray to contracts for the 2024-25 season.
Budgell played a majority of last season with the Iowa Heartlanders, scoring 30 points (14g-16) in 44 games. He also skated in 19 American Hockey League games with the Iowa Wild collecting one assist.
The 23-year-old spent the entire 2022-23 season with the Newfoundland Growlers, posting 52 points (16g-36a) with a +14 rating in 72 games. He ranked third on the team in assists and fourth in points.
The St. John’s, Newfoundland native played in 270 career Quebec Maritimes Junior Hockey League games with the Charlottetown Islanders registering 241 points (107g-134a) and 199 penalty minutes. He served as team captain for his last two seasons and an alternate for two seasons prior to that.
Murray skated in 26 games last season with the Idaho Steelheads potting 10 points (2g-8a) with a +10 rating. He also dressed in 19 AHL games with the Texas Stars.
The Mississauga, Ontario native played in 257 career Ontario Hockey League games between the Kingston Frontenacs and the Guelph Storm collecting 100 points (14g-86a) with 80 penalty minutes. The 22-year-old served as an alternate captain for two full seasons with the Frontenacs and one season with the Storm.