KALAMAZOO ? The Western Michigan University hockey team has signed two student-athletes to National Letters of Intent for the 2006-07 season.  The newest Broncos are forward Mark Stockdale (Brantford, Ontario) of the Green Bay Gamblers and defenseman Tyler Ludwig (Colleyville, Texas), formerly of the Texas Tornado.

Stockdale (5-11, 186, DOB: 9-20-85) has compiled five goals and eight points in 18 games with Green Bay of the United States Hockey League.  A smart player with good hands and speed, Stockdale has played both center and right wing this season.

Ludwig (6-1, 195, DOB: 5-24-85) is recovering from an injury sustained over the summer.  Last year, he amassed two goals and 21 points in 56 games with Texas of the North American Hockey League, helping the Tornado to their second consecutive Junior A National Championship.  He is the son of Craig Ludwig, who spent 17 seasons in the National Hockey League playing for Montreal, the New York Islanders, Minnesota and Dallas.

 The recruiting class also includes three players who deferred their scholarships for another season after signing with the Broncos in 2005.  Those players are forward Chris Clackson (Pittsburgh, Pa.) of the Chicago Steel, center Mark Letestu (Elk Point, Alberta) of the Bonneyville Pontiacs and defenseman Julian Zamparo (Woodbridge, Ontario) of the St. Michael's Buzzers.

Clackson (5-11, 195, DOB: 1-27-87) is a skilled player who moves well on the ice.  In 19 games in the United State Hockey League, he has collected seven goals and 18 points.  His older brother, Matt, is a freshman on the Bronco Hockey team and his father, Kim, a former NHL player.  Letestu (5-11, 200, DOB: 2-4-85) leads the Alberta Junior Hockey League in scoring, having amassed 24 goals, 35 assists and 59 points in 33 games.  Zamparo (6-2, 200, DOB: 6-11-87) brings good size to blue line and owns a heavy shot.  He has registered 10 goals and 17 points in 27 games in the Ontario Provincial Junior Hockey League.

“This recruiting class brings a lot of energy and size to the blue line, along with speed and skill to the forward position," said WMU coach Jim Culhane.  “We have seven seniors to replace for next season and this group should help fill the void.”