The Portland Winterhawks have signed 16-year-old defenseman Nick Heid.

Heid is playing this season for the Omaha Lancers AAA 16U team of the North American Prospects Hockey League, where he has five goals and 22 assists for 27 points in 20 games, first among the league’s defensemen. Heid will join the Winterhawks upon the conclusion of his season in Omaha. He’s eligible to play up to six games for the Hawks this season.

“We are excited that Nick has chosen to join our organization,” said Portland Winterhawks General Manager & Head Coach Mike Johnston. “After watching him play in high school last year and at the Select 16 USA Hockey National Festival in July, I am convinced he will be able to step in and have an impact right away.”

Heid attended the Winterhawks’ training camp last summer and participated in the Neely Cup tournament with Team Morrow, who won the intrasquad championship.

A native of Fridley, Minnesota, Heid played last season with Spring Lake Park High School in Minneapolis, where he had nine goals and 15 assists for 24 points in 25 games. He’s the second Minnesota-born player to sign with the Hawks in the last week, joining fellow defenseman Blake Heinrich, who signed with Portland last Monday.

“Nick is a physical, mobile defenseman who will help fill a void when we lose three talented defensemen in Derrick Pouliot, Garrett Haar and Mathew Dumba next year,” continued Johnston.

Premier membership season tickets for the 2013-14 season are on sale now starting at only $37 per month and include playoffs. Save about $10 per seat by bringing a group of 10 or more people to a game. Visit winterhawks.com or call 503-236-HAWK to reserve the best seat locations.