Sunday, August 3, 2008

New Englanders for the 2009 Draft

The Hockey Journal released their top five players from New England for the 2009 NHL Draft.

Chris Kreider
of Phillips Academy is the top choice. Too be honest, it's the first time I heard his name was tonight. At the Select 17's, he had two goals and three assists in five games.

Steven Whitney
is the second. He played with Lawrence Academy last year. He turned down a spot on the National Team Development Program again but will play at the Ivan Hlinka Tournament. This season he could be back at Lawrence or in the USHL.

Ryan Bourque
who's the son of Ray Bourque is third. He had an outstanding year at the NTDP. With the Under-17 Team he had 15 goals and 12 helpers in 41 contests. He was called up to the Under-18 Team he had 4 goal and 12 assists in 27 games. He also played at the Under 18's as an underager.

Brendan Rempel
of Avon Old Farms is fourth and another guy that will play for Team USA in August. He had 14 assists last year. At the Select 17's he had a goal and four assists in five matches.

I was a little surprised to see John Henrion fifth on the list. He had a very good year with the Boston Junior Bruins of the EJHL and was the rookie of the year. Maybe its because he could of played with the NTDP last season but will join them this season. I can't wait to see the NTDP guys in action when the come to Portland, Me this season.

Mac Bennett is highly touted player that was a honorable mention. He could be in the USHL this season. It surprised me not too see his name on USA's roster for the Ivan Hlinka Tournament.

The player that I am ver familar with is Brian Dumoulin who will play for New Hampshire Junior Monarchs this season. He skates like the wind and is a work horse as he played every other shift. Albeit, I've only seen him at the Maine High School level where he was a man amoungest boys. According to my younger brother who was on the losing end in the Maine Class A State Title Game this year which Dumoulin's Biddeford Tigers won, "He (Dumoulin) isn't going anywhere." My brother didn't step on the ice in the State game. I would be upset if I was stuck on the bench and watched him skate by my teammates all game.

That's My Take

(Nathan also is a writer for MVN.com. He's the writer for the Asylum which covers the Lewiston Maineiacs of the QMJHL. He's also a regular contributor to the NHL Source also at MVN.com. He can be reached at fbbhgfan@aol.com)

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