Tuesday, June 9, 2009

Haula to play for Omaha

Press Release

The Omaha Lancers of the United States Hockey League (USHL) are pleased to announce their 2nd Round Draft Pick in the 2009 USHL Entry Draft, Erik Haula, has committed to play for the Lancers during the upcoming 2009-2010 season. Haula, the 21st overall selection in this year’s draft, spent last season playing for Shattuck-St. Mary’s Prep School in Minnesota and views his transition to Omaha and the USHL as an exciting challenge.

“I’m excited about the opportunity to play in Omaha,” Haula said. “The challenge of coming from high school hockey to play in the USHL will be good for me.”

Haula, a native of Pori, Finland, registered 24 goals and 79 points in 49 games last season at Shattuck and that production didn’t go unnoticed by National Hockey League scouts. In the NHL Central Scouting Final Rankings, Haula was ranked 57th among all North American skaters. Still, the 18-year-old Haula admits there’s work left to be done.

“I’m looking forward to challenging myself to be good every night,” Haula said. “I need to ensure I’m ready to play at Minnesota next year.”

Haula has already committed to play for the University of Minnesota Golden Gophers during the 2010-2011 season.



(Nathan also is a writer for Maineiacs Post to Post and the Maine Hockey Journal. He can be reached at fourniern@students.nescom.edu)

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