Three Winterhawks Players Invited to NHL Training Camps

Press Release

On the heels of a team record-tying eight players being selected in the 2010 National Hockey League Entry Draft, three more Winterhawks players have drawn interest from NHL teams and earned invitations to training camps.

Oliver Gabriel will attend the Columbus Blue Jackets' training camp, Tayler Jordan will go to training camp with the Vancouver Canucks, and Taylor Peters has been invited to the Pittsburgh Penguins' training camp.

With three more players set to attend NHL training camps, the Winterhawks will have 13 players affiliated with NHL teams this fall: the eight players who were taken over the weekend, 2009 NHL Draft picks Spencer Bennett (Calgary) and Brett Ponich (St. Louis), and now Gabriel, Jordan and Peters.

"Although Tayler, Oliver, and Taylor weren't drafted, immediately following the draft they received a lot of attention as free agents. After several calls from NHL teams they along with their agents decided which opportunity would be best. I'm confident they will each make a great impression at their training camp," said Portland Winterhawks General Manager & Head Coach Mike Johnston. "I know all three players will make the most of their opportunities and gain valuable experience."

Gabriel set career-highs last season despite missing two months with a ruptured spleen. He finished with 10 goals and 14 assists for 24 points in 41 games, and added six points in 13 postseason games.

Jordan, who attended a prospects camp with the Columbus Blue Jackets last summer, finished third on the Winterhawks with 131 penalty minutes last season, and added two goals and four assists for six points.

Peters split last season between the Winterhawks and the Penticton Vees of the British Columbia Hockey League. While with the Winterhawks he posted four goals and three assists for seven points.

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