Spitfire Provides 3 Prospects to OHL U18 Draft, 2 From Junior Spitfire Program
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Timing and alternative are sometimes key to discovering a spot within the Ontario Hockey League.
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The Windsor Spitfires provided three gamers second-chance alternatives in Wednesday’s OHL Beneath-18 Draft for gamers who handed the annual OHL Draft over a yr in the past.
The Spitfires added 6-foot-3-inch, 215-pound defender Evan Yerholt within the first spherical of the Toronto Titans’ under-18 program, and after being the 18th total decide, he was named goaltender. Dante received a pair of Windsor Zone AAA Jr. Spitfire Beneath-18 gamers. Beltrin, who went to the second spherical with the thirty eighth decide total, and middle Jaxen Ward, who was the ultimate decide within the draft going to the third spherical with the 51st total decide.
The third member of the Junior Spitfires moved to the Flint Firebirds, the place proper winger Dane Thompson superior to the third spherical with the forty eighth total decide.
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Spitfire common supervisor Invoice Bowler stated, “A variety of the prospects are gamers coming again to the roster and when the roster flips.” Generally it is a matter of timing slightly than the power of the
With the Spitfire shedding overage defenseman Michael Renwick till commencement and the standing of potential overage defensemen Jacob Holmes and Daniil Sobolev unsure in 2023-24, the timing could also be proper for Jerholt. .
“He is massive, he is robust, he can skate, he is actually exhausting to play in opposition to,” Bowler stated of Jerholt. takes it, he would possibly get an opportunity in our league.
Hjelholt is born late, not turning 17 till mid-December. Not solely has he added maturity final yr, however he is additionally added three inches and almost 25 kilos.
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“It wasn’t my finest yr[before the OHL Draft]and I did not assume my confidence was at that degree,” stated 16-year-old Hjelholt. “A yr of progress on the U18s might be what everybody wants.
“Lots of people assume that if you do not get drafted by the U16s, you are performed. I have been pondering that for just a few days, nevertheless it’s an eye-opener, and it isn’t even the start. When you can put your self in place, you may need an opportunity.”
The 6-foot, 210-pound Bertolin had a stable yr with a minor dwarf staff a yr in the past, scoring 1.92 objectives in 16 video games in opposition to a mean. He continued to construct his sport within the under-18s staff this season, scoring his 2.30 objectives in opposition to common.
“It is exhausting to place into phrases,” stated Beltrin, who credit former Spitz goalkeeping coaches Perry Wilson and Pete Crankshaw with serving to him develop.
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“I did not anticipate to be drafted, I used to be drafted, and it feels nice and honored to be drafted by a neighborhood staff, however I believe it is just the start. It is a good first step. , I’ll proceed to develop.”
Persevering with to enhance as a participant can be Ward’s purpose at 5 ft 11 inches and 198 kilos. He scored 14 objectives and 26 objectives in 27 video games final yr, and scored 11 objectives and 38 objectives in 37 video games this yr.
“This yr, one level per sport, final yr, one level per sport,” Bowler stated of Ward. “With correct growth, you may by no means know. He is obtained good hockey brains and there is one thing there and it is smart to draft him.”
Bertoline and Ward each grew up watching Spitfires and Wednesday was a time to have a good time.
“A dream come true,” stated Ward. “I labored exhausting and it paid off, and simply because I wasn’t drafted for a yr, good issues can occur if I maintain working.
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“They’re such an important group and I’m so honored. I spent my childhood watching them and I’ve by no means been happier.”
Being drafted by the Spitfire might have been a thrill for his junior Spitfire teammates, however nobody was extra shocked to be chosen than Thompson.
Late final summer season, Thompson was in a automotive accident that left him with a fractured cranium and pelvis, in addition to different accidents.
“I by no means thought I might play hockey once more,” Thompson stated. “It was an enormous comeback yr. He missed 15 video games, solely performed 30, and when he got here again, he hoped to play at 100%.
“I’m fortunate to be chosen by such an important group and I’m excited to show myself.”
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Spitfire Provides 3 Prospects to OHL U18 Draft, 2 From Junior Spitfire Program
Source link Spitfire Provides 3 Prospects to OHL U18 Draft, 2 From Junior Spitfire Program
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