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07-Jul-2009
NHA News Post
(AP)
With the annual NHA Entry Draft just hours away, much buzz is happening regarding who will be the top pick taken. The candidates? Scoring whiz John Tavares, hulking defenseman Victor Hedman, and speedy forward Matt Duchesne.
Tavares, who was selected first overall in the NHL's entry draft this past June, is the likely candidate to have his name chosen first. The Ontario native has been a goal-scoring machine at the junior hockey level, holding the OHL career goals record with 215.
The San Jose Sting Rays hold the first overall pick, followed by the Philadelphia Phantoms and Dallas Storm. The Tampa Bay Admirals and Quebec Golden Sticks round out the top five.
Victor Hedman, a 6'6" defenseman out of Sweden, has drawn the eyes of scouts for a few years already, and is projected to be a top two-way NHL defenseman who some say is ready to play in the big league already.
Matt Duchesne is a skilled center who is still raw but has number one center potential in the NHA, and will no doubt be near the top of all prospect lists in the near future.
Other key notables for the 2009 draft are western leaguer Evander Kane, a strong kid from BC who can score goals at will, Jared Cowen, a 6'5" defensive defenseman from the WHL, and Brayden Schenn, a smart, two-way forward with offensive upside.
The Entry Draft always holds many surprises, and fuels the league for years to come with its next phase of future stars. Be sure not to miss this look into the future of the NHA.
Where: Draft Chat Room
When: Tonight! Wednesday, July 8 at 8:00 EST
What: The first three rounds are held live. Details to follow on when the remaining rounds 4 - 7 will be done by list submission.
If you cannot attend: Submit a list or draft instructions for the first three rounds to the commissioner, Mike McEwan.
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