HEPHL 2017 Draft Recap
As expected, the draft was LOADED. 5 star talent available through round 2. I am extremely happy with how things turned out for us. We should see anywhere between 5-7 teenagers earn playing time for us this upcoming season.
Round 1--10th Overall--C Vitaly Perunov (3.5/5.0). The 6'3", 221lb 19 year old is going to be an absolute stud. Big, strong kid with the offensive skills to match. He's likely to start as the 3rd line center behind Berg and Miller, and will play on all special teams as well. He had 25 goals and 29 assists in 47 games last season in Juniors.
Round 2--22nd Overall--RW Joseph Miles (3.5/4.5). This 19 year old immediately becomes our first line RW and the beneficiary of playing with the HEPHL's #1 and #3 scorers from a year ago, Reed Berg and Cole Kersey. This kid is a tank, standing only 5'11", but weighing a solid 210 lbs. He's lagging a little behind on the defensive end, but for now, we just want him picking up the trash and throwing his weight around. He had 37 goals, 36 assists and threw in 209 PIM's in 61 games a year ago for Cambridge of the Junior Leagues.
Round 3--34th Overall--RD Chris Newsome (2.0/5.0). This kid has some filling out to do, but already weights just under 200 and stands 5; 11". When he does, watch out. He is never expected to provide much offense, although he does have a wicked slap shot. His strength is in his own zone, where he is a ferocious hitter. He will start on the 3rd d-man pairing, but will likely end up as a top tier #1 blue liner. Newsome had 45 points, including 13 goals and 98 PIM's in 79 games last year in the minors.
Round 4-- 46th Overall--G Perry Deresky (1.5/4.5). Yes, we have the reigning Goalie of the Year in Wilbur Husted, but he was also ridden like Secretariet. I wanted to get someone in the fold that our head coach trusted and would actually play. The 18 year old Deresky was 34-23-7 with a 3.03 GAA and .899 Sv % a year ago, and will back up Husted (and hopefully see the ice.)
Round 5--58th Overall--LD Allan O'Reardon (2.0/4.0). Another 19 year old blueliner. Another kid with a rocket, but will be known more for his defensive abilities. He and Newsome will be our 3rd d-man pairing this year, but within a year or two, they could be 1 and 1a.
Round 6--70th Overall--RD Ethan Kelley (2.0/4.0). As we stock up on teenage defenseman, Kelley becomes the third in a row selected. Kelley is a little more balanced than the two taken before him. He won't be quite as good on D, but is already a more polished offensive force. He's got the cannon, but also has some slick passing ability.
Round 7--82nd Overall--C Howard Sulley (2.0/3.5). Our last pick will also be our starting 4th line center this season. He's all about the offense. He won't ever be much of a defensive forward, but paired with the right wings, and watch out, he could be a force. Sulley had 19 goals and 52 assists last season in 71 games for the Ashby Wanderers of the NEJL (New England Junior Leagues).