11/05/24
June 24, 2006
New Jersey a new Hockey Hotbed?: Last year, a record eight American players were taken in the first round, this year it looks like an even dozen. Most of these players like Jack Johnson, Phil Kessel and my personal hope for Chicago, Eric Johnson, come from Hockey hot spots like Michigan, Minnesota and New England. In today's NHL draft beginning at 6 p.m., it looks like southern New Jersey native Bobby Sanguietti will join last year's first rounder Bobby Ryan of the Anaheim Ducks. Must be the water! Who's on your wish list?
posted by skydivedad to hockey at 07:04 AM - 4 comments
I really hope this is a sign of things to come for USA Hockey. This year's World Championships team also had two younger players from Pittsburgh. If the Philadelphia and Pittsburgh areas can be putting out players like this, i wonder if it's happening nation-wide. Is this is the wave of talent we're seeing from the surge of hockey popularity in the 90's? After this past Olympics, i sure hope there's a youth movement on our national team... (Also, I really wish there were a major college hockey program in PA.)
posted by SummersEve at 11:25 AM on June 24, 2006
[Kai] Kantola in the land of hockey firsts. Forward raised in Raleigh laid back about possibility of being first Triangle player drafted.
posted by NoMich at 11:44 AM on June 24, 2006
Obviously it helps to have an NHL franchise in town. I live in Columbus, Ohio. The growth of hockey's popularity and the number of kids playing in this town have skyrocketed since getting the Blue Jackets (even though they haven't made the playoffs yet). Skating lesson classes are filled, bunches of kids are taking hockey lessons and new skating rinks have opened around town. I just dropped a couple hundred bucks on equipment for my son because he's made it through skating lessons and is ready to put on the gear and learn stick/puck handling in the youth lessons sponsored by the Blue Jackets. High schools that had hockey as a club sport (e.g., not financially supported by their respective boards of education) are now being funded by their school districts. It only makes sense...as the sport and support for it grow, and the number of kids playing increases, you also grow the pool of talent from which one or two kids just might have what it takes to make it to the NHL.
posted by gdvbranz at 08:52 PM on June 24, 2006
American players account for 17% of NHL rosters. It's a distinct possibility that 20-22 of the 1st 50 chosen in this years draft will be American (40%-44%)! This should be the strongest draft for American players since 1988! Phil Kassel a 16 year old phenom, Jack Johnson, and Eric Johnson highlight the list. Here's the top prospect list for this years draft. Good luck to your squad and a special "Thanks" to all the great Hockey fans here on SportsFilter who helped make the 05/06 season extra special.