Souix Falls Camp - MN Draftees & Walk-ons (Yon/Thie) *
Posted: Sat Jun 01, 2013 5:46 am
Soiux Falls USHL camp going on this weekend at Ridder. A handful of MN kids were drafted by the Herd but also some high profile walk-ons that got overlooked in the draft are in attendance. Surprised to see Zach Yon as an undrafted walk-on with his talent. I guess it shows how tough it is to get drafted in USHL with all the quality players..
Of current MN HS kids drafted by Sioux Falls this year (in order of selection) were (F) Willie Brown (Hill Murray Jr' 95'), (G) Sean Wendlant (Hill Murray 97') [From Hudson & 6'2" already], (F) Jack Becker (Mahtomedi Fr' 97') [definitely scouted the Classic Suburban].. From last year's draft were (G) Chase Perry (Jr' Andover) & (D) Jake Zeleznikar (Sr' Hermantown) [Though Z already played with team so I left him off of Poll which is why Chase Perry is listed as 2nd MN Draftee as he was taken after Jake but hasn't played or made team previously] They also drafted disgruntled Christian Horn from U of M but haven't seen him yet or confirmed attendance. Drafted a couple former MN HS kids now playing in other leagues like Jay Dickman (Johnson 93') who started with USHL Fargo but ended at NAHL Austin (55pts in 55 G) - but, again, my list was focused on current MN HS players.
Non-drafted walk-ons include (F) Westin Michaud (Cloquet Jr'), (F) Zach Yon (Roseau Jr') and (F) Connor Thie (Minnetonka Sr').. Definitely surprised that Zach Yon didn't get picked up by someone - he has the talent & size. Michaud I understand a little more as size may hurt him as well as D play but still wouldn't be totally surprised if he made team - he can put the puck in the net and is tenacious.
As far as draftee's having an edge in making the team over walk-ons, I think the team has to give the edge to their draft choices as there was a reason they drafted them and have an emotional attachment already so all things being equal (or close) I think they go with draftee..
Zach Yon I could see leaving Roseau if he made it, same with Michaud from Cloquet now that his brother is gone but I see Draftee's Willie Brown and Sean Wendlant going back to Hill Murray regardless (and being protected by team). Same for Draftee Becker, the to-be Soph (F) out of Mahtomedi who is an interesting 97' at 6'3" already (couldn't see team not putting him on protected list). Nice prospect, though I honestly hadn't heard much about him until USHL Draft - more a statement on my lack of knowledge rather than on his talent. He put up 27 points in regular season as a 9th grader - which is OK but not great considering schedule. I think size is the enticing aspect here, 6'3" at that age, I'd take a chance...
Speaking of size. After seeing some USHL games in-person this year, I really got to see how much size is an emphasis. Especially at D. Very physical league and draft choices reflect that. May be why Tyler Cline, the Michaud's & Gorowsky's were passed over & kids like Mario Bianchi (SR') 5'7" 155lbs (who had a great Elite League & 69 Reg. Season pts.) didn't go until pick #335. Just MHO.
Anybody have any other camp news. Feedback?
-
-
Of current MN HS kids drafted by Sioux Falls this year (in order of selection) were (F) Willie Brown (Hill Murray Jr' 95'), (G) Sean Wendlant (Hill Murray 97') [From Hudson & 6'2" already], (F) Jack Becker (Mahtomedi Fr' 97') [definitely scouted the Classic Suburban].. From last year's draft were (G) Chase Perry (Jr' Andover) & (D) Jake Zeleznikar (Sr' Hermantown) [Though Z already played with team so I left him off of Poll which is why Chase Perry is listed as 2nd MN Draftee as he was taken after Jake but hasn't played or made team previously] They also drafted disgruntled Christian Horn from U of M but haven't seen him yet or confirmed attendance. Drafted a couple former MN HS kids now playing in other leagues like Jay Dickman (Johnson 93') who started with USHL Fargo but ended at NAHL Austin (55pts in 55 G) - but, again, my list was focused on current MN HS players.
Non-drafted walk-ons include (F) Westin Michaud (Cloquet Jr'), (F) Zach Yon (Roseau Jr') and (F) Connor Thie (Minnetonka Sr').. Definitely surprised that Zach Yon didn't get picked up by someone - he has the talent & size. Michaud I understand a little more as size may hurt him as well as D play but still wouldn't be totally surprised if he made team - he can put the puck in the net and is tenacious.
As far as draftee's having an edge in making the team over walk-ons, I think the team has to give the edge to their draft choices as there was a reason they drafted them and have an emotional attachment already so all things being equal (or close) I think they go with draftee..
Zach Yon I could see leaving Roseau if he made it, same with Michaud from Cloquet now that his brother is gone but I see Draftee's Willie Brown and Sean Wendlant going back to Hill Murray regardless (and being protected by team). Same for Draftee Becker, the to-be Soph (F) out of Mahtomedi who is an interesting 97' at 6'3" already (couldn't see team not putting him on protected list). Nice prospect, though I honestly hadn't heard much about him until USHL Draft - more a statement on my lack of knowledge rather than on his talent. He put up 27 points in regular season as a 9th grader - which is OK but not great considering schedule. I think size is the enticing aspect here, 6'3" at that age, I'd take a chance...
Speaking of size. After seeing some USHL games in-person this year, I really got to see how much size is an emphasis. Especially at D. Very physical league and draft choices reflect that. May be why Tyler Cline, the Michaud's & Gorowsky's were passed over & kids like Mario Bianchi (SR') 5'7" 155lbs (who had a great Elite League & 69 Reg. Season pts.) didn't go until pick #335. Just MHO.
Anybody have any other camp news. Feedback?
-
-