11-27-2017, 12:56 AM
<div align="center">BLIZZARD POST DRAFT RECAP
The S38 SHL Entry Draft proved to be an exciting one for the Edmonton Blizzard as they managed to draft several, if not all, of their desired draft targets. Unlike in previous drafts, the current management regime of Karlssens and Chisling and their head scout cptrella opted to hang on to their #1 overall draft selection. Where once they’d trade down for quantity, they were looking for quality this time around and quality they found.
#1 Selection – Connor Blackwell
<a href='index.php?showuser=2005' rel='nofollow' alt='profile link' class='user-tagged mgroup-56'>crutch</a>
![[Image: hYOVhyT.jpg]](https://i.imgur.com/hYOVhyT.jpg)
In a draft with many capable first overall selections Connor always found a way to rise to the top of the conversation. Season 37 was tagged by many as the “#gothruhellforblackwell” race and while Edmonton certainly increased their odds by finishing 13th overall, they needed a bit of luck from the SHL gods in the lottery to secure the top pick. As highlighted earlier it wasn’t outrageous to think the Edmonton Blizzard would once again trade the pick for the 3rd time in 4 seasons, but this time they decided they couldn’t pass up the opportunity to secure Blackwell and opted to keep it. A pass first center man, Blackwell adds to an envious pool of center depth in the Blizzard system featuring Scholz, Cukurs, Smulander, Doro and the recent center-turned-winger Tigole Bitties. He’ll be given ample time to grow and hopefully dominate the SMJHL before making his mark at the SHL level.
#18 Selection – Stanoslav Bodnar
<a href='index.php?showuser=340' rel='nofollow' alt='profile link' class='user-tagged mgroup-3'>Cyanide</a>
![[Image: PXuJPL3.jpg]](https://i.imgur.com/PXuJPL3.jpg)
It’s no secret the Blizzard are weak in the blue line department and were eager to find solutions, both immediate and long term. Rumors swirled before the draft of a possible trade with Texas to land elite defenseman Adam Kaiser, but after that ultimately fell through Blizzard management turned to the draft. Two names jumped out at them, and rather than decide between the two Chisling worked quickly to acquire the #18 pick and secure one of their two choices in the defensive minded Bodnar. While he won’t be expected to make the jump to the SHL immediately, Stanoslav could see SHL time sooner rather than later, much like last season’s draft selection Tor Tuck.
#23 Selection – Noah Norup
<a href='index.php?showuser=2205' rel='nofollow' alt='profile link' class='user-tagged mgroup-3'>Angello</a>
![[Image: EZ4oMB5.jpg]](https://i.imgur.com/EZ4oMB5.jpg)
After patiently [and nervously] waiting for the selections to roll in, Blizzard management were beyond thrilled to secure their other blue line target. Much like the previously mentioned Bodnar, Norup can expect to play a big role in the revitalized blue line project in Edmonton and could see significant time at the SHL level sooner rather than later. An offense first defenseman, he’ll have plenty of targets in the developing core up front featuring the likes of Rockefeller, Bitties and Cuddles to name a few.
#30 Selection – Dude Love
<a href='index.php?showuser=2289' rel='nofollow' alt='profile link' class='user-tagged mgroup-3'>Mack</a>
![[Image: PKLLaFo.jpg]](https://i.imgur.com/PKLLaFo.jpg)
With what could be an early contender for steal of the draft, the Blizzard took a risk and drafted the offensive minded blue liner, Dude Love. Those following the media leading up to the draft were aware he’d publically announced zero desire to leave the SMJHL. A strong TPE earner and vocal presence in the league, he watched as his draft stock plummeted. A low risk, high reward selection, Blizzard management opted to give Dude some love in case he should ever change his mind and reward them he did as only 10 minutes after being selected he rescinded his previous comments. Along with Bodnar and Norup, these three defensemen go a long way in replenishing the Blizzard blueline cupboard and should eventually fit in nicely with current emerging rookies Kikkoman, Tuck and Chiclets.
#44 Selection – Wayne Hetzky
<a href='index.php?showuser=2803' rel='nofollow' alt='profile link' class='user-tagged mgroup-3'>Hetz</a>
![[Image: BZ53sin.jpg]](https://i.imgur.com/BZ53sin.jpg)
With their 5th and final selection the Edmonton Blizzard took left wing sniper and russian native, Hetzky. While he doesn't have the allure or TPE of those selected before him the Blizzard management are confident there's more to Hetzky than meets the eye and he may prove to be a quality selection in a deep draft. Obviously a bit of a long shot at this point, the Blizzard are willing to wait with this one. Time will tell if he's a Wayne, or just another Brent.
A whirlwind draft for sure, the Edmonton Blizzard are very hopeful these players can add to an already amazing group of young and talented skaters. A storm is coming.
![[Image: 14tq6q9.png]](http://i61.tinypic.com/14tq6q9.png)
</div>
The S38 SHL Entry Draft proved to be an exciting one for the Edmonton Blizzard as they managed to draft several, if not all, of their desired draft targets. Unlike in previous drafts, the current management regime of Karlssens and Chisling and their head scout cptrella opted to hang on to their #1 overall draft selection. Where once they’d trade down for quantity, they were looking for quality this time around and quality they found.
#1 Selection – Connor Blackwell
<a href='index.php?showuser=2005' rel='nofollow' alt='profile link' class='user-tagged mgroup-56'>crutch</a>
In a draft with many capable first overall selections Connor always found a way to rise to the top of the conversation. Season 37 was tagged by many as the “#gothruhellforblackwell” race and while Edmonton certainly increased their odds by finishing 13th overall, they needed a bit of luck from the SHL gods in the lottery to secure the top pick. As highlighted earlier it wasn’t outrageous to think the Edmonton Blizzard would once again trade the pick for the 3rd time in 4 seasons, but this time they decided they couldn’t pass up the opportunity to secure Blackwell and opted to keep it. A pass first center man, Blackwell adds to an envious pool of center depth in the Blizzard system featuring Scholz, Cukurs, Smulander, Doro and the recent center-turned-winger Tigole Bitties. He’ll be given ample time to grow and hopefully dominate the SMJHL before making his mark at the SHL level.
#18 Selection – Stanoslav Bodnar
<a href='index.php?showuser=340' rel='nofollow' alt='profile link' class='user-tagged mgroup-3'>Cyanide</a>
It’s no secret the Blizzard are weak in the blue line department and were eager to find solutions, both immediate and long term. Rumors swirled before the draft of a possible trade with Texas to land elite defenseman Adam Kaiser, but after that ultimately fell through Blizzard management turned to the draft. Two names jumped out at them, and rather than decide between the two Chisling worked quickly to acquire the #18 pick and secure one of their two choices in the defensive minded Bodnar. While he won’t be expected to make the jump to the SHL immediately, Stanoslav could see SHL time sooner rather than later, much like last season’s draft selection Tor Tuck.
#23 Selection – Noah Norup
<a href='index.php?showuser=2205' rel='nofollow' alt='profile link' class='user-tagged mgroup-3'>Angello</a>
After patiently [and nervously] waiting for the selections to roll in, Blizzard management were beyond thrilled to secure their other blue line target. Much like the previously mentioned Bodnar, Norup can expect to play a big role in the revitalized blue line project in Edmonton and could see significant time at the SHL level sooner rather than later. An offense first defenseman, he’ll have plenty of targets in the developing core up front featuring the likes of Rockefeller, Bitties and Cuddles to name a few.
#30 Selection – Dude Love
<a href='index.php?showuser=2289' rel='nofollow' alt='profile link' class='user-tagged mgroup-3'>Mack</a>
With what could be an early contender for steal of the draft, the Blizzard took a risk and drafted the offensive minded blue liner, Dude Love. Those following the media leading up to the draft were aware he’d publically announced zero desire to leave the SMJHL. A strong TPE earner and vocal presence in the league, he watched as his draft stock plummeted. A low risk, high reward selection, Blizzard management opted to give Dude some love in case he should ever change his mind and reward them he did as only 10 minutes after being selected he rescinded his previous comments. Along with Bodnar and Norup, these three defensemen go a long way in replenishing the Blizzard blueline cupboard and should eventually fit in nicely with current emerging rookies Kikkoman, Tuck and Chiclets.
#44 Selection – Wayne Hetzky
<a href='index.php?showuser=2803' rel='nofollow' alt='profile link' class='user-tagged mgroup-3'>Hetz</a>
With their 5th and final selection the Edmonton Blizzard took left wing sniper and russian native, Hetzky. While he doesn't have the allure or TPE of those selected before him the Blizzard management are confident there's more to Hetzky than meets the eye and he may prove to be a quality selection in a deep draft. Obviously a bit of a long shot at this point, the Blizzard are willing to wait with this one. Time will tell if he's a Wayne, or just another Brent.
A whirlwind draft for sure, the Edmonton Blizzard are very hopeful these players can add to an already amazing group of young and talented skaters. A storm is coming.
</div>
