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RoadTrip · 02-26-2014, 10:40 PM

VBH Making Strides

The time finally came and went and Volker Bayer-Holtby is now a member of two teams. Volker's rights were drafted by the Hamilton Steelhawks for the future pro debut of the young German. However, the SMJHL draft came and went and Volker was given the opportunity to join whatever team he wanted too post-draft. Volker eventually had an offer from 6 teams but decided to choose the one where he felt most comfortable. The Vancouver Whalers were pleased to sign the former German U-18 player who showed tons of promise. The process was a long one for Volker but he finally made it and will start his career.

"I honestly had no clue I'd get drafted in the draft, but to go 15th overall is pretty special. Some team had messaged me about getting drafted but in the end I'm happy I ended up in Hamilton. I'm a very devoted player and the fact they put trust in me by singing me right away was nice. The other GM's will regret not contacting me or keeping a closer eye on my production", said Volker.

[Image: alex_peters_plymouth_whalers.jpg]

[Image: alex_peters_plymouth_whalers.jpg]

Although Volker has no prior SMJHL stats to impress anyone with he does point to various history parts of his career already. When he needs to be backed up he points out that he was the captain of the U-18 National Germany team that finished 4th in the World Junior Championships at the U-18 event two years ago. Volker is no stranger to the international ice surface and playing style. How he adapts to the North American game is what will be the telling factor in his career. Volker isn't used to having to play a total two-way game and will have to develop more skills in all areas.

"I will go into Vancouver and learn from the veterans but also have close contact with the Hamilton franchise. I have talked to Magnus Jakobsen a lot in the first few days of being associated with each other. Jakobsen knows how things go over here so he will hopefully help me build my future. I'm just really edited to go out and get on the ice with an actual team this season", commented Volker post-practice.

Hamilton's long-term outlook on Bayer-Holtby is still up in the air but they have said they are happy with the fact they drafted him. Volker went about five spots higher than his practice hours would tell you. Some around the league were surprised and even said it was a reach to draft someone like him so high. Hamilton saw a drive that Volker has and decided to take a chance on the youngster. Hamilton also drafted the previously mentioned Magnus Jakobsen at the 9th spot. They also picked up goaltender Kevin Griffin three spots behind Volker and he will hopefully turn into a good net presence. Volker and Kevin have been in constant talk over their plans as two future Steelhawks. You may be looking at a good bond between three draftees that all have one goal: To make Hamilton a Hockey Powerhouse.

The Vancouver Whalers are of course just as excited at the chance they got. To be able to add Jakobsen and Bayer-Holtby to their roster all at once was a huge bonus. The two draftees got into Vancouver a day ago for practice and have looked really energized throughout the whole entire process.