The Season 7 NWJHL draft is only days away and one prospect whose name is sitting atop of many draft boards is that of Jack Nero. A native of British Columbia, Nero is about as good of a smooth-skating, puck moving defenceman a team can find. General Managers looking for quality leadership and an offensive weapon along the blueline, should look no further.

Recently, NWJHL.com’s Rachel Dupont sat down with the 17-year old and discussed his pending entry into the league:

So Jack, how has this whole draft experience treating you so far?

It’s been great; really fun. I’ve met a lot of great guys these past few weeks, had some great conversations with different coaches and general managers from around the league and I’m just…having a good time.

What would you say is the best part of being included in a draft such as this?

It’s really exciting to be here because you get to take in a little bit from each team and then you go to bed at night wondering what life would be like as a Montreal Impact or a Prince George Firebird. But I think the better part would be each one of us in this draft class is about to be one major step closer to our dreams of playing in the SHL. That’s the ultimate goal for all of us and I think we all can’t wait to continue learning from coaches and teammates at the junior level of the game.




You mention the fun of wondering what it would be like to be a member of all these franchises. Is there a little anticipation mixed in as well?

:lol: [Laughs] absolutely. As fun as it is to wonder, you definitely get anxious; waiting for the day to get here.

A lot of the mock draft we’re seeing have you going atop of the 2nd round, to Vancouver. How does that make you feel?

That would be absolutely amazing. Being from B.C. and already playing hockey there my whole life…wow, I would be thrilled. The Whalers are a great franchise and I was obviously a huge fan growing up. Never would I have imagined playing for them someday.

We’ve heard a couple of draft analysts who feel you could be a big ‘mover’ on draft day. Some even have you ending up in Washington with the 7th overall pick. What do you think about that potential?

It’s an honor to be drafted into this league and I really mean this, I will work as hard as any guy in this draft, regardless of where I am drafted. But obviously, it’s a good feeling to be seen as such a top prospect in the eyes of so many. I definitely feel like I’ve earned it and it’s nice to know that other’s feel the same way. Again, Washington is another phenomenal franchise and I think it would be pretty awesome to play hockey for people in America’s capital.



What’s the one team you really like to envision yourself playing for right now?

B) I would say the Detroit Falcons.

Any particular reasons why?

It’s Hockeytown which is like…a mecca for a lot of kids growing up on the ponds. Such great history there, amazing fans, and as long as I’ve been alive, the Falcons have always been a top team in the league. I also think that given my skill-set and their style of hockey, it would be a great match.

If you could give one final message to all the general managers, just before the draft begins, what would you say to them?

Pick me [laughs]. Seriously, I’m a guy who loves hockey, I feel as though I am better than advertised, but at the same time, I’m still a student of the game. I will do whatever it takes to win games, work my tail off, and make sure my teammates are working hard with me.

Good luck in the Draft, Nero is gonna be a beast !

Evan Winter
Edmonton Blizzard
Player Page - Update Page

good luck and cya at the draft

 

 
Slava-Ukraini Heroyam-Slava || Yukon Malamutes || Toronto North Stars
Name: Slava-Ukraini Heroyam-Slava
Nationality: Kryvyi Rih, Ukraine
Height: 6"4
Weight: 230
Number: 91
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Career Statistics:
SMJHL Regular Season:
S53 | GP: 66 | G: 14 | A: 28 | P: 42 | +/-: 12 | PPP: 1 | PIM: 0 | H: 68 | SB: 4 | TA: 31 | GA: 38
SHL Regular Season:
SMJHL Post Season:
S53 | GP: 11 | G: 2 | A: 3 | P: 5 | +/-: -3 | PPP: 0 | PIM: 0 | H: 22 | SB: 0 | TA: 4 | GA: 10
SHL Post Season:
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Career Transactions:
S74 Drafted 11th overall to the Yukon Malamutes
S75 Drafted 6th overall to the Toronto North Stars