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Jearim · 10-27-2018, 11:19 AM

Double media pay week

New Militia Blood
Montreal times

The draft has come and gone and the Montreal Militia Have acquired some very nice pieces moving forward. Here we’ll talk a closer look at them.

#3 Overall - Andreas Kvalheim. Left Wing.
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Born in Norway, The young two-way left winger has a ton of upside potential. An incredible mix of skating, puck handling, passing, scoring and defense, the 3rd overall pick was not really on Montreals radar.

“We never expected him to be available at 3. We had our eyes set on a different player but when we saw he was there, well, no brainer. It changed our draft plan a little but when you can get a player of this caliber in the draft, take it.” Said Montreal GMCollins.

“ Honestly, with how deep this draft was i kind of expected to go a little later, I am so happy Montreal took me at 3 tho. Now the pressure is on to meet expectations.” replied Kvalheim.

Projected to probably start the season on the 3rd or 4th line, he may get to play with some new faces from last season, both Willy Mack and Derek Bohne are exited at the prospect of getting to play with the new winger.

“ Can’t wait to see what he can do. Players like that are dynamic and can influence a game.” said Mack.

“ I guess centering a top 3 overall player at the draft can be fun, We know he has high skill, hopefully with some chemistry, we can help Montreal be contenders.” said Bohne.

#19 Overall - Hiro Fujikawa - Right Wing.
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A rare player from Japan, Hiro was part of the Militia just before and during the playoff run. While some time with a skating coach can help him, his skill at puck handling, and defense are very good. The main thing about this right winger tho, his ability to shoot the puck. A genuine sniper. Fujikawa is an interesting draft choice, getting him in the 3rd round is considered a steal. When all is said and done, when this draft class has moved on, Hiro may very ell have been the steal of the draft.

“ When we got to the third round and saw he was still on the board we all just looked at each other and hoped no one before us would take him. Not having a second round pick, getting Hiro, a player we knew very well, was a god send.” Said Co-GM Atkins

“Glad i can finally call this home. i had a lot of fun last season and want to continue on the journey with this team, Become a champion with this team.” said Fujikawa

Projected on 2nd or 3rd line, Fujikawa will be a scoring threat every time he’s on the ice.

#27 Overall - Griffith Cadwalader - Right Wing
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Born in the United Kingdom, Cadwalader is a very interesting player. Solid skater, great Puck handling and defense with high passing skill, this two way froward looks like he could be a solid penalty kill specialist. He needs to work on strength but over all this forward is a very solid pick up for the Militia.

“ We hope we can cut some of top line guys by not giving them penalty kill minutes and guys who can shut down other teams Top players are not as common as you would think. We are really happy to have picked up Griffith at this point in the draft, we feel like we are getting a great player for the now and the future.” said GM Collins.

“ Glad to be a part of the Montreal Militia, When you start getting into the 3rd round anyone can get you. I'm glad it was early in the 3rd. I’m glad it was Montreal. I’m gonna bring everything i got and make a statement that they didn’t make a mistake.” replied Cadwalader.

Though we are not sure where he slates into the lineup, we are expecting him to see the 4th line to start, he may climb quickly, and he will be a great watch during the Penalty kill.

#29 - Marshal Ray - Center.
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The 6’1” American center was picked up just a few picks after Cadwalader.
Ray is an interesting acquisition. A solid player with good passing, faceoffs and Solid defense. Marshal Ray has yet to meet with the media at this point but was seen with a smile walking into the arena for training camp.

“ How does the saying go, you can never have enough centers? lol. We felt he would be a good pick up for this team. We have two centers that are knocking on the door of the SHL and any season now they will get called up. Having some replacements set in place is a good thing.” Replied Co-GM Atkins.

Marshal Ray should start on the 4th line, where he goes from there will depend on him. Ahead of him at the centre position are Bohne, Kazarian and Pivonka. That is a tough 3 to crack.

#33 - Elias Hughes - Defense.
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One major need Montreal had was the need for a shooting Defensman. That need is somewhat filled with the acquisition of the swedish defensman Elias Hughes. His skill level is solid all around. Skating puck handling, passing, scoring and defense are all really solid attributes of his. The one knock on him is that he doesn’t always apply himself to get better. Time will tell how this pick shapes up.

“ It was a risky pick but when your that late in the draft every pick is hit or miss. With Elias, we hope he comes to camp and applies himself. If we does, he may be the best last round pick since Walter Hobbs.” said GM Collins.

Overall this draft was very solid for the Militia. Acquiring that 3rd overall pick cost them a second round, but the player they got was worth it. Add the other players they got, everyone of them probably should have gone higher, along with Hughes, the long shot that may be the biggest surprise of the draft, and this draft was a big plus as far as the present and the future of this franchise.