Login

***Toast*** · 01-02-2012, 10:31 AM

Quote:Originally posted by diamond_ace@Dec 30 2011, 08:53 PM
with 21st and 22nd picks

select Yuri Kulikov and Kurtis Hunter!!

Lots of NWJHL players enter the SHL Draft waiting for the start of hopeful legendary careers, and this as the case for a Montreal Impact winger, Kurtis Hunter. Hunter is an alternate captain for the Impact as well as playing on their first line. So, being picked at 22nd overall by the Manhattan Rage may prove to be a steal for the Rage if a few things can be changed for his rookie season, as Hunter has what it takes to have a great rookie season with the Rage! Hunter was unavailable for an interview since he is currently on travel with the Impact roster as they try to capture the Four Stars Cup to close their NWJHL careers.

<div align="center"> [Image: 2010nhldraft_ab38089.jpg]

Hunter poses in his new Rage jersey.</div>

We were able to get a chance to speak to the rookie when he was at the draft to see where he would end up, and he gave us this to answer the question of how he felt about being drafted by the Rage. "I love the fact that I'll be playing with other Impact players (Simon Aseplin and Yuri Kulikov), so that will make the transition to the SHL a lot more easier on me. Plus, playing in New York is going to be amazing, I'm really looking forward to this season!" That was all that we were able to get from the future Rage star before he was off to pose for pictures with fellow draftee, Kulikov. It's expected that Hunter will be playing in the SHL for sure next season, but there are some things that Hunter could improve on.

It's not a secret that Hunter isn't one of the elite players that will be coming out of the draft this year and some work will be needed to bring him to the level where his name will be in big lights when discussing the Rage or SHL as a whole. Hunter is considered to be playmaker and should be able to help out scorer Aseplin this season, but it would be good for Hunter to use this off season to continue working on improving some of his skills. Hunter will more than likely continue to be in a play maker role on probably the second or third line with other rookies that were drafted this season. We will be looking forward to seeing what work goes into Hunter's off season since he won't be occupied with the IHF tournament, not being selected to play with his national team. A text from Hunter showed that he had this to say about not being selected to play, "It's a shame that I wasn't picked, but I know with this missed opportunity comes another. It means that I'll be using this off season to improve my skills, and come next off season, I have no doubt that I'll be playing for the UK!"

<div align="center"> [Image: Nikolai_Kulemin_1125842cl-8.jpg]

[Image: Nikolai_Kulemin_1125842cl-8.jpg]

Hunter looking to get off a pass in the Four Stars Finals</div>

To close off the draft chapter for Hunter's career, it's been reported that he has gone ahead and signed a 3 million per year, 3 year deal with the Rage. There is no doubt that Hunter is excited to finally be in the SHL, and that he will impress this season for sure. We are excited to see where the career of this young winger goes, and we will be keeping tabs on Hunter throughout the season. With recent draftees Belmont, Aseplin, Kulikov, and Hunter, among many others, the young Rage offensive squad will be assisting one of the best defence in all of the SHL as Rage look to go deep into the season this year!

Code:
Words - 606

Pictures - 2

Wasty · 01-02-2012, 01:15 PM

#40 Niclas Wastlund - W - VANCOUVER WHALERS Whalers

/ MINNESOTA MONARCHS

jason97 · 01-02-2012, 02:36 PM

Kurtis

diamond_ace · 01-02-2012, 03:52 PM

I mentioned you in the UK roster article and Boon said he'd take you over Elwell, because he hadn't realized there was another active. I don't know if he ended up making the change, or if it was allowed at that point, but if he was going to add you in this season, then it's definitely a good sign for next season.

Arianna · 01-02-2012, 04:11 PM

:D

***Toast*** · 01-02-2012, 04:35 PM

Quote:Originally posted by diamond_ace@Jan 2 2012, 02:52 PM
I mentioned you in the UK roster article and Boon said he'd take you over Elwell, because he hadn't realized there was another active. I don't know if he ended up making the change, or if it was allowed at that point, but if he was going to add you in this season, then it's definitely a good sign for next season.

I'm not really bothered that I wasn't selected. Sure, would've been cool, but it's nothing I'll get upset about. :D Good to know about next season though!

Navigation

Extra Menu

About us