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a_canuck · 12-04-2024, 12:28 AM

Here we are the season 80 SHL entry draft! After following the SMJHL all year this is the moment where we see where the entry class is headed. For this shortened Sixteen Thoughts article I was on the draft floor and got the opportunity to catch up with the GM of the New England Wolfpack along with his team's first round pick Jack Ellul.

Well, who could have seen this coming? Kim Chaewon going first overall!? Everyone. Literally, everyone. Run away star and rookie sensation Kim was a clear choice regardless of which team was going to be picking. Hamilton is going to be enjoying their talents for years to come. Connecting with New England’s GM on the floor he had this to say about Chaewon.

“Kim is the best player in this draft. Both in terms of the player and the user behind him. I do not know anyone that has said a bad word about them. They are one of the most positive people in the SHL. They work on making sure that the SHL General Discord is always bumping, and when people join to make sure they get the help they need when they need it.”

Having grabbed his ear I pressed for more information on some of the picks as the draft continued.

Q: What is your opinion on some of these first round picks?

A:
Pavel Mintyukov - Winnipeg targeted him and they got a great user. From my draft interviews with him, I was thinking I had an outside chance of getting him in the 2nd round. But when he got picked at 6, it kinda made sense. He created later than most players. Creating a player 10/13. Can totally see Winnipeg banking on that to see hope for the future

Twinkle Toes - A user who I had a great draft interview with. I thought he would go around the later portion of the 1st round and it makes sense when he got drafted. He is a user who may be the max max earner. But he will earn great and be a good locker room presence for Baltimore moving forward. The LR presence alone would be great. seeing what he has done in Detroit. If I was baltimore I would be thrilled I got him

Tiny Princess & Greyson Willis - The duo I thought would be drafted to the same team. It totally makes sense on what Hamilton is going with. They are just starting out the rebuild and they need yappers. So with the players they are drafting in there, they will be yapping. Starting to build the culture back is important for rebuilding teams. So getting these 2 will be crucial. Tiny Princess going in the top 10 and Greyson Willis makes sense.

3. Thoughts on any steals?

A: I’ve got two!
Quazon Brosonchi, one of the steals of the draft class. We had him 4th on our scout board. Someone we were also eyeing at 11th OA. It was a tough decision, but seeing him go to Chicago at 15 was even too far in my opinion. I think a lot of the teams will be kicking themselves when he is one of the better players in this draft

Zach Mulder - If there is someone that will be the actual steal of the draft class it will be him. He is one of the last people to create for the draft class on 10/28. Being at 300 TPE is a great accomplishment to be at. He was someone we were hoping he would slip. But alas, Hamilton was onto him as well. Super excited to watch him grow and be the steal of the draft

4. I then caught up with New England’s own pick, Jack Ellul and asked how it was to be drafted by New England.

“I’m pumped! I love what they are building there and am excited to join a team with a legacy like New England. I want to join a team that is going to be competing and I believe that is what I have found in New England. I’m excited to get involved with their systems, start learning Wolfpack hockey and help the team challenge for cups!”

What are your goals for the coming season in SMJHL?

“Now that I am in the pipeline I want to continue to be able to develop and provide meaningful contributions to the Walleye. I only have three more seasons there and Thunder Bay needs their championship! I play a strong physical style of hockey but make sure to contribute offensively. I want to continue to do that. Our team’s goal differential let us down as the season continued and I want to get back to that hot start we had last season and take it all the way through the playoffs! This may only be the juniors but it is where I can refine my skills and prepare for the big show!”

You’ve got a focus on winning championships huh? More than personal accolades?

“It’s a team sport. What good are personal goals in a team sport?”

***luke*** · 12-04-2024, 08:12 AM

Nice read!

HillsHaveHats · 12-06-2024, 01:00 PM

Who forgot to mention the steal at 11! Wolfpack

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