For more information:
Chris Bilder, Public Relations/Marketing, Eugene Generals
541-359-4154 (office)
541-680-6222 (cell)
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 24, 2008
Generals Draft Picks for 2008-09 Season
Eugene, OR – The Northern Pacific Hockey League (NORPAC) held their inaugural NORPAC Draft Tuesday, July 15, 2008. The draft consisted of twelve rounds with each of the 13 teams in NORPAC picking once per round. The Rogue Valley Wranglers picked Josef Chase with the first overall pick. Chase is a 17 year old, 6-4 185 lb defenseman from Olympia, WA.
The Generals have been recruiting all over the country this off season and these particular players, though not tendered, were some of the top prospects the Generals have seen throughout the recruiting season. By drafting these players the Generals secure their rights should they choose to play in NORPAC. The Generals draft picks are as follows:
1st Round: Kyle Brodie
18 year old defenseman, 6-1 185 lbs - Colorado Outlaws AAA (9th overall pick)
2nd Round: Grant Dye
18 year old forward, 5-11 180 lbs - Alaska Jr. Avalanche AAA
3rd Round: Tommy Mossner
18 year old forward, 6-1 160 lbs - Colorado Outlaws AAA
4th Round: Ryan McDonald
18 year old forward, 5-10 180 lbs - Alaska All Stars U18 AAA
5th Round: Joseph O'Brien
18 year old defenseman, 6-1 175 lbs - Texas Attack
6th Round: Kory Roy
18 year old forward, 5-10 175 lbs - Alaska North Stars U18 AAA
7th Round: Erik Cooper
17 year old forward, 5-10 155 lbs - Alaska All Stars U16 AAA
8th Round: Kyle Suggs
17 year old defenseman, 5-9 170 lbs - Houston Youth AA
9th Round: Hayden Dill
17 year old forward, 6-4 205 lbs - North Canyon HS Rattlers in Arizona
10th Round: Dax Lauwers
17 year old defenseman, 6-1 175 lbs - Alaska All Stars U16 AAA
11th Round: Trace Strahle
16 year old forward, 5-9 155 lbs - Alaska All Stars U16 AAA
12th Round: Michael Smith
18 year old defenseman, 6-0 185 lbs - San Jose Jr. Sharks
“Our draftees represent what we consider to be the top prospects at several different ages and in several different roles,” Generals GM Flint Doungchak stated. “Although many of them may not actually be on our roster for the season, these particular players are those in which we will have a strong and concerted effort in watching their development throughout the year.”
Generals Head Coach Jay Miller went on to add, “I see this draft as a crossroads for NORPAC. I see a lot of positives in having this draft as it could be used as a way of bringing high quality players to the league, although it’s going to take a lot of work from each team to see it come to fruition. Our draftees are some of the best players we’ve seen this recruiting season and hopefully we can use these players in taking the next step in winning a championship.”
For more information on the NORPAC Draft or Generals players please visit eugenegenerals.com.