Sea Dogs Make History Drafting Joseph Veleno First Overall
June 6, 2015 - Quebec Maritimes Junior Hockey League (QMJHL)
Saint John Sea Dogs News Release
SHERBROOKE, QC - The Saint John Sea Dogs made history this morning by selecting centre Joseph Veleno with the first overall pick in the 2015 Quebec Major Junior Hockey League Entry Draft, held today at the Palais des Sports Leopold-Drolet.
On Thursday, Veleno became the first player from Quebec to be granted exceptional status by Hockey Canada, allowing him to become eligible for the 2015 QMJHL Entry Draft and play in the league at the age of 15. He is just the fifth player in Canadian Hockey League history to receive exceptional status.
Listed at 6'1", 170-lbs., the native of Kirkland, Quebec, played as an underager with the Lac St-Louis Lions of the Quebec Midget AAA Hockey League, registering 16 goals and 52 points in 41 games. He had four goals and ten points in six games for Team Quebec at the Canada Winter Games in Prince George, British Columbia, and two goals and five points in five games for Team Quebec Blue at the QMJHL Gatorade Excellence Challenge.
"We are very excited about this day and what it means to our team, our fans, our organization and our league," said Sea Dogs General Manager Darrell Young. "This is an historical day and we are so pleased to be a part of it. We are extremely happy to select Joseph Veleno and welcome him and his family into the Sea Dog family."
Veleno is the first forward selected by the Sea Dogs with the top pick. Defencemen Alex Grant (2005), Yann Sauve (2006), Simon Despres (2007) and Luke Green (2014) were also selected by Saint John with the first overall pick.
"Expectations will be high, but we will maintain a patient mindset," Young said. "We will keep expectations in check. Our future just got brighter."
The Sea Dogs are also scheduled to select ninth and tenth in the first round. Follow the remainder of the 2015 QMJHL Draft online HERE. Watch for up-to-the-minute coverage at saintjohnseadogs.com, on Twitter (@SJSeaDogs), Instagram (@SJSeaDogs) and Facebook (facebook.com/sjseadogs).
The draft is also being televised on TVA Sports. Check local listings.
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Quebec Maritimes Junior Hockey League Stories from June 6, 2015
- Veleno Selected by Sea Dogs, Becomes First 'Exceptional Status' Player in QMJHL - Saint John Sea Dogs
- Sea Dogs Make History Drafting Joseph Veleno First Overall - Saint John Sea Dogs
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