2019 NAHL Draft Recap
June 6, 2019 - North American Hockey League (NAHL)
Philadelphia Rebels News Release
Jamestown, NY - The sight inside the Jamestown Rebels war room during Tuesday's 2019 NAHL Entry Draft was one to behold. Head Coach Joe Coombs, Assistant Coach Josh Brown and Director of Scouting Billy Pugliese gathered together to form the future of the Jamestown Rebels organization, and they did just that, with the confidence that the next wave of Rebels will make a deep impact going forward. With the beautiful, organized chaos that was the draft behind us, let's take a more detailed look at each selection made.
Cooper Swift, Defenseman: Round 2, Pick 35
2018-19 Team: Choate Rosemary Hall (USHS-Prep)
Ht/Wt: 6? 2? - 185 Ibs
Shoots: Right
Age: 19
Hometown: West Hartford, CT
Stats/Analysis: Cooper has spent the last 3 1/2 seasons at Choate Rosemary Hall, where he served as team captain in his final year. Over the course of 96 games at Choate, Swift recorded 27 points (7 G, 20 A). He was also named to the 2018-19 USHS All Founders League Team. "Cooper is a good skater who has the ability to move the puck. He's a good defender, and is someone we can see help us play a lot of minutes". - Billy Pugliese, Director of Scouting
Jon Howe, Goaltender: Round 3, Pick 61
2018-19 Team: Totino-Grace High (USHS-MN)
Ht/Wt: 6? 3? - 170 Ibs
Catches: Left
Age: 17
Hometown: Minnetonka, MN
Stats/Analysis: Jon began his high school career during the 2017-18 campaign with Minnetonka High of the USHS-MN, where he posted a 1.95 GAA and a .907 SV% in 5 appearances. He then played in 24 regular season games for Totino-Grace High in 18-19, putting up a 2.53 GAA with a .926 SV% to boot. Howe also posted a 2.33 GAA and a .921 SV% in three playoff games. "Jon's a big goalie who moves very quick and posses a high compete level. He has the potential to be a very good player in this league". - Pugliese
Colby Jaquet, Defenseman: Round 4, Pick 80
2018-19 Team: Selkirk Steelers (MJHL)
Ht/Wt: 5? 9? - 170 Ibs
Shoots: Right
Age: 18
Hometown: Winnipeg, MA, CAN
Stats/Analysis: Colby joined the Manitoba Junior Hockey League's Selkirk Steelers during the 2017-18 season, and completed a full season in 18-19. Throughout his time with Selkirk, Jaquet recorded a terrific 42 points (7 G, 35 A) over the span of 65 contests, and added a point in 6 playoffs games. He was also selected to the 2018-19 MJHL All-Rookie Team. "Colby is a smooth, smart right-handed defenseman. He can help us on the power play and log a lot of minutes for the team". - Pugliese
Nik Norman, Forward: Round 4, Pick 100
2018-19 Team: Shattuck St. Mary's Prep (USHS-Prep)
Ht/Wt: 5? 10? - 154 Ibs
Shoots: Left
Age: 18
Hometown: Maplewood, MN
Stats/Analysis: Nik has spent the last two seasons of his career in a Shattuck St. Mary's jersey. Over the duration of his time at Shattuck, Norman posted an impressive 84 points (31 G, 53 A) in an even 100 games played. Norman also committed to pay college hockey at the University of Minnesota, and is a prospect eligible for the 2019 NHL Draft. "Nik is a very-highly skilled forward who we will look to help us on the power play". - Pugliese
Marshall Walker, Defenseman: Round 6, Pick 152
2018-19 Team: Lincoln Stars (USHL)
Ht/Wt: 6? 3? - 198 Ibs
Shoots: Right
Age: 18
Hometown: Sheboygan, WI
Stats/Analysis: Marshall spent the 2018-19 campaign with the Lincoln Stars of the USHL, the United States' top junior hockey league. He recorded two assists in 40 games played for the Stars. Before his time in juniors, Walker played for the Milwaukee Jr. Admirals of the Tier 1 Elite Hockey League and spent two years prior to that at Sheboygan High in the USHS-WI, where he posted 27 points (14 G, 13 A) in 46 games. "Mark is a big, strong defenseman that all ready possesses junior experience. We believe he's a player who can come in and develop into a big-time presence on the blue line". - Pugliese
Spencer Schneider, Forward: Round 7, Pick 178
2018-19 Team: Lakeville North High (USHS-MN)
Ht/Wt: 6? 0? - 181 Ibs
Shoots: Left
Age: 18
Hometown: Lakeville, MN
Stats/Analysis: Spencer Schneider has spent the better part of the last three seasons with Lakeville North High, and put together a great career while there. Over the course of 71 regular season games, spanning from 2016-17 to 2018-19, Schneider compiled 88 points (44 G, 44 A) and added 14 points (7 G, 7 A) in 9 playoff games. Schneider was named an Alternate Captain for Lakeville in 2017-18, and was named Captain during last year's season. Schneider has also committed to pay college hockey at Bowling Green State University, effective 2020-21. "Spencer is a very smart two-way hockey player with a great shot. We think his best hockey is in front of him". - Pugliese
Josh Nixon, Forward: Round 8, Pick 204
2018-19 Team: Oakville Blades (OJHL)
Ht/Wt: 5? 10? - 181 Ibs
Shoots: Right
Age: 19
Hometown: Mississauga, ON, CAN
Stats/Analysis: Josh Nixon has been a part of the Ontario Junior Hockey League for the past two seasons, splitting time between the Georgeville Raiders and the Oakville Blades, respectively. During his time between those two clubs, Nixon recorded a combined total of 67 points (27 G, 40 A) through 101 regular season games. During 43 playoff games between both teams, Nixon also picked up 21 points (10 G, 11 A). He also claimed the OJHL Championship last year with Oakville. "Josh played on a really good team last year. He's a smaller forward, but has a great skill set and ability to make plays happen". - Josh Brown, Assistant Coach
Riley Stuart, Forward: Round 9, Pick 230
2018-19 Team: Phoenix Jr. Coyotes U16
Ht/Wt: 6? 3? - 170 Ibs
Shoots: Right
Age: 17
Hometown: Phoenix, AZ
Stats/Analysis: Riley has spent the entirety of his youth career in the Phoenix Jr. Coyotes program. Last season, Stuart was a point-per-game player, putting together 29 points (12 G, 17 A) in 29 games for the U16 club. Stuart also got a sample size of junior hockey last year, when he suited up in one game for the USHL's Omaha Lancers, where he picked up one assist. "Riley's a big, young forward who can play right wing or center. He's a 200-foot player with good compete. We're really excited for him to come to Jamestown". - Brown
Matthew Hubbarde, Forward: Round 10, Pick 256
2018-19 Team: Markham Royals (OJHL)
Ht/Wt: 6? 0? - 183 Ibs
Shoots: Right
Age: 19
Hometown: Locust Hill, ON, CAN
Stats/Analysis: Matthew has seen plenty of different sweaters during his career in the OJHL; since his introduction to the league in 2016-17, Hubbarde has suited up for four different clubs. Over that span, he collected 29 points (10 G, 19 A) in 72 combined regular season games between the Whitby Fury, North York Rangers, Trenton Golden Hawks and Markham Royals, respectively. "Matt is an elite skater who can carry a line. We're very excited to have him aboard the Rebels and expect big things from him down the line". - Pugliese
Kyle Van Compernolle, Forward: Round 11, Pick 282
2018-19 Team: Fox Motors 16U
Ht/Wt: 6? 6? - 197 Ibs
Shoots: Left
Age: 17
Hometown: Williamsburg, MI
Stats/Analysis: Kyle spent last season with Fox Motors 16U of the Tier 1 Elite Hockey League. In 25 games, he strung together an eye-catching 33 points (22 G, 11 A). Van Compernolle has committed to play college hockey, effective 2021-22, at Michigan Tech. "Kyle as many tools in his box; smart, skilled and big to name a few. Once he fills out and develops, he's going to possess pro-level potential". - Pugliese
Michael Mercurio, Forward: Round 12, Pick 308
2018-19 Team: Chicago Mission U18
Ht/Wt: 5? 9? - 165 Ibs
Shoots: Left
Age: 19
Hometown: New Hartford, NY
Stats/Analysis: Michael Mercurio enjoyed a great season with last year's Chicago Mission U18 team. He put up 14 points (10 G, 4 A) in 19 games. Mercurio has also spent time in the USPHL's Premier and Elite Leagues, suiting up for the Syracuse Jr. Stars. "Mike's a very quick and skilled forward who consistently competes hard. We're looking forward to him joining our club". - Pugliese
Mason Hendrickson, Forward: Round 13, Pick 334
2018-19 Team: Minnetonka High (USHS-MN)
Ht/Wt: 6? 0? - 183 Ibs
Shoots: Left
Age: 18
Hometown: Minnetonka, MN
Stats/Analysis: Mason has spent the majority of the past three seasons with Minnetonka High, where he helped capture the Class AA State Championship during the 2017-18 campaign. During his tenure at Minnetonka, Hendrickson compiled 27 points (6 G, 21 A) in 55 regular season games. "Mason is a skilled forward with the ability to move the puck. His vision along with his play-making ability makes him a formidable force". - Brown
Tommy Bergsland, Defenseman: Round 14, Pick 360
2018-19 Team: Fargo Force (USHL)
Ht/Wt: 6? 1? - 194 Ibs
Shoots: Right
Age: 18
Hometown: Plymouth, MN
Stats/Analysis: Tommy has spent the better part of the last three seasons with Wayzata High of the USHS-MN, the last of which he served as Captain. Throughout his three years at Wayzata, Bergsland put up terrific numbers, recording 69 points (17 G, 52 A) in 75 regular season contests. He also posted 2 points in 8 playoff appearances at Wayzata. During last year's season, Bergsland made the jump to the USHL, where he collected 2 assists in 8 games played for Fargo Force. "Tommy's a solid defenseman with great hockey sense who can help us at both ends of the ice". - Pugliese
Shane Griffin, Forward: Round 15, Pick 386
2018-19 Team: Lakeville North High (USHS-MN)
Ht/Wt: 6? 0? - 183 Ibs
Shoots: Right
Age: 17
Hometown: Lakeville, MN
Stats/Analysis: Shane Griffin has played the majority of the past three years with Lakeville North High. From the 2016-17 campaign to 2018-19, he put up 63 points (28 G, 35 A) in 73 regular season games. He also performed extremely well come playoff time; in 9 post-season appearances, Griffin recorded 12 points (7 G, 5 A). Griffin was also part of last year's High School National Invitational Tournament, one of the top showcases in the nation, where he suited up with the Minnesota Seniors, In 4 tournament games, Griffin potted 3 goals. Shane also served as Captain during last year's season for Lakeville. "Shane is a competitive player who has a great knack for finding the back of the net. We're very much looking forward to continue his development in Jamestown". - Brown
Josh Linn, Forward: Round 16, Pick 412
2018-19 Team: Mid Cities Jr. Stars (NA3HL)
Ht/Wt: 6? 0? - 185 Ibs
Shoots: Left
Age: 19
Hometown: Eagle River, AK
Stats/Analysis: Josh Linn spent three seasons, 2014-15 - 2016-17, with Eagle River High of the USHS-AK. While there, he compiled spectacular numbers, putting together 114 points (46 G, 68 A) in 67 regular season contests. Linn then spent the 2017-18 season with the Madison Capitols 18U of the NAPHL 18U, where he totaled 7 points (3 G, 4 A) in 17 regular season games. He also put up 8 points (2 G, 6 A) in 5 playoff appearances. Most recently, Josh enjoyed a great season last year in the NA3HL, where he finished 21st in the league in goals, putting together 34 of them along with 22 assists in 43 regular season games played. He then potted 3 more goals in 2 Fraser Cup playoff games. "Josh is very competitive; he has a motor that doesn't quit, and can put the puck in the net. We're very excited to have him in Jamestown". - Brown
The Rebels are now looking forward to their Main Camp, which is to be held from June 28 - July 1, 2019 in Jamestown at the Northwest Arena. Stay up-to-date on more information regarding Main Camp and other Rebels news by following the Rebels on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
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