Blaze Host AAHL Draft, Add Pair
Published on September 14, 2009 under All American Hockey League (AAHL)
Chicago Blaze News Release
Rolling Meadows,Illinois - The Chicago Blaze where thrilled to host the AAHL Free Agent Camp and Draft this past weekend. The prospects were given a pair of on-ice sessions on Saturday and one on Sunday morning to show all six AAHL franchises what they could do. The players ran a number of drills and played in 3 on 3, 4 on 4, and 5 on 5 scrimmages. The event culminated with a two round draft in which the Blaze held the first overall selection and the twelfth selection. Blaze owner Aaron Mattey expressed his thoughts on the honor of hosting the draft between sessions on Saturday; "It's our or privilege to host this event that gives so many dedicated young men the exposure to pro hockey, some for the first time. The talent we have seen on the ice no doubt will benefit our team and this league. With training camps starting in October there is a lot at stake here."
With the first pick in the draft the Blaze took forward Justin Neis. The St. Francis, MN, native stands 5'11" 175 lbs. and fires a right-handed shot. Neis, stood out with his speed and scoring ability throughout the weekend.
With the their second round pick the Blaze selected local product Nick Vertucci. The 19 year-old defenseman attended Plainfield North high school and played for the Chicago Young Americans. Vertucci, joins an already deep defense corps and will battle for a job in training camp which begins October, 12, at West Meadows Ice Arena in Rolling Meadows, IL.
Tickets for the upcoming season, including the exhibition opener on October 17, at 7 P.M., are available at www.chicagoblazehockey.com under the "tickets" tab or at the West Meadows Ice Arena box office.
All American Hockey League Stories from September 14, 2009
- League try-out camp nets three potential Ice Muskies - Madison Ice Muskies
- IceMen Take Two At AAHL Draft - Evansville IceMen
- Blaze Host AAHL Draft, Add Pair - Chicago Blaze
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