Blizzard Add 12 New Prospects to Protected List
May 22, 2008 - North American Hockey League (NAHL)
Alexandria Blizzard News Release
ALEXANDRIA, Minn. - It has been less than a month since the 2007-08 season came to a close for the Alexandria Blizzard but the team is already ramping up for next season. Alexandria selected eight new players in the North American Hockey League draft Wednesday, reacquiring forward Joe Knoepke along the way. Combined with four tendered (committed) players, the Blizzard now have 12 more solid prospects.
"We're happy," said Alexandria Coach and General Manager Brad Willner. "We obviously filled some holes that we needed to fill and we're bringing in not only quality players but quality people. Training camp is going to be very competitive. Guys are going to have to work hard all summer to earn a spot on the team."
The Blizzard used their first pick to recapture the rights to Knoepke, who had eight points in 10 games with Alexandria before moving on to Sioux Falls of the United States Hockey League. He has one season of junior eligibility remaining. "To have the opportunity to get Joe back will be a huge boost to our program," Willner said. "He wanted to give the USHL a chance and we let him pursue that dream. Now we hope we can get him back. He would definitely be an impact player."
There are no guarantees that any of the draft picks will make the team. However, they cannot skate for any other NAHL club without first being released or traded by Alexandria.
This year's off-season is perhaps more intriguing than most with the availability of several high-quality free agents who spent last season at Fargo-Moorhead. With the Jets folding, the chase is on to acquire top players such as Sam Carr, Joe Beaudette and Jordy Trottier. "I think our chances are good," Willner said. "We're the next closest team to Fargo. We played them a lot and I think their players are very familiar with our team and our style of play. It's an opportunity where they can choose where they want to go. The players that we've talked to have said they want to play for a winning organization and we won the Central Division."
The Blizzard's open tryout camp will be held June 23-25 at the Runestone Community Center. The final invitation-only camp is scheduled for July 21-23.
DRAFT PICKS TENDERS
Taylor Boldt, PF Changs (AAA), Defense Tyler Gilmore, LA Jr Kings (AAA), Forward
Corbin Brown, PF Changs (AAA), Forward Trent Johnson, Duluth Denfeld HS, Defense
Nick Carey, St. Louis Jr. Blues (AAA), Forward Sean Kenny, Granite City (MJHL), Forward
Joe Knoepke, Sioux Falls (USHL), Forward Sean LaDouce, Soo Indians (AAA), Goalie
Josh Munford, Soo Indians (AAA), Forward
Ben Nelson, Roseau HS, Forward
Joel Scattarelli, Rogers HS, Defense
Jacob Walsh, Spokane Braves (KIJHL), Defense
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North American Hockey League Stories from May 22, 2008
- Blizzard Add 12 New Prospects to Protected List - Alexandria Blizzard
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