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USHL Des Moines Buccaneers

Buccaneers Select Six in Futures Draft

April 19, 2011 - United States Hockey League (USHL)
Des Moines Buccaneers News Release


Urbandale (IA) The Des Moines Buccaneers' coaching staff is proud to announce their six selections from Tuesday's United States Hockey League Futures Draft. These players will be invited to the team's tryout camp in June and if not selected for next season's team, will remain on the team's affiliate list for up to three seasons.

Among those selected by the Buccaneers was a highly sought after Minnesota defenseman and the son of a former National Hockey Leaguer

"We feel that we got a good mix of players that will each bring a different element to our team" said head coach and general manager Regg Simon following the draft. "We put an emphasis on speed, skill, hockey sense and a competitive edge, which is a must in this organization."

The Buccaneers selected Blaine, Minnesota High School defenseman Michael Brodzinski with the seventh overall selection. At 5'11 and 180 pounds, Brodzinski is described by Simon and Bucs' assistant coach Marty Quarters as a point-producing defenseman who plays with passion and is very strong. He is said to have plenty of elements to his game and has a rugged edge.

With their sixth and final selection, the Bucs took defensemen Mitch Jones out of the Honeybaked program in Detroit. Jones carries a heavy shot, excellent skating ability, plenty of upside and strong bloodlines. His father is Brad Jones, a one-time National Hockey Leaguer who played for six seasons from 1987-1992.

"The players we selected are from all over the country. One common denominator about all of them is this: They come from winning programs" noted Simon.

Also being selected by the Buccaneers was defenseman Matt Miller from the Pittsburgh Hornets U16 team. Forward Kevin LeBlanc from the New Jersey Rockets Jr. B squad. Forward Joel L 'Esperance out of Compuware U16 and forward Joey Palumbo from the Buffalo Regals U16.

The USHL Futures Draft annually consist of players who are going be 16 years of age the following season and is not to be confused with the annual Entry Draft which will take place May 19th and include players of all ages. This seasons draft was made up of players with birthdates in 1995.

"All six of these players were selected with the future in mind. We hope they can all compete for a spot on next year's club, but if not, we feel very confident that our future looks bright for years to come" added Simon.

A full rundown of the Buccaneers' selections is below

First Selection

Michael Brodzinski (D) - Blaine (MN) High School: Head Coach Regg Simon and Assistant Coach Marty Quarters describe him as a point-producing defenseman who has a number of elements to his game. He can play with skill but also has a rugged edge.

Second Selection

Matt Milller (D) - Pittsburgh Hornets U16: Marty Quarters says Matt is a good skater with plenty of upside. He is hard to play against and is able to make a variety of passes. His brother spent this season with the National Development Team. He was a leading defensemen as a ninth grader in the Midwest Elite League.

Third Selection

Kevin LaBlanc (F) - New Jersey Rockets Jr. B: Regg Simon calls Kevin a skilled forward with lots of range and plenty of upside. He has an excellent "hockey sense" says Simon.

Fourth Selection

Joel L' Esperance (F)- Compuware U16: Marty Quarters sees Joel as having a quick, pro style shot and is a natural center. He has a good size and comes from the powerful Compuware program.

Fifth Selection

Joey Palumbo (F) - Buffalo Regals U16: He is described as a skilled forward who can make plays in tight spots and has a goal scorer's touch. He is noted for having a strong competitiveness.

Sixth Selection

Mitch Jones (D) - Honeybaked U16: A skilled defenseman who has a heavy shot and can skate extremely well. He has plenty of upside and good bloodlines as his father Brad played six seasons in the NHL. He helped lead Honeybaked to the U16 National title.

The Des Moines Buccaneers will be playing their 32nd consecutive season in the United States Hockey League beginning in the Fall of 2011. Since 1980, the Buccaneers have produced hundreds of NCAA Division I players and dozens of professional alumni. Season Ticket Packages and Corporate Partnership information for the 2011-2012 season is available by calling (515) 278-2827.

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The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

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