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NAHL Amarillo Bulls

Bulls Select Five Forwards at the NAHL Entry Draft

May 26, 2011 - North American Hockey League (NAHL)
Amarillo Bulls News Release


AMARILLO, TX - The Amarillo Bulls selected five forwards today (Thursday) in the North American Hockey League Entry Draft.

The Bulls and all of the NAHL teams participated in the event that drafts amateur players less than 21 years of age prior to December 31, 2011.

Amarillo had five selections, including two in the first round, plus one NA3HL pick. The Bulls moved up to the third overall pick in the draft following a trade with the Port Huron Fighting Falcons and took forward Michael Davis of the Philadelphia Little Flyers. Davis, who was the Atlantic Junior Hockey League's Rookie Of The Year, netted 24 goals and 33 assists for 57 points in 39 games.

"He is a speedy and skilled forward who bring some scoring back that we lost with Zack Smoot and Cody Freeman," Bulls Assistant Coach Rocky Russo said.

With their second pick in the first round, the Bulls grabbed forward Patrick Conte from the Buffalo Jr. Sabres of the Ontario Junior Hockey League. In 41 games with the Jr. Sabres, Conte collected 31 goals and 28 assists for 59 points.

"He will bring junior hockey experience to our roster," Russo added " He is a speedy and skilled forward who is committed to Niagara University."

In the second round, the Bulls picked Josh Nenadal from the Cleveland Jr. Barons who had 32 points in 40 games in the Under 18 Elite League.

"Josh is a big and strong two way forward who can not only just score goals, but can change the game with his physical presence," Russo said.

The Bulls kept their 2nd pick in the second round in the state of Texas with the selection of Clint Carlisle of the Dallas Stars Under 18 Triple A Team. Russo said that Carlisle can play in all situations and is a smart hockey player.

With their third round selection the Bulls added Roman Ammirato who played with Team Comcast (PA) in the Atlantic Junior Hockey League. Ammirato notched 30 points in 36 games.

"Roman has good hands and vision, and is an undersized forward that plays with an edge," Russo explained.

Prior to the start of the NAHL Entry Draft, teams took part in the NA3HL Selection process. The Bulls picked forward Andrew Lay from the Flint Jr. Generals.

"Andrew is a big skilled forward who has a nose for the puck and great hockey sense," said Bulls Director of Scouting Jay Lang.

Bulls Head Coach Dennis Williams said they will be in contact with the players they selected during the draft and get them excited about coming to Amarillo.

"It won't be a hard sell for us especially with the attendance we had last year, the atmosphere and the type of season we had," Williams noted. "We have an open camp coming up in a couple of weeks for players and then our main camp in Chicago in late July where at that time we will make our team."

It's not too early to start thinking about hockey and the second season of the Amarillo Bulls in the North American Hockey League. Season Tickets for the 2011-2012 campaign are available by visiting the Bulls offices located at 301 South Polk in the Amarillo Building or by calling 806-242-1122.

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North American Hockey League Stories from May 26, 2011


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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