Capitols Select Two in Dispersal Draft
April 23, 2019 - United States Hockey League (USHL) - Madison Capitols News Release
Middleton, WI - On Monday, the Capitols, along with the rest of the USHL, took part in the USHL's Dispersal Draft. The event took place due to the news earlier this season that the Central Illinois Flying Aces received approval from the USHL Board of Directors to temporarily withdraw from on-ice competition to focus on the future of the organization.
Following a weighted draft lottery like the NBA and NHL use, the Capitols were picked for the 11th draft position out of 15 teams. The two teams not included were the Central Illinois Flying Aces and Team USA, as the USNTDP uses a separate selection process for their players.
With their first round pick, the Capitols selected forward Ethan Leyer from St. Albert, Alberta. Playing in his first season of junior hockey, Leyer posted 9 goals to go along with 8 assists (9-8-17) in 49 games for the Bonnyville Pontiacs of the Alberta Junior Hockey League.
The 2002 birth year still has four years of junior hockey eligibility left, and has already committed to play at St. Cloud State for the future. Leyer was listed as an affiliate player for the Flying Aces during the 2018-19 season.
With their second pick in the draft, the Capitols selected the rights to forward Kaleb Ergang from Spruce Grove, Alberta. Ergang has played two full seasons for the Okotoks Oilers of the AJHL, accumulating 21 goals and 32 assists (21-32-53) over the course of 98 games.
The '00-birth year stands at 5-foot-10, 157-pounds, and the Capitols hope he can be the scoring threat he's proven the past couple of years. Central Illinois drafted Ergang in the 12th round (181st overall) of the 2018 USHL Entry Draft.
"We're very excited two get two great young men," says head coach Garrett Suter. "Being such a young player, Ethan has tremendous upside, putting up a good amount of points in his first full season. Kaleb comes in as a seasoned vet already with over 100 games played in the AJHL. He can come in, play some top six minutes, and make an impact over the next couple of years."
The Capitols continue to prep for the 2019-20 campaign with the USHL Phase I and Phase II drafts set for May 6th and 7th respectively. Find out how you can save money with our 2019-20 ticket packages, including season tickets, flex packs, groups and more by heading to https://www.madcapshockey.com/tickets.
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