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Michigan Warriors Stock up in 2014 NAHL Draft

June 6, 2014 - North American Hockey League (NAHL)
Michigan Warriors News Release


The Michigan Warriors and the rest of the North American Hockey League participated in the annual player NAHL entry draft June 3rd. Heading into the draft the Warriors needed to fill 7 spots on the team's roster from the team that went to the Robertson Cup Semi-Finals against the Fairbanks Ice Dogs, during the 2013-14 season. The Warriors selected five forwards and two defensemen during the draft to fill all of their needs for next year.

With the Warriors first round pick (16 overall) the Warriors selected Derek Frentz, a forward from Mankato, Minnesota. Derek played for Mankato West High School last season, and recorded an impressive 70 points in 27 games. He deferred his acceptance to the University of Minnesota to pursue his hockey career. Derek will help fill the void of goal scoring, since four of the top five goal scorers last season are no longer with the team.

With the Warriors 2nd round pick (40 overall) the Warriors selected Andrew Barbeau, a defenseman from Sault Ste Marie, Ontario. Andrew last played for Soo Indians 18U, where he was the captain of the team and recorded 16 points in 51 games. The 16 year old Canadian with excellent vision and puck moving skills has a ton of potential to become a top playmaking defenseman in this league.

With the first of the Warriors two third round picks (64 overall) the Warriors selected Zed Dietrich, a forward from Waukesha, Wisconsin. Zed played for Waukesha High School last season, where he was the captain of the team and posted an incredible 99 points in 27 games. In the four years he played at Waukesha High School he recorded 305 points (149 goals, 156 assists) in 102 game, which gave him an average of almost 3 points a game. As impressive as he is on the ice he is just as impressive off the ice, with his 4.1 grade point average. Just like Frentz, Zed will play a huge role in the goal scoring for the Warriors next season.

With the second third round pick (68 overall) the Warriors selected Mark McGee, a forward from Canton, Michigan. Mark last played for the Flint Junior Generals, where he recorded 48 points in 42 games last season. McGee is a former Warriors recruit that has done everything asked from him in the NA3HL, and becoming a legitimate scoring threat.

With the Warriors fourth round pick (88 overall) the Warriors selected Konnor Roskovich, a defenseman from Burlington, Ontario. Konnor last played for the Burlington Cougars in the OJHL, where he played strong defense for the team. He didn't just wanted to play in the NAHL, he sought out the Warriors. At six foot and 180 pounds Konnor plays very big and strong, which is exactly what the Warriors were looking to get in this draft.

With the Warriors fifth round pick (110 overall) the Warriors selected Greg Aliotta, a forward from Sterling Heights, Michigan. Greg last played for the Oakland Junior Grizzlies U18, where he recorded 11 points in 30 games last season. Greg is a highly skilled two way player that really excels on both sides of the puck. The Warriors are looking forward to the speed and the edge that he will give to the team.

With the Warriors 6th round pick (130 overall) and last pick of the draft the Warriors selected Zach Bensinger, a forward form Detroit, Michigan. Zach last played for Detroit County Day High School, where he was a two time captain for the team. He is a very good two way player, and is expected to be an important part of the penalty kill and power play units.

Overall the Warriors are very happy with how well the draft went. They feel that they got the players they needed to fill the holes left from the departed Warriors. Before the draft they were lacking goal scoring, with the loss of top scorers Colin Larkin, TJ Stuntz, Jake Hopfner, and Zach Szajner.

To get your first look at the new Warriors feel free to attend the Warriors main camp July 17-24, as it will be open to the public. It will be held at the Flint Iceland Arena, and will be a great way to cool off from the summer heat.

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