WHL Lethbridge Hurricanes

NHL Combine Wrap up: Ashton, Yadlowski and Obama?

Published on June 4, 2009 under Western Hockey League (WHL)
Lethbridge Hurricanes News Release


Lethbridge, AB - An excited pair, NHL prospects Carter Ashton and Brennan Yadlowski returned home with a wealth of experience from the 2009 NHL Entry Draft Combine held in Toronto last week. The combine played host to over 100 of the best draft-eligible players from North America and Europe, with each of the prospects undergoing a vigorous round of physical, medical and psychological tests. Every NHL club was represented at the combine by management and scouting staff and had the opportunity to evaluate each prospect in an interview as well as the three hour medical and physical examinations.

Both Ashton and Yadlowski were ranked in the NHL Central Scouting Service's Final Rankings for the 2009 NHL Entry Draft to be held this June; and both were invited to be among the 104 prospects at this season's evaluation. Ashton, the Hurricanes 1st round pick (7th overall) in the 2006 WHL Bantam Draft has been ranked 12th among North American skaters while Yadlowski was ranked 70th.

"For myself, to be ranked and invited was an accomplishment in itself because it let me show what I can do and meet face to face with all the NHL teams." said Yadlowski "The interviews can be tough but the opportunity is one that a prospect can't afford to pass up"

Yadlowski had a solid rookie campaign in 07-08 and logged good minutes as a rookie defenseman in the WHL. He was a fifth round pick and the first defenseman chosen by the Hurricanes in the 2006 WHL Bantam Draft (97th overall). In 2008-2009, Yadlowski was a consistent contributor to a developing Hurricanes defense and has improved his rank from 153rd in the CSS Mid Term rankings to 70th. Yadlowski is now a two time winner of the Hurricanes Scholastic Player of the Year award (07-08, 08-09) as well as the Hurricanes Most Improved player award. (07-08, 08-09)

Ashton, finished his injury shortened rookie season in 2007-2008 with nine points (5G, 4A) in 40 WHL games. He then had a breakout 2008-2009 season leading the Hurricanes with 30 goals and 10 power play goals. He was the recipient of the Hurricanes Top Draft Prospect Award, the Hurricanes Three Stars Award and co-winner of the Hurricanes Community Relations Award. Ashton also participated in the 2009 Home Hardware CHL/NHL Top Prospects Game in Oshawa, Ontario.

"I had prepared for the combine but didn't really know how tough it was going to be until I got there." said Ashton, who placed high in most of his physical testing "The physical tests and even the interviewing process it all takes a lot out of you."

"You're a little nervous to start and then you go into an interview and meet with a big group of 8 or 10 people from each club" added Ashton, who completed nearly 30 meetings in two interview days with NHL clubs while attending the combine "It can be a little stressful but it is all part of being a professional"

In the past two seasons, almost all of the Hurricanes current and former players selected in the NHL Entry Draft have been signed to NHL entry level contracts. This includes Boychuk (Carolina), Sbisa (Philadelphia) and Kyle Beach (drafted by Chicago from Everett) from the 2008 Draft. As well as Dwight King (Los Angeles), Colton Sceviour (drafted by Dallas from Portland), and former Hurricanes forward Mitch Fadden (drafted by Tampa Bay from Lethbridge) from the 2007 Draft.

And as far as some of those famous draft prospect interview questions?

"One team asked me who I would rather have dinner with; President Obama, Sean Avery or Maria Sharapova" said the well spoken Ashton of the most interesting question he was asked "It was a tough one, but I told them I would go for dinner with President Obama... and then maybe dessert with Maria, haha"

The 2009 NHL Entry Draft is scheduled to be held June 26th & 27th, 2009 from the Bell Centre in Montreal, QC; while the Scotiabank/NHL Draft Lottery, to determine the order of selection for the first 14 picks of the first round of the 2009 Entry Draft, took place on April 14th with the New York Islanders taking the first overall pick.

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Western Hockey League Stories from June 4, 2009


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