Okposo goes #1 to Des Moines Buccaneers
Published on May 13, 2005 under United States Hockey League (USHL)
Des Moines Buccaneers News Release
Grand Forks, ND -- Kyle Okposo was selected first overall by the Des Moines Buccaneers in the USHL Entry Draft Thursday, May 12. Okposo is the second true #1 pick overall in the USHL Draft as 2005 marked the second season that the draft was without tenders. Last year's number pick was Tom Gorowsky by the Sioux Falls Stampede.
A 4/16/88 birth date, Okposo is considered by many to be one of the premier players in the country for his age group. A powerful skater with natural competitive instincts, Okposo displays excellent hockey sense to go along with his skill and lethal shot. His ability to use his skating and skill in a high-tempo style game made him one of the most sought after players in the country. The Buccaneers will look to rely heavily on this with the departure of some key players from last season's team.
"We are very excited that we drafted Kyle with the number one pick. He's a proven winner and a natural leader, and was certainly the best player available," Buccaneers Head Coach Regg Simon said. "With the loss of Chad Rau (Colorado College), we'll need to replace some of our goal scoring ability at forward. I feel we've filled that void with Kyle."
Coach Simon also added, "With a good group of returning players, we were looking to add specific pieces of the puzzle to the make-up of our team. Kyle was the natural choice because he already plays our style of hockey."
Okposo helped guide his Shattuck-St. Mary's Prep team to the Midget Major AAA National Championship this past season. He is also verbally committed to the University of Minnesota and will be headed to the Gophers in the fall of 2006.
United States Hockey League Stories from May 13, 2005
- Stalock named USHL Playoff MVP - USHL
- Musketeers season ticket information - Sioux City Musketeers
- Okposo goes #1 to Des Moines Buccaneers - Des Moines Buccaneers
- Final Stampede Draft Results - Sioux Falls Stampede
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