Phantoms Build for Future in Phase I
Published on May 5, 2015 under United States Hockey League (USHL)
Youngstown Phantoms News Release
YOUNGSTOWN, OH- The Anderson Cup champion Youngstown Phantoms began the process of building for their future in Phase I of the 2015 USHL Draft on Monday night. Phase I brings together the top 1999 born, junior-eligible players. The Phantoms had nine total selections in Phase I of the draft, including forward Jacob Tortora, who was tendered by the team on Sunday morning, forfeiting the Phantoms' first round selection.
Round 1: Jacob Tortora (TENDER), F, Victor, NY
Hailing from Victor, NY, the 5'6", 150 pound forward spent last season with the Don Mills Flyers Minor Midget U16 program in Toronto. In 52 games this season, the Boston College commit accounted for 31 goals and 37 assists, for 68 points. The Flyers made the finals of every tournament they played in, and in the League playoffs this season. Additionally, Tortora was named MVP of the GTHL All-Star Game, and was also named the Most Valuable Player in the OHL Cup Finals.
Assistant General Manager Jason Koehler says: "Jacob Tortora is one of the top 1999 born players and forwards in the country, and we are thrilled to have the opportunity to welcome him into our family next season. He will have no problem making a smooth adjustment into our line up and will provide immediate offense to our club from day one."
Round 2: Jack Rathbone, D, West Roxbury, MA
The Phantoms acquired this pick from the Sioux Falls Stampede in the trade for forward Trey Bradley back in February. Rathbone spent last season with Dexter Prep, where he accounted for three goals and four assists, in 31 games played. He is a 5'8", 150lbs defenseman.
Assistant General Manager Jason Koehler says: "Rathbone was our top rated available defenseman, and was one of the top young defensemen in the country at this birth class. He is an outstanding skater and mobile defenseman with high offensive ability, and will be one of the top players and defensemen in New England prep hockey next season."
Round 4: Brad Cocca, F, Mississauga, ONT
Hailing from Mississauga, ONT, Cocca skated in 61 games for the Don Mills Flyers, tallied 27 goals and 42 assists, for 69 total points. He already has decided on his collegiate future, as he is committed to Harvard University after his USHL Career, under former Phantoms player and assistant coach Rob Rassey. Cocca is the second Don Mills product selected by the Phantoms this season, joining Jacob Tortora who was tendered this season by Youngstown.
Assistant General Manager Jason Koehler says: "Brad is an exciting offensive threat with a high skill set and high offensive ability. He projects to be a very good, top six caliber forward down the line for us."
Round 5: Chris Trouba, D, Auburn Hills, MI
Trouba is a 6'2", 195lbs defenseman from Auburn Hills, MI, and currently skates for the Compuware U16 program out of suburban Detroit. This season, Trouba accounted for a goal and five assists in 18 games played. He has already had a big NHL influence, as his brother, Jacob, is currently a defenseman for the Winnipeg Jets.
Assistant General Manager Jason Koehler says: "He is one of the top "big boy" defenseman in this draft class. He was a top performer for Compuware this season, and made great strides this season after coming back from and injury. He is very strong and physical, and projects out as a very tough and physical defensive defenseman down the road for us."
Round 6: James O'Brien, F, Hingham, MA
O'Brien spent last season at the Dexter School, where he skated in 31 games, accounting for five goals and four assists. A native of Hingham, MA, the 15-year-old is a 6'0", 180lbs forward.
Assistant General Manager Jason Koehler says: "O'Brien was a key contributor on his pre/post U16 team, the Cape Cod Whalers, as a young forward which made U16 AAA Nationals this season in Buffalo, after winning the Massachusetts State Championship. He played behind some older, quality players this season at Dexter Prep, but will come into his own as a top-six forward there. He has very good hockey smarts, and does the little things that coaches will appreciate."
Round 7: Craig Needham, F, Medford, MA
Needham is the third forward selected in Phase I by the Phantoms. A native of Medford, MA, he spent this season skating for Lawrence Academy, where he totaled 28 points (18g, 10a) in 25 games played. The recently-turned 16-year-old stands at 5'9", and weighs in at 160lbs.
Assistant General Manager Jason Koehler says: "Craig plays the game the right way, and is an intelligent and complete player. He is strong on faceoffs, and will be an effective two-way forward for us."
Round 8: Simon Boyko, F, Mississauga, ONT
Boyko is the second Canadian chosen by the Phantoms in Phase I. The 5'10" 165lbs forward skated for the Toronto Jr. Canadiens last season, where he produced 11 goals and 16 assists, in 28 games played.
Assistant General Manager Jason Koehler says: "He is a potential top six scoring line winger that would have gone higher if he was playing in the USA. He has high skill and scoring ability, and his stat line last season is misleading, as he is much more of an offensive threat than stats indicate."
Round 9: Neil Shea, F, Marshfield, MA
Shea is the fourth Massachusetts native chosen in Phase I. At 6'1", 185lbs, he was one of the top-scoring players in Massachusetts high school hockey as just a freshman.
Assistant General Manager Jason Koehler says: "He projects as a big bodied pro style center, who possesses strong leadership abilities, and very strong hockey sense and smarts. He is a complete player, and was one of the top scoring Massachusetts High School players in the state as only a freshman."
Round 10: Quinn Martin, F, Santa Fe, NM
Martin is a product of the famed Colorado Thunderbirds program, where he totaled five goals and four assists in nine games for the U16 team. He is stands 5'11", and weighs in at 160lbs.
Assistant General Manager Jason Koehler says: "Martin is an exciting power forward that plays hard and physical. He saw some of the most growth this year of any player I have seen between September and March, and should be an impact top-six forward for the U16 Thunderbirds next season."
For all the latest news, visit www.YoungstownPhantoms.com, follow the Phantoms on Twitter (@YtownPhantoms) and 'Like' them on Facebook (www.Facebook.com/YoungstownPhantoms).
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- Waterloo Draft Class Completed - Waterloo Black Hawks
- Phantoms Build for Future in Phase I - Youngstown Phantoms
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