Phenom coming Friday
Published on October 20, 2004 under United States Hockey League (USHL)
Indiana Ice News Release
INDIANAPOLIS, IN- The Indiana Ice hosts the Green Bay Gamblers this Friday night at 7 p.m. from the Pepsi Coliseum. Highlighting the divisional match-up is the first Indianapolis appearance of 2004 NHL First Round Draft Pick, Blake Wheeler.
Wheeler chose to play for the Gamblers of the United States Hockey League this season after being selected by Phoenix Coyotes' partial owner and NHL legend Wayne Gretzky as the team's first pick and fifth overall selection in the 2004 NHL Draft.
It was believed that the 18-year-old Wheeler would probably be selected sometime in the second round, but Gretzky thought his talent level was too good to pass up.
"He has a tremendous upside," said Gretzky. "We may never see a fifty goal scorer again since it's much harder to score now. We know it could be a few years before he makes the NHL because he's still at a young age. The last thing we want to do is put him in a position where he is not comfortable." (Quotes taken from NHL.com)
Wheeler is the highest player drafted out of high school in the NHL draft since Brian Lawton was drafted first overall in 1983. He was also the third highest drafted high school player ever. Wheeler is 6-4, 185 pounds and is a native of Robbinsdale, MN. He attended Breck High School last season where he amassed 100 points in only 30 games.
Fans can purchase tickets for Friday's game and all home game at all Ticketmaster locations including select Marsh Supermarkets, Karma Records, select L.S. Ayres and the Indiana State Fairgrounds and Conseco Fieldhouse box offices, or by calling 239-5151 or online at ticketmaster.com.
For all the latest Ice information, please visit www.indianaice.com.
United States Hockey League Stories from October 20, 2004
- Phenom coming Friday - Indiana Ice
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