Port Huron Adds Offensive Firepower in NAHL Draft
Published on May 27, 2011 under North American Hockey League (NAHL)
Port Huron Fighting Falcons News Release
PORT HURON, MI - The Port Huron Fighting Falcons believe they have filled their need for a more powerful offensive punch, as eight of their ten picks in Thursday's NAHL Draft were forwards. Only two of the second-year team's selections come from outside the state of Michigan.
With 20 veteran and tendered players on the team's protected list, the Fighting Falcons made 10 draft picks, as well as a selection from the NA3HL developmental league.
The Fighting Falcons would have held the third overall pick in the first round of the draft, following the expansion Kalamazoo Jr. K-Wings and Minotauros of Minot, North Dakota. Feeling that one of those teams may have selected goalie Max Milosek, the Fighting Falcons traded away their first-round pick to the Amarillo Bulls for a tender, allowing them to lock down the goalie before the draft.
Following a long, tense wait through the draft's first round, coach Bill Warren and General Manager Marty Haddad got their wish as Easton Powers, a Milford, Michigan native, became the Fighting Falcons' first-ever NAHL Draft pick.
Powers spent last season with the Blind River Beavers of the Northern Ontario Junior Hockey League, where he earned 39 points on 16 goals and 23 assists in 49 games.
The Fighting Falcons would sit through over 50 more picks before making their next selection in the fourth round, 83rd overall. The team chose Joseph Colletti, a forward from Huntington Woods, Michigan who tallied 18 goals and 17 assists for 35 points in 46 games with the Trenton Golden Hawks.
With their remaining picks, the Fighting Falcons further strengthened their offense, while also adding a pair of offensive-minded defensemen. Russian Ronald Kotkin, who was very impressive at the Pre-Draft Camp the team held earlier this month, was nabbed in the seventh round.
The Fighting Falcons picked up a pair of CCHA-bound forwards in the later rounds. Max Shuart, who has committed to the University of Michigan, was chosen in the eighth round. Nick Schilkey who has signed a letter of intent at the Ohio State University, was selected in the 11th round.
The club also owns the rights to Brett D'Andrea, a forward from Marysville that was tendered earlier this month. D'Andrea has committed to play for Bowling Green State University, also of the CCHA.
The full list of 2011 Fighting Falcons draft selections are as follows:
Round (Overall) Name, Position, Last Team (League)
2. (31) Easton Powers, F, Blind River (NOJHL) 49 GP, 16 G, 23 A, 39 Pts, 16 PIM
4. (83) Joseph Colletti, F, Trenton (OJHL) 46 GP, 18 G, 17 A, 35 Pts, 23 PIM
5. (108) Kody Polin, F, Leamington (GOJHL) 48 GP, 12 G, 25 A, 37 Pts, 68 PIM
6. (128) Ryan Murray, D, Cranbrook-Kingswood HS (MIHL) 28 GP, 6 G, 17 A, 23 Pts, 18 PIM
7. (147) Ronald Kotkin, F, Klin Titan Russia, Stats not available
8. (163) Max Shuart, F, Victory Honda, 36 GP, 12 G, 20 A, 32 Pts, 32 PIM
9. (174) Alex Archibald, F, Honeybaked, 40 GP, 4 G, 10 A, 15 Pts, 4 PIM
10. (181) Derek Belke, D, Pittsburgh Viper Stars (NAPHL) 24 GP, 1 G, 10 A, 11 Pts, 34 PIM
11. (185) Nick Schilkey, F, Honeybaked, 39 GP, 20 G, 29 A, 49 Pts, 20 PIM
12. (189) Stephen Flood, F, Grandville HS, Stats not available
NA3HL Selection
Michael Marconi, F, Toledo Cherokee, 41 GP, 22 G, 25 A, 47 Pts, 26 PIM
The details of the 2011-12 NAHL schedule have yet to be released, but the Fighting Falcons will play 27 regular season games at McMorran Arena. The team also plans to hold a White vs. Blue scrimmage during training camp, and hopes to schedule at least one exhibition game. Last season, the Czech Republic's U-18 National Team took on the Fighting Falcons at McMorran Arena.
Once available, the 2011-12 Fighting Falcons schedule will be posted online at www.phfightingfalcons.com.
For more information on ticket pricing and season ticket plans, call the Fighting Falcons office at (810) 966-3800, or send an e-mail to Mike Reed at mike@phfightingfalcons.com .
North American Hockey League Stories from May 27, 2011
- Port Huron Adds Offensive Firepower in NAHL Draft - Port Huron Fighting Falcons
- Two WSHL Monsters Selected in 2011 NAHL Entry Draft - Fresno Monsters
- IceRays Select Six Prospects in 2011 NAHL Entry Draft - Corpus Christi IceRays
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