USHL Dubuque Fighting Saints

Saints Select Six in Phase 1 of 2014 USHL Draft

Published on May 5, 2014 under United States Hockey League (USHL)
Dubuque Fighting Saints News Release


DUBUQUE, IA- The Dubuque Fighting Saints added six new players to the organization on Monday. The Fighting Saints participated in Phase 1 of the 2014 USHL Draft, which was exclusively for 1998 birth year players, and selected four forwards and two defenseman during the eight round draft.

Dubuque's first selection Monday came in the 3rd Round. The Fighting Saints selected talented forward Kailer Yamamoto from the Los Angeles Jr. Kings Minor Midget program. The 5-foot-6 forward had 37 points in 30 games this past season and hails from Spokane, Washington. Scouts describe Yamamoto as a dynamic forward with great potential and skill.

In the 4th Round, the Fighting Saints bolstered the blue line, selecting Casey Staum from Hill-Murray High School in Minnesota. The Falcon Heights, Minnesota native plays the left side of the blue line and comes in a 5-foot-11 and 160 pounds. He registered three goals and six assists in 25 games this past season. Scouts give rave reviews to Staum's skating ability.

With the 74th overall pick in the 5th Round, Dubuque took center Paul Washe from the Detroit Victory Honda program. The 6-foot forward hails from Clarkson, Michigan and had 15 points in 29 games last season.

Dubuque continued improving their scoring punch in the 6th Round with the selection of RJ Murphy from St. Sebastian's Prep School. The forward brings size to Dubuque with a 6-foot-3, 170 pound frame, and previously played with the Boston Advantage Minor Midget program. The Needham, Massachusetts native had nine points, including four goals, in 26 games this past season.

Dubuque went back to the point with their 7th Round selection when they chose John Stampohar from the Grand Rapids Bantams. With their final pick, Dubuque chose Edgars Treiji, a left-winger from Linkopings HC Jr. 18. The 5-foot-9 forward is a native of Riga, Latvia, the same hometown that former Dubuque star forward Zemgus Girgensons hails from.

Dubuque did not select in the first two rounds of the draft. The Fighting Saints 1st Round selection was traded to Muskegon for defenseman Alexx Privitera. In lieu of their 2nd Round pick, Dubuque signed forward Willie Knierim to a USHL Tender last week. The 16-year-old will begin his USHL career in the 2014-2015 season. Knierim, a product of the prestigious Chicago Mission program, is a highly touted player who had interest from a number of USHL teams. He is committed to Miami, and stands at 6-foot-2, 201 pounds. He had six goals and 19 assists this past season.

Dubuque will now take part in Phase 2 of the 2014 USHL Entry Draft tomorrow beginning at 8:00 a.m. All selections will be posted in real-time at USHL.com. In this phase, USHL teams will select players from multiple birth years as they look to fill their protected lists with players who will compete for roster spots for the 2014-15 season. Phase 2 continues until all USHL teams have secured 45 players on their Initial Protected List. That list includes affiliate players from the 2013-14 season, players selected in Phase 1, and players signed to a tender.

More information on all of Dubuque's drafted players will be posted to DubuqueFightingSaints.com later this week.

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United States Hockey League Stories from May 5, 2014


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