Thunderbirds' Pickard First WHL Goaltender Selected in 2010 NHL Entry Draft
Published on June 26, 2010 under Western Hockey League (WHL) News Release
Calgary, AB - Seattle Thunderbirds' goaltender Calvin Pickard was the first WHL goaltender selected in the 2010 NHL Entry Draft, third goalie overall, when the Colorado Avalanche picked the stand-out netminder in the 2nd round - 49th overall. The first goaltender selected was Jack Campbell (USE U-18) going to the Dallas Stars 11th overall while Niagara Ice Dogs 'tender Mark Visentin went 27th overall to the Phoenix Coyotes.
Calvin Pickard - Seattle Thunderbirds
Goaltender
Pickard, Calvin 4 09_10 email version.jpgHometown: Winnipeg, MB
D.O.B: April 15, 1992
Ht: 6' 1"
Wt: 195
WHL Bantam Draft: 2007, 2nd rd, 38th overall
C.C.S Rank: 1st among domestic goaltenders
Pickard completed his second season in the WHL with the Seattle Thunderbirds in 2009-10. The Winnipeg, MB, product played the most games, most minutes, faced the most shots and made the most saves of any goaltender in the WHL during the 2009-10 campaign. Pickard finished the season with .914 save percentage to rank sixth among all WHL netminders, and was named the WHL Western Conference finalist for the 2010 WHL Goaltender of the Year award.
The top-rated North American goaltender heading into the 2010 NHL Entry Draft, Pickard hopes to follow in the footsteps of his older brother, Chet (Tri-City Americans), by hearing his name called in the 1st round of the NHL draft. Much like his older brother, Calvin has shown a mental approach and technical ability that help make him one of the most consistent goaltenders in the WHL. Pickard boasts great poise and patience, enabling him to stay with shooters and forcing them to make the first move. Technically strong, Pickard's positional play is excellent and his ability to follow the play helps him avoid having to scramble. Although not as big as his older brother, Pickard fills a lot of the net due to his positioning and his aggressiveness in challenging shooters. Having already played 109 regular-season games over his two years in the WHL, Pickard has shown he can handle a heavy workload while maintaining consistency and durability.
"Calvin has a very solid all-around game and a special competitive drive that makes him try for every puck in every circumstance, setting him apart from all other goalies at our level," said Seattle Thunderbirds' general manager Russ Farwell. "He is also a great teammate who never loses sight of his role and the teams priorities."
Pickard has represented Canada several times in his young career. He suited up for Team West at the 2009 World Under-17 Hockey Challenge, and played for Canada's National Under-18 squad at the 2009 Memorial for Ivan Hlinka tournament, winning a Gold medal. He was also a member of Canada's entry at the 2010 Under-18 World Championship.
Pickard played for Team WHL at the 2009 SUBWAY Canada-Russia Super Series, and also played for Team Cherry at the 2010 Home Hardware CHL / NHL Top Prospects game in Windsor, ON.
Did you know...In Bantam, Pickard helped his team win the Manitoba Championship, and was named the Top Goaltender at the 2007 Western Canadian Bantam Championship.
Western Hockey League Stories from June 26, 2010
- Macek, Holland Hear Names Called at 2010 NHL Draft - Tri-City Americans
- Three Silvertips Selected at 2010 NHL Draft - Everett Silvertips
- Two Blazers Selected in the 2010 NHL Entry Draft - Kamloops Blazers
- Six Winterhawks Selected on Second Day of the NHL Draft - Portland Winterhawks
- 43 WHL Players Selected in the 2010 NHL Entry Draft - WHL
- Newly Signed Medicine Hat Tiger Tyler Pitlick Drafted by Edmonton Oilers - WHL
- Calvin Pickard Selected by Colorado Avalanche - Seattle Thunderbirds
- Weal Goes to LA - Regina Pats
- Rockets Bulmer Drafted in 2nd Round - Kelowna Rockets
- Thunderbirds' Pickard First WHL Goaltender Selected in 2010 NHL Entry Draft - WHL
- Seven WHL Players Selected in 1st Round of 2010 NHL Draft - WHL
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