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Whalers Go For Local Players With Skill, Character in Today's Draft

May 5, 2007 - Ontario Hockey League (OHL)
Plymouth Whalers News Release


PLYMOUTH - Plymouth Whalers' President, General Manager and Head Coach Mike Vellucci was succinct in summarizing the early rounds of the Whalers' 2007 Ontario Hockey League Draft.

"If there's a theme with this draft, it's all of our players (taken early) could be captains," Vellucci said. "We also like guys who can score goals, but they have to be able to play in both ends of the ice."

Although the Whalers have a 1-game-to-0 lead over Sudbury in the OHL Rogers Championship Series - which resumes Sunday at 3:00 p.m. at the Compuware Sports Arena - the team is preparing for the future with today's draft.

Plymouth went with a familiar theme, as four of the first five selections are local players out of the Detroit-area. Three of the players skated for the National and State champion Belle Tire Under-16 team - first rounder Beau Schmitz, fourth rounder R.J. Mahalak and fifth rounder Zach Golembiewski.

"I watched Belle Tire quite a bit when they won the State and National championships," Vellucci said. "We always want to draft character players who are champions. We're losing a lot of forwards next year, so all three players have a chance of stepping into the lineup next year."

Kevin Lynch - the Whalers' third round pick - is another local player from the Detroit Honeybaked 91's. Plymouth's second round pick - Taylor Carnevale, from the Mississauga Rebels - is a dual citizen.

Schmitz - from Howell - scored 13 goals with 51 assists for 64 points and 167 PIM's in 72 games this year. Central Scouting offers this analysis of Schmitz: "An offensive minded defenseman who plays a very high risk, high reward style of game. He is a very good skater - one of the most mobile defensemen in this year's draft. He has excellent quickness and his first few steps get him up to top speed immediately."

Carnevale scored 41 goals with 60 assists for 101 points and 93 PIM's in 70 games this season for the Mississauga Rebels. Central Scouting offers this analysis of Carnevale: "A very smart, effective offensive minded center that shows a good understanding of the game. He reads the play quite well and displayed offensive skill and productivity all season long. He shows good speed and quickness when he is at full stride. Carnevale possesses good hands and puck skills."

"Carnevale's a dual citizen," Vellucci said. "He's a born hockey player who lives and breathes hockey. He's great in his own end and a great face off guy - just a pure character player."

Lynch scored 36 goals with 24 assists for 60 points and 88 PIM's in 61 games for the Detroit Honeybaked 91's this season.

"Lynch - just a character kid," Vellucci said. "USA Hockey is interested in him. He's committed to come and play for us. He's just a mature kid and a very good player who does everything well."

Mahalak scored 16 goals with 15 assists for 31 points with 154 PIM's in 54 games and reminds Vellucci of a current Plymouth player who blossomed into an NHL-prospect over three seasons.

"Not to put any pressure on the kid, but I could see Mahalak growing into a Tom Sestito-type," Vellucci said. "He finishes every one of his checks, he's good decent hands, is a good penalty killer."

The Ontario Hockey League Draft can be followed by going to www.ontariohockeyleague.com.

Meanwhile, the current Whalers report to practice today at 3 p.m. in preparation for Game 2 of the Rogers OHL Championship Series.

The OHL Rogers Championship Series is as follows:

Game 2 - Sun., May 6 at Plymouth, 3:00.

Game 3 - Tues., May 8 at Sudbury, 7:30.

Game 4 - Wed., May 9 at Sudbury, 7:30.

Game 5 - Fri., May 11 at Plymouth, 7:05.

Game 6 - Sun., May 13 at Sudbury, 3:00.

Game 7 - Tues., May 15 at Plymouth, 7:05.

Tickets are available by calling the Compuware Sports Arena box office at (734) 453-8400 or by going to Ticketmaster at www.ticketmaster.com.



Ontario Hockey League Stories from May 5, 2007


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