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Whalers Sestito and Armstrong selected in NHL Entry Draft

June 26, 2006 - Ontario Hockey League (OHL)
Plymouth Whalers News Release


PLYMOUTH TOWNSHIP - When National Hockey League scouts came to the Compuware Sports Arena last winter, they invariably asked the same question:

"How are John Armstrong and Tom Sestito doing?"

Ironically, Sestito and Armstrong were selected within two spots of each other in the 2006 National Hockey League Entry Draft, held last Saturday in Vancouver.

Sestito, 18, was selected by Columbus in the third round (85th overall) and Armstrong by Calgary 87th overall.

Sestito joins Whaler teammate Jared Boll - drafted by Columbus in the fourth round (101st overall) last season - as a future Blue Jacket.

Sestito was named Plymouth's Most Improved Player last year after scoring 10 goals with 10 assists for 20 points and 167 PIM's in 57 regular season games. Some of Sestito's best work came in the playoffs when he scored five goals with two assists in 13 games.

Sestito credited Plymouth head coach Mike Vellucci and assistant Todd Watson for helping him in all areas. Sestito has developed into an excellent penalty killer and is an improving scorer.

"It all started during my first year with coach Vellucci and coach Watson," Sestito said. "They really stuck with me early and gave me a chance to work on the defensive side of the game. There aren't many big guys that can do that job."

Vellucci, in turn, credits Sestito and Armstrong for working hard in their development as players.

"We're excited for both of them," said Vellucci, who attended the NHL Entry Draft. "Tom Sestito has worked very hard in two years to develop into someone who was taken in the third round in the National Hockey League Draft. John Armstrong has been one of our most consistent players over the last two years. Both players are expected to continue to improve next season."

Armstrong scored 14 goals with 23 assists for 37 points and 75 PIM's last year in 65 games. Like Sestito, Armstrong saved some of his best work for the playoffs, scoring four goals with seven assists for 11 points.

Armstrong and Sestito join fellow NHL drafts Ryan McGinnis (Los Angeles), James Neal (Dallas) and Dan Collins (Florida) on a Whaler team that won the West Division last season and is expected to contend next season. In addition, Boll (Columbus), Evan Brophey (Chicago) and Justin Peters (Carolina) could all return as overage players.

NEXT UP FOR PLYMOUTH: The Whalers will selected 39th overall in Wednesday's Canadian Hockey League Import Draft.



Ontario Hockey League Stories from June 26, 2006


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