Wheeler commits to Gamblers
August 24, 2004 - United States Hockey League (USHL) News Release
The United States Hockey League (USHL) announced today that Phoenix Coyotes draft pick Blake Wheeler has committed to play with the Green Bay Gamblers for the 2004-05 sea- son. Wheeler, the 5th pick overall at the 2004 NHL Entry Draft, will become the highest NHL draft pick to skate in the USHL following his NHL draft selection. He will be the third top-five NHL draft pick to develop in America's Tier I League since 2000, joining Thomas Vanek (Sioux Falls) and Rostislav Klesla (Sioux City).
"Obviously from a league perspective, we think this is great news," said USHL President Gino Gasparini. "The USHL has helped produce several first-round NHL draft picks over the years, but we've never had one drafted in the top five overall that was able to compete in the league following his draft year. This decision speaks volumes for Green Bay and for the league itself. Having had the opportunity to see Blake play, I think he has made a very wise choice as it relates to his development. The USHL will be very beneficial for Blake as he progresses up the ladder."
Wheeler, who completed his junior year at the Breck School in 2003-04, led all prep players in Minnesota with 100 points (45G, 55A) in 30 games. He was subsequently named All-State. Phoenix then made Wheeler the highest NHL-drafted high school player since 1983 when Brian Lawton was chosen 1st overall by the Minnesota North Stars.
"Having the foresight to draft Blake in the 2003 USHL Futures Draft -- that's a tremendous compliment to the Gamblers organization," says Green Bay head coach Mark Mazzoleni. It also speaks volumes of the quality of play in the USHL. The USHL and the collegiate routes are proven avenues where elite level prospects from the United States, Canada, and Europe can refine their games so they can one day compete for a career in the NHL. Some great examples are players like St. Louis Blues forward Peter Sejna, from the Des Moines Buccaneers, who was the recipient of the 2003 Hobey Baker Award, New Jersey Devils defenseman David Hale, from Sioux City, and Buffalo Sabres 2002 first-round draft pick Thomas Vanek, from Sioux Falls.
"From the first time I saw Blake play, it was easily apparent that he was and is an exceptional hockey player. At the same time, I was equally impressed with him as a person and with his commitment to excellence both in the classroom and on the ice."
Wheeler will report to Green Bay next weekend for Gamblers training camp. The first team practice has been scheduled for Monday, Sept. 6. The Gamblers open the regular season on Sept. 25 at the sparkling 8,500-seat Resch Center in Green Bay with a contest against the Omaha Lancers.
"I just felt that at this stage in my development that going to Green Bay and playing in the USHL, with how many games they play and the (better) competition, would be the best thing for me," Wheeler told Jason Lauren of the Green Bay Press-Gazette. "... I knew I wouldn't be as happy if I went back to high school because I knew I would be a lot further along (in my career) going to Green Bay... It would be an injustice to myself, knowing I could play with some of the best players in the country, if I went back to high school."
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United States Hockey League Stories from August 24, 2004
- Wheeler commits to Gamblers - USHL
- RoughRiders Select Four In Futures Draft - Cedar Rapids RoughRiders
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