Flash Forward: Picek Stands out at Camp
Welcome to Flash Forward, a recurring feature this offseason where you will learn all about Bobcat newcomers for 2015-16. This week we’ll take a look at tender signee Luke Picek.
BISMARCK, ND – At the team’s annual Pre-Draft Camps, Bismarck Bobcats coaches and scouts have a chance to evaluate players eligible for the upcoming NAHL Entry Draft; at last week’s camp in Prior Lake, Minn., they also got a great look at one player who won’t be drafted: forward Luke Picek.
As a tendered player, Picek is on the Bobcats’ 30-man protected list heading into Tuesday’ Draft—but that didn’t stop the 5-foot-11 front-liner from turning heads outside of the Twin Cities.
“Our scouting staff, led by Garrett Roth, identified Luke with Team Illinois in the HPHL, but I hadn’t had a chance to personally see him play,” explained Bobcats head coach and general manager Layne Sedevie, “but I was very impressed with him in Prior Lake. Luke is a great two-way player, he plays the game the right way and he showed us at camp how he can add a strong element of grit.”
Team Illinois is a storied program at the midget level, led by former NAHL bench boss Chuck Linkenheld, also produced 2014-15 Bobcats Joe Tyran and Jake Towkowiak—2013-14 teammates of Picek’s.
This past season, Picek had an offensive breakout with “T-I,” contributing 19 goals and 18 assists as an 18-year-old.
“Luke has such a strong 200-foot game and last season he showed that it can translate into scoring,” added Sedevie, “so we have big expectations for him when he gets to Bismarck.”
The busy 2015 offseason continues this weekend with the Cats’ Pre-Draft Camp in Denver, Colo., then rolls straight into Tuesday’s NAHL Entry Draft. Tuesday will see the Bobcats draft 11th in each round in which they have a pick.
Season tickets are now on sale for 2015-16; if you want to beat the rush of 40,000 fans for next season, now is the time! Call 222-3300 today to reserve your seats.
