NAHL Draft: Cats Plus Five

BISMARCK, ND – The Bismarck Bobcats have bolstered their 2011-12 roster, adding five up-and-coming players in Thursday’s 2011 NAHL Entry Draft.

Open to any player worldwide born in 1991 or later, the 2011 Draft is the final step for teams to build their protected roster lists to 30. The Cats entered Thursday’s draft with 15 returners and 10 signed tenders, giving them room to the space to select the following players:
 

Following the draft, Bobcats head coach Layne Sedevie reflected on each of his selections.

Anderson (2010-11: 55 GP, 9 G, 43 A): “Bryce is a high-end defenseman that came highly recommended from [former Bobcats head coach and current Fargo Force associate head coach] Byron Pool. He was a 50-point guy in the SIJHL this past season, so we look forward to the skill level we know he brings to the table.”

Aamot (2010-11: 22 GP, 11 G, 30 A): “Jordan is yet another of our pre-draft camp success stories. I hadn’t had a chance to see him until he signed up for our Prior Lake (MN) Pre-draft Camp last week, and what we saw was really impressive. The guy can fly. He’s a strong special teams performer and he comes from Central, one of the all-time great high school programs in North Dakota.”

Callahan (2010-11: 27 GP, 17 G, 16 A): “Even though he’s a young guy, who doesn’t turn 17 until August, we know that Ryan is ready to be a stud right now. His size (5’10” 180 lbs) for someone who isn’t even a junior in high school shows some great up-side and Ryan is a guy who can be a monster in this league.”

Franke (2010-11: 11-14, 2.76 GAA, .902 SV%): “Anders is a talented young goaltender who played well in a really tough region in Minnesota (7AA, featuring state runner-up Duluth East). He’s got a very bright future in junior hockey and being able to select him really solidifies our goaltending situation going forward.”

Turbitt (2010-11: 27 GP, 31 G, 26 A): “Nick comes highly recommended to us, and at 6’1” we see him as the kind of power forward to fill the shoes of Matt Gates (Alaska-Fairbanks) and Emerson Auvenshine (UMass), who are both heading off to college this fall. He was a top-end scorer in Class A in Minnesota this year so we know that he brings a lot of talent offensively.”

Anderson (Grand Forks), Aamot (Grand Forks) and Callahan (Grafton) are all North Dakota natives, joining 2010-11 returners Bryce Schmitt (Minot), Tyler Richter (Bismarck), Danny Ray (Grand Forks), Dan Kovar (Bismarck) and Grant Mindt (Bismarck) and 2011 tender Jeremy O’Keefe (Grand Forks) as representatives of the Peace Garden State on the 30-man protected list.

Sedevie admitted to major differences between this year’s entry draft and that of 2011, which saw the Cats draft 16 players—11 of which were on the opening day roster.

“First of all, when you’re only taking five guys instead of 16, your margin for error is much smaller,” said the second-year head coach, “so there’s more pressure. But after going through my first draft last year just weeks after taking over for Byron as opposed to having all spring to prepare for my own draft, this year was a lot more comfortable and I feel great about the give guys we did select.”

Sedevie and assistant coach Adam Gill can now catch their breaths before the team’s open camp, scheduled for July 15-17 at Arctic Edge Arena in Canton, Mich. Players interested in attending the 2011 open camp can sign up right now at http://www.BismarckBobcats.com.

Season tickets are now on sale for the 2011-12 season! Call the Bobcat Hockey office at (701) 222-3300 or email gobobcathockey@aol.com for more information on reserving your seats for next season!

Bobcat Hockey would like to once again thank all of its fans, staff and sponsors for a wonderful 2010-2011 season—you are part of the team!

BOBCAT HOCKEY

2011 CENTRAL DIVISION CHAMPIONS