Flash Forward: Sommer Projects as Rookie Playmaker
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 Walker Sommer.
BISMARCK, ND – Now entering his sixth year of scouting for North American Hockey League talent, Bismarck Bobcats assistant coach Garrett Roth has been all over the continent watching players and scouring for who might be the next great Bobcat.
When a coach sees so many teams so many times, certain players start to stand out. Forward Walker Sommer is once such player.
“I’ve been watching Walker for three years, between the Cleveland Barons and Ohio Blue Jackets,” noted Roth, who joined the Bobcat staff in 2012, “and every time I’ve seen him, every new team, he’s always been a guy that caught my attention. He’s been a top-six forward everywhere he’s been, he’s got great skill and vision and averaged nearly a point per game at the midget major level.”
Over the past two seasons, Sommer has posted 16 goals and 41—totaling 57 points in 65 appearances with Ohio of the renowned Tier 1 Elite Hockey League.
That kind of scoring punch is great news for a Bobcat squad that will see the likes of Evan Giesler (28g, 28a) and Matt Perry (16g, 15a) move on to the collegiate ranks for 2015-16.
“We know we’re losing some punch up front this offseason,” continued Roth, “but we view Walker as a guy that should be able to adjust to the league well and be someone we can rely on for scoring both early in the season and deep into February, March and beyond.”
In 2013, the Avon, Ohio, native was among the 1996 birthyears invited to the USA Hockey National Camp.
As a tendered player, Sommer is on the Bobcats’ 30-man protected list heading into the 2015 NAHL Entry Draft on June 9.
The Cats’ busy offseason kicks into high gear this weekend as Pre-Draft Tryouts begin in Prior Lake, Minn., and continue a week later in Denver, Colo.
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.
