Adam Dennis hopes the significant NHL scouting traffic he saw at North Bay's Memorial Gardens will translate into more success for the Battalion franchise at the 2023 NHL Entry Draft which begins this Wednesday, June 28 in Nashville.
"We have seen quite a few more scouts coming through our doors this year compared to previous years," said Dennis, the North Bay Battalion general manager.
"I think that is a credit to the groundwork that has been laid by the players over the past couple of years bringing attention to our area and our team."
That groundwork laid was an impressive list of five Battalion players selected last summer with Ty Nelson leading the way getting selected in the third round by the Seattle Kraken.
See related: Battalion star Nelson heading to Seattle
See related: Two Battalion players make NHL Central Scouting final list
Forward Anthony Romani and goaltender Charlie Robertson of the North Bay Battalion are among a total of 56 Ontario Hockey League skaters and goalies in the 2023 NHL draft rankings.
Romani, who has played centre and right wing, is ranked 106th among 224 North American-based skaters in advance of the NHL Draft. Robertson is 13th of 32 North American goaltenders.
Meantime Kennedy, ranked 216th in the mid term rankings, was not listed on the final Central Scouting list.
Romani scored 23 goals and earned 20 assists for 43 points in 66 games this season. As a rookie in 2021-22, he played 54 games, scoring eight goals and adding six assists for 14 points.
The 6'0" 178 pound forward who turns 18 on July 12, was a third-round choice in the 2021 OHL Priority Selection from the Toronto Jr. Canadiens.
Robertson is second-rated among seven OHLers on a goaltending list. Nathaniel Day of the Flint Firebirds is No. 12, one spot ahead of Robertson. He was the lone Battalion player to participate in the CHL/NHL Top Prospects game in February.
Dennis is hoping NHL teams tune in to his trio of Battalion players in Music City.
"All three, I think Wyatt Kennedy, Anthony Romani and Charlie Robertson all have a shot at getting drafted," said Dennis.
"What we have seen in the past couple of years is it is certainly an exciting day and a day that we hope they have some success on but I think what we have seen the past couple of years is that contracts are signed at 19 and 20."
However, Dennis says the NHL Draft is not the only avenue to find a way to the pros.
"For the guys like Dalyn Wakely who did not get drafted last year, there is a lot of runway for them and in a lot of ways being a free agent is something that is a big advantage because you get to see everybody's depth and pick and choose what situation suits you the best so," explained Dennis.
"I think we are focussing on the controllable and getting better every day. I think our players have bought into that too which is the only way to do things as a hockey player. I am hoping some of the guy's names get called but we are not putting as much stock as we have in other years. It is nice for the recognition but we definitely feel there is a recipe to push guys forward through draft or free agency."
Meantime playoff star Pasquale Zito was not qualified by the Detroit Red Wings who selected him in the 6th round, 116th overall in the 2021 NHL Entry Draft. That means the 20-year-old hard working forward from Ottawa will re-enter the draft.
