The Battalion has been efficient in drafting older players. In 2012, the Troops drafted Nick Paul, who was overlooked in his draft year. In 2014, the Battalion picked Steve Harland, who was overlooked in two OHL drafts and most recently Kyle Potts, was selected by the Troops in 2015 after going through the 2014 OHL Priority Selection without being chosen.
The Battalion is hoping the new Under-18 Draft will allow them once again to choose some older players that will eventually be impact players with the North Bay club.
“I think the Ontario Hockey Federation wanted to put an emphasis back on midget hockey,” Butler stated trying to explain the reason for the new draft that will go up to five rounds for each team, with teams getting five picks only if they use one on a goaltender.
“For kids to understand if they don’t get drafted, they don’t need to play junior hockey the next year, they can actually play midget the following year and they are eligible for the secondary draft.”
Butler says while this is new, the approach is simple.
“Early on it’s best player available, and then probably third, fourth or fifth round look at where our depth chart needs the most help,” said Butler.
The U-18 Draft is in the hands of assistant GM Matt Rabideau who had three of the Battalion scouts working together to make a draft list of the older midget players.
The U-18 Draft takes place starting at 7 p.m. on Wednesday night.
Troops ranked
The North Bay Battalion players are ranked for the NHL Entry Draft which will take place in June in Chicago.
Battalion defenceman and North Bay native Brady Lyle moved up into the top 50 of the final ranking at #48, moving up from #53 at the mid-term rankings.
“It’s a really good feeling to be ranked where I am, but the biggest thing for me is not to get complacent,” said Lyle, who scored four goals and earned 21 assists for 25 points in 58 games this season.
“I need to keep working on my game on and off the ice in order to get ready for next season and whatever the future holds.”
Meantime fellow blue liner Adam Thilander saw his stock fall in the final ranking from #59 mid term down to #96.
Thilander finished the season with six goals and 29 assists good for 35 points in 64 games with the Battalion last season.
Justin Brazeau, who was eligible to go in the 2016 NHL Entry Draft, is listed at #206 out of the 217 player list of North American skaters.
The New Liskeard product netted 22 goals along with 15 helpers totalling 37 points in 67 games with the Troops this past season.