Adam McMaster admits he doesn’t know a lot about North Bay, but he’s excited to find out more.
“I was very excited to hear not only good things about the team but the community as well and I can’t wait to get up there and see what it is really like,” he said.
McMaster was the Troops’ top pick 13th overall in the OHL Priority Selection which was conducted through the internet on Saturday where the squad selected nine forwards, four defenceman and two goaltenders.
See our full day coverage of each Battalion pick here: https://www.baytoday.ca/sports/2016-ohl-draft-coverage-battalion-take-speedy-mcmaster-275909
The Beamville, Ontario product was coveted for his speed and scoring ability. Last year the 5’10” 159 pound forward netted 27 goals and 26 assists for 53 points for the Niagara North Stars in 2015-16.
Errol Hook, the Battalion Director of Scouting says McMaster’s speed and agility is outstanding.
“He’s a good kid from a good family, I’ve met with them and I think he’s exactly what we need, we are losing Amadio, we are losing Santos so we need some offence and scoring, I think he can be the guy,” said Hook.
McMaster admits he doesn’t model his game after any player but he did compare himself to London Knights forward and 2015 Toronto Maple Leafs first round draft pick Mitch Marner.
“If I had to say I played like someone, I would say in the OHL currently, I would have to say Mitch Marner,” said McMaster during his media conference call Saturday afternoon.
“He’s a small guy, likes to have the puck on his stick, looks for the pass, just kind of those guys who like to have the puck on their stick to make moves around defenders and use their little frame to their advantage.”
The Troops also believe they added some more character, and scoring ability in the form of their second round pick Rhys Forhan.
The power forward showed character by battling through chest infection that hampered him during the OHL Cup. He scored twice in the OHL Cup final to help York-Simcoe win the championship.
“Rhys Forhan is a power forward, very powerful guy, he plays a power forward game,” said Hook.
“He’s skilled but he will go through you if he can’t get around you, he’s that type of player and he’s got a really hard shot.”
McMaster, Forhan and some of the members of the 2016 draft class are expected to make a visit to North Bay for game four of the Eastern Conference Semi-final which takes place on Thursday night.
