MJHLers O'Donnell And Stoykewich Drafted To Tampa Bay And Atlanta
June 27, 2010
By Leona Leoli
mjhlhockey.ca
Some kids might ask for a car for their eighteenth birthday, but not Brendan O’Donnell, who was one of two MJHL players chosen in the NHL Entry Draft.
O’Donnell, who turned 18 on Friday, was drafted in the sixth round (156th overall) by the Tampa Bay Lightening says that he was “surprised and obviously excited” upon hearing he had been selected.
“It’s a great honor,” he says.
“This is just a stepping stone. I understand that there’s a ton of work left ahead [before I make the roster].”
“The Draft is really a benchmark,” agrees MJHL Commissioner Kim Davis.
“What will determine any players’ success is what he does from this day forward.”
O’Donnell says that he is looking forward to bringing his game to the next level and plans to do “a lot of hard work” in order to get there.
Also drafted in Saturday’s Draft was O’Donnell’s Winnipeg South Blues teammate, Peter Stoykewych.
Selected in the seventh round (199th overall) by the Atlanta Thrashers, Stoykewych says that he was excited when he heard that he had been selected.
“I was excited. I realize it’s only a foot in the door but it’s exciting to be recognized,” he says.
“This is a very good acknowledgement of what they have done already,” applauds Davis.
“They’re both very skilled players and the NHL scouts that I’ve spoken to like that these players are going to college so it’ll probably be three to four years at the earliest [before they play in the NHL].”
Stoykewych, who has committed to Colorado College, understands that it may take some time before he cracks the Thrashers roster but is confident that playing for the college will better prepare him for a career in the NHL.
“Probably after my college career,” he says of when he thinks he’ll suit up for the Thrashers.
“I hope that I’ll be able to develop there and be an impact player and then one day crack the Thrashers roster.”
Regardless of when they get to play in the NHL, Davis recognizes that this is a “great accomplishment” for them and that it sends a great message for the league and its players.
“Our league is focused on developing players, which has obviously been demonstrated by this draft. It sends a strong message that if a player wants to work hard they can achieve their dream by playing with the MJHL.”
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