The NHL Shops In The MJHL
July 10, 2010
The MJHL’s profile has risen significantly after two players were selected recently in the NHL Entry Draft, says Commissioner Kim Davis.
“Scouts and recruiters have always been aware of our league and the quality of our players,” said Davis. “But the selection of two of our players by NHL clubs has taken our league to another level. We’re a league which produces excellent players, and provides a high level of competition every night.”
Last month a pair of Winnipeg South Blues were selected in the draft: Brendan O’Donnell and Peter Stoykewych were selected by Tampa Bay Lightning and Atlanta Thrashers, respectively.
“We had heard that NHL teams were interested in both these players,” said Davis. “It was a pleasant surprise to see both of them drafted. A league can market itself and promote its players, but there’s no greater exposure than when the NHL pays attention to your product.”
The list of MJHL grads who have gone on to play in the NHL is long. To name a few, Shane Hnidy (Minnesota Wild) of Neepawa Natives, Jordin Tootoo (Nashville) of OCN Blizzard, Andrew Murray (Columbus Blue Jackets) of Selkirk Steelers and Colton Orr (Toronto Maple Leafs) of St. Boniface Saints.
“Obviously, our fans are passionate about their favourite players and teams,” said Davis. “But I know our fans are also proud when they see an MJHL grad go on to play in the world’s best hockey league.
“Hockey fans are very knowledgeable, they are able to identify quality and what it means for a player to not only be identified by an NHL organization, but actually drafted. That’s a huge accomplishment for the player, coaches, teammates and support staff.”
O’Donnell, 18, will be attending Tampa Bay’s prospects’ camp this week. He’ll be put through a series of physical tests in addition to scrimmaging against other Tampa Bay hopefuls. All the while, Tampa Bay management and scouts will be watching and analyzing every player’s move.
O’Donnell said he’s very excited about attending the camp and won’t place too many expectations on himself.
“I’ll just go out and do what I can do on the ice,” he said. “I know this is just the beginning of my hockey career.”
O’Donnell has already committed to University of North Dakota, while Stoykewych has committed to Colorado College.
Multiple NHL Scouts Regularly In Attendance
The Neepawa Natives and its MJHL league members played in front of many NHL scouts throughout the winter.
Head Coach Bryant Perrier says players would be surprised to know how many MJHL games have NHL scouts in attendance.
"Manitoba is the heart of hockey country," Perrier said. "On many nights throughout the winter there are NHL scouts in attendance. Guys sometimes don't realize the scope of the hockey network. We talked to many NHL people last season."
The network extends to promoting players from other teams as well.
"The fraternity of MJHL coaches has a great opportunity to promote all worthy players. We get calls regularly about other players in the league."
According to Perrier, coaches must consider the responsibility they have been given in promoting all deserving players in the league.
"When we get a call from a team, we better be speaking highly of our elite players from all teams. When guys get drafted and get scholarships, everyone wins."
Admittedly, it can be tough.
"You have a guy from another team or a program you are fiercely competitive with, and you get a call, you need to take your coach hat off and do what is right."
"We all need to promote each other's players."
As for O'Donnell and Stoykewych, Perrier says their talent was enough to get them recognized.
"Two great players with potential like that jump out on first glance and bring more people around to watch them."
However, the coach does not exclude many others from that type of review.
"There are others coming in to our league who have all the right stuff. It is exciting."
To up and comers, Perrier offers the following simple advice.
"MJHLers will play in front of multiple NHL and NCAA coaches and scouts. The spotlight will be on all players throughout the year. It is the player's preparation and attitude that will determine whether they will get that next look."
"Guys don't realize that they can get on that radar with work ethic, fitness and a commitment to improve. There are many NHLers who come from various routes. They refused to fail."
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