Feeling a Draft: UND Draft Day Nuggets

The 2013 NHL Entry Draft begins today at 2:00 CDT and several UND commitments are expected to hear their names called through the seven round selection process. Here are the draft profiles of the UND players with the best chance of being selected today, as well as some draft day nuggets regarding the Fighting Sioux presence at the NHL Draft:

Gage Ausmus
Luke Johnson
Tucker Poolman
Adam Tambellini
Keaton Thompson

• A pair of incoming UND freshmen forwards are hoping to carry on the family tradition at today's draft. Grand Forks native Luke Johnson's father Steve was a supplemental pick of the Vancouver Canucks in 1987 while his uncle Chad was a 6th round pick of the New Jersey Devils in 1988. Meanwhile, Adam Tambellini's father Steve was a 1st round pick of the New York Islanders in 1978 while brother Jeff was a 1st round selection of the Los Angeles Kings in 2003.
• Four current NHL franchises have never selected a UND player at the draft: Anaheim, Columbus, Minnesota, and Nashville. I have heard that Anaheim is high on incoming freshman defenseman Keaton Thompson, so perhaps he will become UND's first ever Duck draftee.
• The Fighting Sioux have had 154 players taken during the draft. The first player ever selected was Roger Bamburak, who was picked by the Boston Bruins in the 3rd round of the 1963 draft, which was the NHL's first ever Amateur Draft.
• UND has had 16 players taken during the draft's first round. The first was current Fargo Force head coach John Marks, who was taken 9th overall by the Chicago Blackhawks in 1968. The most recent, of course, was current Sioux defenseman Jordan Schmaltz, who went 25th overall to St. Louis last year. Jonathan Toews is UND's highest-ever pick, going 3rd overall to Chicago in 2006.
• Ten of UND's 16 first round picks have come over the course of the past 10 drafts. UND had 6 first rounders in the first 39 years of the draft's history.
• UND has had at least one player selected in the draft in each of the past 14 years. The last time a UND player was not drafted was 1998.
• Chicago and Montreal have been the most active NHL franchises in terms of selecting UND players. They've each done so 13 times.
• The Vancouver Canucks have selected seven UND players at the draft, and all seven were picked over a three year span from 1987 through 1989.
• Calgary has selected five UND players, but none since 1986 when they chose Bemidji's George Pelawa 16th overall. Pelawa, who was Minnesota's Mr. Hockey in 1986, was killed in a car crash in late August of his freshman season at North Dakota. The NHL Network produced this video a couple of years ago, looking back at the Pelawa story:





2013 NHL Draft Profile: Keaton Thompson

With the 2013 NHL Entry Draft but a day away, TOE wraps up its draft profile series with incoming freshman defenseman Keaton Thompson of Devils Lake, ND.


Photo: Bruce Bennett/Getty Images

Player Profiles:

• TOE: Recruit Profile: Keaton Thompson
• Future Considerations: Prospect Profile
• The Hockey Writers: Prospect Profile
• First Round Bust: Prospect Profile
• Last Word on Sports: Prospect Profile
• Buzzing the Net: NHL Draft Tracker
• The Scouting Report: Prospect Profile

Player Rankings:

• No. 33: Future Considerations
• No. 45: TSN (Craig Button)
• No. 45: The Scouting Report
• No. 48: Last Word on Sports
• No. 49: The Hockey News (Ryan Kennedy)
• No. 49: International Scouting Service
• No. 53: NHL Central Scouting (NAS)
• No. 72: TSN (Bob McKenzie)
• No. 72: Hockey Prospectus
• No. 75: The Hockey News Draft Preview
• No. 77: Hockey Prospect
• No. 78: The Hockey Writers
• No. 79: The Hockey Writers
• No. 85: McKeen's Hockey
• No. 106: North American Central Scouting

What People Are Saying:

• Future Considerations: "a smooth two-way defender that when he is on his game plays a virtually mistake-free game...really fluid and graceful skater; effortlessly hovers across the ice...a very good directional skater, strong on his edges, very efficient and maintains his speed when changing direction...not afraid to jump up in the play on the rush, but knows when to rein it in when the time is not right to jump up or retreat back to the point when his job is done on the rush...makes a good first pass and sees the ice real well...makes smart little plays to relieve pressure; little touch passes against the grain, etc. and is ridiculously poised with pressure bearing down on him...not a physical player overall...offensive upside is truly an unknown as he is not overly creative with the puck on his stick with hand or head fakes, instead opting for the simple play more often than not. More of an active stick type of defender than a physical one; uses his lateral mobility and reach to defend."
• Hockey Prospect: "an excellent skater and when he’s on his game, his decision-making is near perfect...not overly physical, but intelligent, aware, poised, and fundamentally sound, with pinches at the right times, puck-rushing ability, excellent passing, the ability to quarterback a power play and get pucks on net, and instinctive and smooth defensive zone positioning...hasn’t shown that he can play at his peak on a consistent basis...footwork is borderline elite and has carried him quite far, and the tools are certainly there...hockey IQ remains a major question mark."
• Hockey Prospectus: "plays an advanced and mature game for his age...was up-and-down this season, tailing off toward the end of the campaign...shows a good panic threshold with the puck, and he tends to make good decisions...knows how to position his body and his stick in such a way to make him an effective defender despite his slightly undersized frame...a quality puck mover who makes good outlets, and he can be decent on the power play...an above-average skater with good footwork, top speed, and closing ability. Combining those attributes with his defensive sense allows him to make a lot of stops...fairly average with the puck."

Previous Draft Profiles:
Gage Ausmus
Luke Johnson
Tucker Poolman
Adam Tambellini


*Special thanks to these scouting services who granted permission to use their scouting reports for this profile series:
Hockey Prospect
Future Considerations

2013 NHL Draft Profile: Adam Tambellini

With the 2013 NHL Entry Draft but a couple of days away, TOE continues its profile series featuring UND's committed recruits who could hear their names called during Sunday's draft. Next up is incoming freshman forward Adam Tambellini of Port Moody, BC, Canada.

Photo Credit: Damon James

Player Profiles:

• TOE: Recruit Profile: Adam Tambellini
• Future Considerations: Player Profile
• The Hockey Writers: Prospect Profile
• Grand Forks Herald: NHL Draft Feature Story
• The Province: NHL Draft Feature Story
• The Vancouver Sun: NHL Draft Feature Story
• Buzzing the Net: NHL Draft Tracker
• NHL: Scouting Combine Feature

Player Rankings:

• No. 42: NHL Central Scouting (NAS)
• No. 52: The Hockey Writers
• No. 55: Hockey Prospect
• No. 56: The Hockey Writers
• No. 60: The Hockey News (Ryan Kennedy)
• No. 60: North American Central Scouting
• No. 65: TSN (Bob McKenzie)
• No. 69: McKeen's Hockey
• No. 72: Future Considerations
• No. 83: The Hockey News Draft Preview
• No. 93: International Scouting Service
• No. 104: Hockey Prospectus

What People Are Saying:

• Future Considerations: "a big rangy forward with good hockey sense...likes to find his position and have the puck distributed to him...his reach is a major strength as he uses it to keep the puck away from defenders and to get pucks around goaltenders in tight...has good sense of where to get to both with and without the puck to generate pressure and a scoring chance...at his best when he plays with a sense of confidence and authority on the ice...given adequate time and a team with some patience in developing the young Tambellini, he could be a good project that turns into a gem down the road."
• Hockey Prospect: "plays the game at a very quick pace, and is a very impressive skater for his size...is very dangerous in the offensive zone because of his size, speed and skill...has good vision, a nice release and is able to do everything with the puck at a high pace...opponents had a very tough time containing him this season because not many players in the league can play the game at the same speed as him...can easily drive to the net and score around the net because teams did not have a defenseman who could match him with size and speed at once...can play in so many different areas on the power play because of his unique skill set...teams really had to create game plans around Tambellini to try to stop him on a consistent basis...the big knock on Tambellini’s game at this point is his lack of a physical game...could provide a more physical presence with his size."
• Matt Erhart (Surrey Eagles head coach): "a pure sniper...big league shot and release...a power forward, he's still a little bit slight, but he's going to fill out and mature."
• Trent Klatt (NY Islanders Player Development): "a big scorer in the BCHL...will take his talents to the University of North Dakota where he will continue to learn good habits and be placed in situations to succeed...has a very good skill set and the ability to find soft areas in the offensive zone to score."

Previous Draft Profiles:
Gage Ausmus
Luke Johnson
Tucker Poolman


*Special thanks to these scouting services who granted permission to use their scouting reports for this profile series:
Hockey Prospect
Future Considerations

2013 NHL Draft Profile: Tucker Poolman

With the 2013 NHL Entry Draft just a few days away, TOE continues its profile series featuring UND's committed recruits who could hear their names called during Sunday's draft. Next up is current Omaha Lancer (USHL) defenseman Tucker Poolman of East Grand Forks, MN.


Photo: ushl.com by Steve Loop

Player Profiles:

• TOE Recruit Profile: Tucker Poolman

Player Rankings:

• No. 172: Future Considerations

What People Are Saying:

• Future Considerations: "a good-sized defenseman who patrols his own zone well...real upside is in his intriguing, but raw, offensive potential...if he's able to put together his package, the reward is big."
• Mike Aikens, former Omaha Lancers head coach: "A lot of NHL scouts have been calling about Tucker, and a lot of them have been in the building this year. I think he could be a great later-round draft pick. He’s just scratching the surface of how good he can be."
• Omaha World-Herald: "a reliable, steady player who also brings a solid offensive game. With his size and strength, expect Poolman to play in all situations."

Previous Draft Profiles:
Gage Ausmus
Luke Johnson


*Special thanks to these scouting services who granted permission to use their scouting reports for this profile series:
Hockey Prospect
Future Considerations

2013 NHL Draft Profile: Luke Johnson

With the 2013 NHL Entry Draft but a handful of days away, TOE will be providing draft profiles on UND's committed recruits who could hear their names called during Sunday's draft. Next up is incoming freshman forward Luke Johnson of Grand Forks, ND.


Photo: hockeysfuture.com by Brandon Anderson

Player Profiles:

• TOE Recruit Profile: Luke Johnson
• Western College Hockey Blog 2013 NHL Draft Prospect
• Future Considerations: Player Profile
• McKeen's Hockey Luke Johnson Heads Full Lincoln Draft Menu
• First Round Bust: Wisconsin & North Dakota NHL Draft Prospects

Player Rankings:

• No. 96: NHL Central Scouting (NAS)
• No. 105: The Hockey News (Ryan Kennedy)
• No. 139: Hockey Prospectus
• No. 146: Future Considerations
• No. 149: The Hockey Writers
• No. 151: North American Central Scouting
• No. 200: Hockey Prospect

What People Are Saying:

• Future Considerations: "an offensively skilled forward who, when he is playing the game at an appropriate effort level, is hard to stop...room for added muscle on his slight frame."
• Hockey Prospect: "will cut to the middle off the rush to get shots on net and can get open and park himself right in front of the opposition’s goal for chances in tight...goes to the net to pick up rebounds and loose pucks, but has to watch that he isn’t always taking long outside shots rather than driving the puck to the net...has the offensive instincts...pretty strong on his feet but still needs to add some size and strength."
• Jim Johannson (USA Hockey): "a really smart centerman, sees the ice well, uses linemates...makes linemates better."

Previous Draft Profiles:
Gage Ausmus


*Special thanks to these scouting services who granted permission to use their scouting reports for this profile series:
Hockey Prospect
Future Considerations

2013 NHL Draft Profile: Gage Ausmus

With the 2013 NHL Entry Draft but a handful of days away, TOE will be providing draft profiles on UND's committed recruits who could hear their names called during Sunday's draft. First up is incoming freshman defense recruit Gage Ausmus of East Grand Forks, MN.
 

Photo by Tom Sorenson - usantdp.com

Player Profiles:

• TOE Recruit Profile: Gage Ausmus
• USA Hockey WJCEC Profile
• Minnesota Hockey Prospects 2013 NHL Draft Prospect

Player Rankings:

• No. 98: The Hockey News Draft Preview
• No. 104: The Hockey Writers
• No. 106: Hockey Prospectus
• No. 148: NHL Central Scouting (NAS)
• No. 153: North American Central Scouting
• No. 172: Hockey Prospect
• No. 178: Future Considerations
• No. 196: The Hockey Writers

What People Are Saying:

• The Hockey News: "Defensive defenseman brings bite; makes nice first pass."
• Hockey Buzz: "a steady defensive defenseman who plays an intelligent positional game with a bit of physicality."
• Future Considerations: "a gritty, hardworking defenseman...skates well and while he does not possess much offensive upside, he can move the puck efficiently."
• Hockey Prospect: "steady game with smart defensive positioning and safe plays with the puck...his end comes first, but if he sees a sure-thing opportunity to provide a little extra, he can do it...has the potential to be an NHL defenseman based on his humble approach and intelligence on the ice."

*Special thanks to these scouting services who granted permission to use their scouting reports for this profile series:
Hockey Prospect
Future Considerations

Recruit Profile: Cam Johnson

Photo-USHL.com

Current Team:  Fargo Force (USHL)
Anticipated Arrival at UND: Fall 2014
Position: Goaltender
Birthday:  July 11th, 1994
Hometown:  Troy, MI
Height:  6'2"
Weight:  200
Catches: Left


Profiles & Press Clippings:

• USHL 2013-14 Profile/Stat Page
• Elite Prospects Profile/Stat Page
• Brad Schlossman Blog Commitment Post (June 2013)
• USHL Commitment Press Release (June 2013)
• USHL: Fargo Goalies Share Rivalry Over World Series (Oct 2012)

2013-14:

• Will play for the Fargo Force of the USHL

2012-13:

• Playing in 28 regular season games for the Fargo Force he went 14-8-6 while posting a 3.10 GAA and .908 Save %. In eight playoff games he went 4-3 with one shutout while producing a 2.40 GAA and .931 Save % as Fargo advanced to the Clark Cup Finals.

2011-12:

• In 25 games with the Little Caesar's Midget Major team he posted a 2.61 GAA with one shutout.

2010-11:

• Spearheaded Summit Plastics to the USA Hockey Tier 2 Under-16 national championship by stopping 84 of the 85 shots he faced during the tournament. In five games, he posted four shutouts to go along with a 0.25 GAA and .988 Save %.