ELITE EDGE ALUMNI SELECTED IN NHL ENTRY DRAFT
The Elite Edge Hockey Showcase would like to congratulate alumni Nic Dowd on his selection to the Los Angeles Kings in the seventh round (198th overall) in the 2009 NHL Entry Draft. With the selection, Dowd (EE 2006) becomes the first Elite Edge Hockey Showcase alumni selected in the NHL Entry Draft.
“This is obviously an incredible achievement for Nic and a great step forward in his hockey career,” said Brandon Walker, Program Director, Elite Edge Hockey Showcase. “We are very proud of his past involvement in the Elite Edge program and congratulate him on the selection to the Los Angeles Kings and continue to wish him the best of luck in the future.”
Dowd – who is also the first player drafted from Huntsville, Alabama – played at Culver Academy throughout his high school career. In 2008-09 with the Wenatchee Wild (North American Hockey League) he had 16 goals, 33 assists and 71 PIM’s in 43 games. He blossomed in the playoffs for the Wild, scoring eight goals with 14 assists and 34 PIM’s in 13 games.
“We’re very excited for Nic. His selection is well-earned,” said Wild head coach Paul Baxter told NAHL.com. “LA’s scouts had watched him play several times and were high on his NHL potential. He has a good frame and he’ll get a lot stronger in the next couple of seasons. Nic has tremendous stick skills and vision, along with a very good skating stride that will get better as he physically matures.
“His learning curve is very steep and his competitive vigor in all situations makes him a very attractive NHL prospect. He was a positive difference-maker in crucial game situations all season and during the playoffs.”
Dowd has committed to St. Cloud State for the 2010-11 season. He was one of eight finalists for the Dave Taylor Junior Hockey Player Of The Year Award and was also selected to represent the Wild at the NAHL Top Prospect Game, but was unable to play because of injury.
The North American Hockey League had a strong presence at the 2009 Elite Edge Hockey Showcase, with five teams (Motor City Chiefs, St. Louis Bandits, North Iowa Outlaws, Janesville Jets and Bismarck Bobcats) along with key members of the leagues executive staff participating.
The 2010 Elite Edge Hockey Showcase will take place June 10-13 at A-Game Sportsplex in Franklin, TN. The program will feature 160 top elite hockey players from throughout the United States and Canada. Registration will start in December and more information and updates can be found at www.eliteedgehockey.com
2009 Elite Edge Champions - Team Teal
Elite Edge Hockey Showcase players and parents...
I would - along with our coaching staff - like to take this opportunity to thank you for your participation in another successful Elite Edge Hockey Showcase. After months of planning and excitement, we met our high expectations and enjoyed what I believe was our most successful camp to date.
To recap - we had 160 players participate from 21 different states. We hosted four NCAA teams (Northern Michigan, University of Alabama-Huntsville, SUNY Plattsburgh and Lawrence University), two USHL teams (Sioux City Musketeers and Indiana Ice), five NAHL teams (Janesville Jets, Motor City Machine, St. Louis Bandits, Bismarck Bobcats and North Iowa Outlaws), two Canadian Junior teams (Cowichan Capitals BCHL and Notre Dame Houds SJHL) and several Tier III programs. This was by far our largest coaching staff and one that will benefit our players greatly because of the exposure and opportunities it can open for them in the future.
Through the weekend we stressed to the players the dedication and committment it takes for them to continue on the right path in their hockey futures. I hope that we have provided them tools and information needed to help them through this summer and into next hockey season. If you have suggestions or ideas on how we can continue to improve Elite Edge in coming summers, please feel free to e-mail them to me. We will also be updating our website with information throughout the next couple weeks - with stats from this years program, award winners and photos.
In closing, I would like to thank you for being a part of the Elite Edge Hockey Showcase. Continue to push yourself this summer, continue to strive to reach your hockey goals and continue to do what it takes to be elite on and off the ice.
Best of luck this season and we will see you next June.
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Brandon Walker
Program Director
Elite Edge Hockey Showcase
www.eliteedgehockey.com
Get training. Get better. Get noticed.
Elite Edge Hockey Showcase is the best development opportunity in the Southeastern United States for future junior hockey players. Featuring AAA and high school players from throughout North America (born 1990-1994), Elite Edge Hockey Showcase is an excellent week of development and training that also gives participants the chance to play in front of scouts from top junior and college programs. Registration is limited and based on an application process to ensure that the quality of play remains at as high a level as possible and is one that will help participants reach their hockey goals.
