The Rebels had three picks in yesterday’s annual NAHL Entry Draft and selected two forwards and a defenseman with two of the players coming from Sweden.
With the thirteenth overall pick, the Rebels selected 2004 forward Caesar Bjork from Djurgardens IF Jr. The 5’10”, 175 lb. native of Sweden had 14 total points (1 goal and 13 assists) in 45 games. “Caesar is a complete 200 ft. Player. He is a smooth powerful skater that competes with and without the puck. Caesar was also the captain for his team the last two seasons and is a great fit for our culture both on and off the ice” said Rebels head coach and general manager Justin Hale.
The Rebels then had two, second round picks. With the 44th pick, Philadelphia selected 2004 Forward Eric Hultgren from Brynas IF Jr. The 5’9”, 165 lb. native of Leksand, SWE had 42 total points (14 goals 28 assists) in 44 games played. “Eric is a fast twitch skater that can win races all over the ice. He has consistently showed a knack for being able to produce on a regular basis. As a center man he also does a great job winning draws” stated Hale.
Four picks later the Rebels selected 2007 defenseman Zach Spagnuolo from the Dallas Stars Elite 16U AAA team. The 6’1”, 180 lb. native of Allen, TX had 37 total points (14 goals and 23 assists) in 61 games played. “Zach is a solid skating defenseman. He has good size and compete. With the puck on his stick, he possesses great offensive ability in the offensive zone and has also shown that he can jump and join off the rush,” said Hale.
“All three guys come from great programs with rich tradition of success and solid coaching. We are fortunate to have selected them and look forward to each one of them having a big impact this season” concluded Hale.
Now that the draft is over, the coaching staff will focus its attention on main camp, which begins on June 29 at the Hollydell Ice Arena.