SEWELL, NJ – The Philadelphia Rebels selected the next crop of Rebels players in Wednesday’s North American Hockey League Draft.
In total, the Rebels selected seven players, including 6’3” defenseman Julian Brown (‘06) with the ninth overall pick.
Brown hails from Montclair, NJ and played 42 games for the Boston Jr. Bruins in the NCDC last season, adding eight points and shutting down opposing offenses. Brown also suited up in three games for the Dubuque Fighting Saints in the USHL.
Building the blue line.
Welcome to Philly, Julian!#RebelUp #JoinTheRebellion pic.twitter.com/lf7o3Iigfe
— Philadelphia Rebels (@PhillyRebels) June 14, 2023
“We are very happy about our draft class,” said head coach and general manager Justin Hale. “We felt we were able to add young, talented hockey players. With the group we have coming back, both at forward and defense, it was important to add some players that can help contribute to our overall success.”
The Rebels next three picks were also 2006 birth year players. With the 41st pick in the second round, Philadelphia selected defenseman Brayden Duy (St. Louis, MO). Duy recorded 29 points in 47 games for the 16U AAA St. Louis Jr. Blues last season, adding an aggressive offensive d-man to the Philadelphia blue line. Duy is committed to play Division I hockey at Lindenwood University.
Forward Lucas Minard (Keller, TX) was the third of four 2006-born players selected to start the draft for the Rebels when Philadelphia called his name with the 72nd overall pick. Minard was an effective point-producer for the Dallas Stars Elite 16U AAA team last season, scoring 21 goals and totaling 53 points in 50 games.
Philadelphia wrapped up the third round with another 2006 forward, Troy Hunka (Canton, OH). Hunka delivered an impressive season for the Cleveland Barons 16U AAA team last year, recording 70 points in 59 games. Hunka scored 29 goals and added 41 helpers to record well over a point-per-game.
With their final three picks, the Rebels selected ‘04 defenseman Zach Peller (Raleigh, NC), ‘04 forward Brogan Shea (Williamstown, NJ) and ‘03 forward Harlan Wojtusik (Rhinelander, WI).
Peller skated for the Nashville Jr. Predators 18U AAA team last season, logging 21 points in 39 games on the blue line. He took the ice in three games for the Amarillo Wrangler’s last year as well, bringing some NAHL experience to Philadelphia.
Shea, who grew up playing his youth hockey at Hollydell Ice Arena, split his season last year between the PAL Jr. Islanders (NCDC) and the Philadelphia Hockey Club (EHL). Shea also skated in two games for the Rebels last year, scoring a goal and an assist for Philadelphia. In 40 total games across three leagues, he scored six times and assisted on 14 goals.
The Rebels draft wrapped up with Wojtusik, who recorded 85 points over 92 games for the Helena Bighorns of the NA3HL over the last two seasons. The 20-year-old has two-and-a-half years of experience in the NA3HL and brings a scoring touch to the Rebels.
Philadelphia Rebels 2023 Draft Class:
Round 1, Pick 9: Julian Brown (Defense – ‘06)
Round 2, Pick 41: Brayden Duy (Defense – ‘06)
Round 3, Pick 72: Lucas Minard (Forward – ‘06)
Round 3, Pick 87: Troy Hunka (Forward – ‘06)
Round 5, Pick 137: Zach Peller (Defense – ‘04)
Round 6, Pick 169: Brogan Shea (Forward – ‘04)
Round 7, Pick 201: Harlan Wojtusik (Forward – ‘03)
