Wednesday, May 23, 2012

TRUDEAU TAKEN IN USHL DRAFT


Melville Millionaires' forward Russell Trudeau was taken in the 7th Round, 91st overall by the Sioux Falls Stampede in Tuesday's United States Hockey League draft.

USHL teams can have only two imports (non-Americans) on their rosters, but very few Canadians were taken in the draft, and if Russell wants, probably has an above-average shot at making that team.  Not everyone who gets drafted goes down there, and the Mils would still own his Junior 'A' rights should he go down there and have it not work out.

Blake Voth was cut by Muskegon of the USHL early last season, while a few years back, goalie Matt Weninger also had Omaha send him back to Kindersley, before being traded to Flin Flon.

It's also worked out for a few local players in recent years... with Jaden Schwartz being the most prime example.  Schwartz was also a 1st round NHL pick, but he led Tri-City (USHL) in scoring in his second season down there.  Former Swan Valley Stampeder Stephan Vigier played two seasons in Sioux City before taking a scholarship at Northern Michigan.  Former Dauphin King Bryn Chyzyk played this past season in Fargo, and has now commited to North Dakota.

Trudeau scored goals at a torrid pace after coming to Melville from Steinbach (MJHL) in early November, and ended the season with 29-goals and 54-points in just 42 games.  The '93-born Trudeau still has two seasons of Junior eligibility left.

Estevan D Austin Yano was also taken in the later rounds of the USHL Draft.

1 comment:

Anonymous said...

Another player that made the USHL from the SJ, is Eli Lichtenwald.