Stay-Puft
08-24-2006, 05:03 PM
Out of the thousands of youth hockey players around the world, only a select few get to experience life as a professional hockey player.
For the Tri-City Americans' 2006 first-round Bantam pick, center Jason Gardiner knows just how lucky he is to be a part of that tradition.
"It was a thrill to be drafted," said Gardiner. "I felt relieved and I knew I went to a good team (Tri-City)."
Gardiner, along with the Americans second-round pick, Adam Hughesman, will be two of 40 rookies showcasing their talent during the Tri-City Americans Rookie Camp, set to kick off Thursday, August 24th at the Toyota Center. Camp invitees will be run through a rigorous set of drills and fitness testing, concluding with the Rookie Blue vs. White game on Sunday at 9 AM at the Toyota Center in Kennewick.
Rookie camp is every player’s chance to make their mark on the coaching staff, with the opportunity to live their dream as a professional player in their hands. However, this will be the first opportunity for head coach Don Nachbaur and the Americans to test their two top draft picks.
Gardiner, the eighth-overall pick in this year’s draft, not only has the attention of the Americans’ coaching staff, but plenty of expectations placed on him as well. The International Scouting Service (ISS) describes Gardiner as “a tremendous specimen in terms of size and skills.” “(Gardiner) has a great frame and possesses the skating skills, and offensive talent, to fit in well at the WHL level. A top-end offensive player who dominates along the boards and wears defensemen down each time he is on the ice,” ISS continues.
At 6’1”, 180 pounds, Americans general manager/governor Bob Tory knows players like Gardiner do not come along every year. "Gardiner is an exceptional player that has great vision and playmaking skills, who compliments our forwards," Tory explained. “Jason will be a key part of our team for years to come. He is the complete package.”
Gardiner had a breakout year this season playing for the Winnipeg Sharks (AAA Bantam), recording 27 goals, 52 points and 66 penalty minutes in 30 games. He was also named to the all-star team at the Western Canadian Bantam Championships, where the Sharks finished in third place.
Hughesman, however, at 5’11”, 175 pounds, does not look to be overshadowed by his teammate. ISS depicts the left wing as “a smooth skating, talented forward with a quick release and is a super passer.” “His offensive skills are undeniable and he has learned to become a bit more aggressive,” they continue.
Hughesman also had a successful year, notching 31 goals, 57 points and 24 penalty minutes in 29 games. “Adam is a highly skilled player who plays with passion and possesses speed,” Tory details. “He has a natural scoring touch and is very proficient in special team situations. He will have a big impact on our team.”
Hughesman and Gardiner, both 15, will return to Manitoba and compete at the midget level this season, before they become eligible to compete in the Western Hockey League next season. However, both prospects will likely be invited back for the Americans main training camp, which starts on Monday, August 28th, and should stay with the team through the Red Lion Hotels Pre-Season Tournament, which begins on Friday, September 8th at the Toyota Center.
“We are really looking forward to watching what our rookies can bring to the table,” Tory said. “This is their opportunity to be successful with their careers and there are always some surprises in talent. The Americans are fortunate to have a great group of young players coming in and we are excited to see what they can offer,” he concluded.
For the Tri-City Americans' 2006 first-round Bantam pick, center Jason Gardiner knows just how lucky he is to be a part of that tradition.
"It was a thrill to be drafted," said Gardiner. "I felt relieved and I knew I went to a good team (Tri-City)."
Gardiner, along with the Americans second-round pick, Adam Hughesman, will be two of 40 rookies showcasing their talent during the Tri-City Americans Rookie Camp, set to kick off Thursday, August 24th at the Toyota Center. Camp invitees will be run through a rigorous set of drills and fitness testing, concluding with the Rookie Blue vs. White game on Sunday at 9 AM at the Toyota Center in Kennewick.
Rookie camp is every player’s chance to make their mark on the coaching staff, with the opportunity to live their dream as a professional player in their hands. However, this will be the first opportunity for head coach Don Nachbaur and the Americans to test their two top draft picks.
Gardiner, the eighth-overall pick in this year’s draft, not only has the attention of the Americans’ coaching staff, but plenty of expectations placed on him as well. The International Scouting Service (ISS) describes Gardiner as “a tremendous specimen in terms of size and skills.” “(Gardiner) has a great frame and possesses the skating skills, and offensive talent, to fit in well at the WHL level. A top-end offensive player who dominates along the boards and wears defensemen down each time he is on the ice,” ISS continues.
At 6’1”, 180 pounds, Americans general manager/governor Bob Tory knows players like Gardiner do not come along every year. "Gardiner is an exceptional player that has great vision and playmaking skills, who compliments our forwards," Tory explained. “Jason will be a key part of our team for years to come. He is the complete package.”
Gardiner had a breakout year this season playing for the Winnipeg Sharks (AAA Bantam), recording 27 goals, 52 points and 66 penalty minutes in 30 games. He was also named to the all-star team at the Western Canadian Bantam Championships, where the Sharks finished in third place.
Hughesman, however, at 5’11”, 175 pounds, does not look to be overshadowed by his teammate. ISS depicts the left wing as “a smooth skating, talented forward with a quick release and is a super passer.” “His offensive skills are undeniable and he has learned to become a bit more aggressive,” they continue.
Hughesman also had a successful year, notching 31 goals, 57 points and 24 penalty minutes in 29 games. “Adam is a highly skilled player who plays with passion and possesses speed,” Tory details. “He has a natural scoring touch and is very proficient in special team situations. He will have a big impact on our team.”
Hughesman and Gardiner, both 15, will return to Manitoba and compete at the midget level this season, before they become eligible to compete in the Western Hockey League next season. However, both prospects will likely be invited back for the Americans main training camp, which starts on Monday, August 28th, and should stay with the team through the Red Lion Hotels Pre-Season Tournament, which begins on Friday, September 8th at the Toyota Center.
“We are really looking forward to watching what our rookies can bring to the table,” Tory said. “This is their opportunity to be successful with their careers and there are always some surprises in talent. The Americans are fortunate to have a great group of young players coming in and we are excited to see what they can offer,” he concluded.