O’Brien and Lovell in American Draft !
Shawinigan, QC – This Monday, June 4, the QMJHL teams had an appointment to conduct the first ever American selection session in its history. The Cataractes had the second choice overall and the second choice of the second round.
With his first pick, the organization selected center Jay O’Brien. The one considered the best prospect from the state of Massachusetts at the next NHL draft, is ranked 32nd in the North American skaters by the NHL Central Recruitment. Last year, at the USHS Preparatory, with Thayer Academy, he scored an impressive 80 points in 30 games for the leading scorers on the circuit. “We will offer him a nice alternative to the NCAA and if he decides to play in Shawinigan he will surely become an impact player in this league,” said scout leader Mario Carrière. O’Brien will be 19 next season, 5’11 and 175 lbs.
In the second round, the Cataractes selected 16-year-old defenceman Timothy Lovell. He has collected nearly one point per game with the Boston Advantage U15. Known to be a skilled skater and possessing good puck qualities, he was selected in the fourth round of the USHL draft. “He’s in the same age group as the players selected this weekend. We will leave him to evaluate his options, but we believe he could develop as a very good defender in our circuit “said Carrière about his second American choice.
All players drafted this Saturday will be in action over the next weekend (Saturday, June 9) to participate in a series of physical tests.
