LA BOUND

After 211 picks were done and the spotlights faded on the 2011 NHL Entry Draft in Minnesota, there was still interest in Soo Greyhounds’ players.  Four Greyhounds’ players were taken by four different teams during the draft festivities but the one team who has had success with Greyhounds’ alumni, the Los Angeles Kings didn’t stop when the draft was over. Colin Miller and Mike Kantor of the Soo Greyhounds are LA bound in September for the King’s training camp after earning free agent try-outs late on Saturday.

Not one to take the traditional way to do things, Sault Ste. Marie native Colin Miller has once again been rewarded for his hard work and dedication. After taking a longer road than some to get to the OHL Colin once again proved that it is the end result that makes the difference, not how you got there.  After playing highschool hockey for White Pines and then Midget AAA to Junior A he finally reached the Major Jr A level when the Hounds signed him as a free agent. Miller was hopeful that he would hear his name called in Minnesota but realistic in that he might have to again prove himself.  After just playing one season in the Ontario Hockey League Miller was ranked 148th by NHL Central Scouting for North American Skaters and many felt his potential was just begining to be seen.  In his first season with the Hounds the 6’1 defenseman racked up 22 points in 66 games and had a +/- rating of +2 on a team that finished out of the play-offs. 

The future is also brighter tonight for Michael Kantor the right winger who calls Lake Forest, Il home.  After being acquired in the Brandon Archibald trade with the Saginaw Spirit, Kantor played 17 games for the Hounds during the 2010-2011 season in which he had 3 goals and 7 points.  LA isn’t the first team to show interest in the Hounds’ 6′ forward; Michael also participated in the Columbus Blue Jacket’s prospect training camp prior to the 2010-2011 season.