It was a big weekend for the Coyotes. First, the name changed from Phoenix Coyotes to Arizona Coyotes. I am still in the habit of calling them Phoenix Coyotes and will be for some time. It takes time to adjust to these things. I still call the Suns’ arena America West Arena. Although I have gotten used to jobing and u of p so who knows.
It was also the draft this weekend. The Coyotes drafted nine players, seven forwards and two defensemen. Not much of a surprise as we have plenty of young defensemen and need help in the forward position.
The first round pick, 12th overall, was Brendan Perlini. Perlini was actually born in Britain, where his father was playing hockey, and lived there until he was 11. His father is Fred Perlini, who played 8 games with Toronto. His brother was drafted by Anaheim in the 2010 draft.
Perlini is a left winger at 6’2 and 205 pounds. He last played in the OHL for the Niagara Ice Dogs. He played 58 games and ended with 34 goals and 71 points. He played in seven world juniors games and had three goals and seven points.
Perlini was a top ranked skater (8th by NHL scouts, 9th by international) and has the potential to be a great power forward in the league. Before Perlini joins the NHL rank he will need to mature and put on some size.
Perlini is on twitter, but I am sure most of you are already following him. 😉
The other eight draftees are:
- Ryan McInnis – Son of Al. 6’4, 185. Center. 66 games in OHL, 16 goals and 37 points
- Christian Dvorak -6’, 179. Left wing. 33 games in OHL, 6 goals and 14 points. Shortened season due to torn ACL.
- Anton Karlsson – Swedish winger. 6’2, 194. 12 goals and 22 points in 28 games.
- Michael Bunting – Left wing. 6’, 179. 48 games, 15 goals with 42 points.
- Dysin Mayo – Finally a defensemen. 6’1, 180. 7 goals, 35 points in 63 games.
- David Westlund – Another defensemen and Swede. 6’3, 207. 5 goals, 10 points in 33 games.
- Jared Fiegl – 6’1, 205. Left wing. 1 goal, 5 points in 37 games.
- Edgars Kulda – Left wing. 6’, 178. Latvia native. 30 goals and 60 points in 66 games. Awarded Memorial Cup MVP.
We love our tall, lanky draft picks!
Prospect camp starts July 8th and runs through the 10th from 2:45 to 3:45 at Scottsdale Ice Den. As usual these sessions are free and open to the public.
Are you excited about the Coyotes draft picks? Do you plan to attend prospect camp?
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