SPRINGFIELD, IL –The Springfield Jr. Blues Pre Draft Camp concluded yesterday with the all-star game at Nelson Center. The Pre-draft camp featured a 3 game round-robin format, which 80 players from thirteen states competed for a spot in Sunday’s feature game. Player’s experience included junior veterans from the NAHL, NA3HL, MnHL, WSHL, OJHL, and EJHL along with youth players from AAA and high school hockey.
“We were very happy with the number of players that participated this weekend on short notice. We were not sure what to expect since we were not able to finalize the camp until May 1st.” said Head Coach Tony Zasowski, “I am excited and feel we were able to put together a good list of players headed into the entry draft.”
The Jr. Blues are finishing up signing their remaining tenders for Monday’s nights NAHL deadline. All teams must send in the protected lists in preparation for the NAHL Entry Draft Thursday at 1:00pm. Fans can follow the draft live at NAHL.com.
About the Jr. Blues
The Springfield Jr. Blues are the NAHL’s longest running active team, having joined the NAHL back during the 1993-94 season. The Jr. Blues are just one of seven NAHL teams to have won multiple Robertson Cup Championships (1996, 1997). Over 160 alumni have gone on to NCAA Division I and III hockey.
About the NAHL
The NAHL, the only USA Hockey-sanctioned Tier II Junior league boasting 28 teams from across North America, prides itself on the social maturity and skill development of student-athletes ages 16-20 with aspirations of advancing to collegiate and/or professional hockey. To date in 2011-12, over 110 NAHL players have committed to NCAA schools. Famous alumni of the NAHL include: Stanley Cup Champion and Conn Smythe/Vezina Trophy winner Tim Thomas, Buffalo Sabres goaltender Ryan Miller and Chicago Blackhawks forward Patrick Kane. For more information, visit www.nahl.com.664
