When the seven round NHL Draft was complete, a total of six Manitobans were among the 211 players taken. Oakbank’s Brett Howden was selected in the first round on Friday by the Tampa Bay Lightning 27th overall.
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Myrtle’s Wade Allison went to the Philadelphia Flyers in the second round, 52nd overall. He played the last two seasons with Tri-City in the United States Hockey League but still remembers where it all began.
“I actually started my hockey in Roland.” said Allison. “Seven players and a goalie, so I’d play periods at a time without getting off the ice. Played there ’til I was about eight years old, then I went to Carman for a couple years, I think three, four years. I went to Pembina Valley for two years and then I went to Omaha.”
Allison played one season in midget AAA with the Omaha Lancers before moving on to the USHL and he credited his father for helping him get this far.
“When we were younger he was so hard on me, but I mean, I think it’s definitely paying off.” Allison said. “I mean he’s backed off a little bit now, but I mean, he still wants what’s best for me, and I really do appreciate everything he puts into it.”
Even though he played the last three years in the United States, he was still very much a fan of the Winnipeg Jets.
“Not no more I guess.” said Allison.
WATCH: Raw Interview – Wade Allison after getting selected by Flyers
After getting passed over in the last two NHL Drafts, Winnipeg’s Adam Brooks was taken by the Toronto Maple Leafs with the first pick of the fourth round. Brooks scored just four goals in 60 games in his original draft year but compiled 38 goals in 72 games last season with the Regina Pats.
Brandon’s Tanner Kaspick went later in round four after he was picked up by the St. Louis Blues with the 119th selection. Brandon’s Jordan Stallard will have the opportunity to play close to home after he was taken by the Winnipeg Jets 127th overall. Portage Terriers’ defenseman Dean Stewart was a late round selection. The Arizona Coyotes took the Portage born player with the 188th pick of the seventh round.
Kaspick was one of two Wheat Kings’ players who was snapped up. Wheatties defenseman Kale Clague of Lloydminster joins the Los Angeles Kings after going in the second round, 51st overall.
The six players chosen was a steep increase from the one Manitoba born player who was selected last year when Keegan Kolesar was taken by the Columbus Blue Jackets in the third round.
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