By Warren Kozireski
(Pictured is Charlie McAvoy)
30 miles separates Long Beach from Oyster Bay and players from each accounted for two of the 30 selected in the first round of the 2016 NHL Entry Draft in Buffalo. And both were playing Division I college hockey for large portions of this past season as 17 year olds against some who were 23-24.
Charlie McAvoy of Long Beach and entering his sophomore season with Boston University was selected by the Boston Bruins with the 14th pick while Tage Thompson of Oyster Bay was taken 26th overall after St. Louis traded a third rounder with Washington to move up two spots.
McAvoy is listed as a 6’1”, 211 lb. blueliner and was a traditional freshman with Boston University this past season. He scored three goals with 22 assists over 37 games with the Terriers and won a bronze medal with Team USA’s world junior squad. Before that he played two seasons with the U.S. National Development Program where he scored seven goals with 23 assists in a combined 57 contests.
“Speechless and at a loss for words—it’s an unbelievable feeling,” McAvoy said in the press conference. “The defensive side of the puck was where I needed to grow and I feel like I made great strides this year.
“Skating is something I rely on a lot and my skating ability allows me to play the style of game that I like. Drew Doughty is my favorite defenseman and he’s got all of the traits that I think I have.
Thompson, the son of 15-year NHL veteran Brent Thompson, played with the University of Connecticut last year. The right winger scored 14 goals with 18 assists in 36 games one year after one season with the U.S National Development Program.
Listed at 6’5” and 185 lb., Thompson scored all but one of his goals on the power play, so will need to bulk up moving to his sophomore campaign.
“More than I would have expected and something I’ve dreamt of my whole life,” Thompson said.
“My shot is my biggest strength and I think I see the ice really well. I’d say like Corey Perry—big body, skilled and knack for scoring goals.
Thompson was the last of five sons of former NHLers and feels that will give him a head start when he decides to turn pro.
“My father played the game for 15 years and is into coaching now (head coach with Bridgeport in the American Hockey League), so he knows what it takes to get there. So he passes his wisdom on to me and now it’s up to me to put in the work and listen to him.”
