DEFENSEMAN MCCARTHY OF CLARENCE TAKEN IN FOURTH ROUND OF NHL DRAFT
By Warren Kozireski–
Buffalo Junior Sabres and U.S. Team Development Program product Case McCarthy of Clarence was chosen 118th overall in the fourth round of the 2019 NHL Entry Draft by the New Jersey Devils.
The 6’1”, 198 lb. right shot defenseman is heading to Boston University this fall with fellow New York natives Robert Mastrosimone and Trevor Zegras.
“It’s surreal and I’m still shaking from it; I had a little trouble getting up on this chair,” McCarthy said in the media room after his selection.
“I’d say I’m a two-way defenseman, I take pride in my own end, I’m a physical player and you need to know where I am on the ice at all times…and I believe in big shots from the point.
McCarthy had a strong campaign with 29 points in 62 U-18 games. He will need to improve on his skating a bit, which the transition to the high-paced college game and pros will necessitate.
He feels his two years in Michigan with the National Program have more than helped. “To be honest with you I think I’ve loosened up a little bit. I’m usually an uptight kid, but we had such great guys in the locker room going through it all together has helped me have more fun with the game.
“I still feel like I’m on a backyard rink playing at my house.”
“Yesterday (the first round) I was just here having fun, supporting the guys (his teammates) and enjoying the experience, but today was a little bit tougher. You’re sitting there waiting for your name to get called, but once it is called it’s just one big sigh of relief and excitement.”
(Photo by Koz)
