By Warren Kozireski – Dallas, TX —
New General Manager Lou Lamoriello and head coach Barry Trotz entered their first draft at the helm of the New York Islanders and were able to snag two players ranked seventh and fifth among North American skaters back-to-back at 11th and 12th overall respectively.
Right wing sniper Oliver Wahlstrom from the U.S. National Development Program was the 11th overall selection in the first round of the NHL Draft held in Dallas.
The 6’1”, 205 lb. Massachusetts native tallied 47 goals and 45 assists over 60 games with the Program and added seven goals with nine points in seven games at the U-18 championships.
“It’s a dream come true and to be in New York—that’s city is awesome,” Wahlstrom said to assembled media in Dallas. “This organization or a powerhouse so I can’t be more happy.
“I think I can bring a lot of offensive flair and I’m a kid that likes winning, so I’m going to raise a Stanley Cup for this organization. The talent that they are bringing in is very exciting and I’m very fortunate to be a part of it.”
He is scheduled to join Boston College this fall.
The Islanders next went for offense from their defense in 6’3”, 179 lb. Noah Dobson from Acadie-Bathhurst in the Quebec Major Junior League.
The Prince Edward Island native netted 17 goals with 52 assists in 67 games this past season in the traditionally high scoring league,
“As a kid you dream of getting drafted in the NHL so to be with friends and family it is a humbling feeling,” Dobson said.
“I bring a two-way, puck moving game and very reliable defensively where I can play against the other team’s top players and at the same time get up in the rush and create offense.
“I haven’t really set a timetable for myself for when I want to be in the NHL, but my goal this summer is to add some strength where I can go into an NHL camp with the Islanders this September and be able to compete against men and make the decision tough for management to send me back to junior.”
(NHL.com photo)
