The Aberdeen Wings, proud members of the North American Hockey League will be present and selecting this year in the 2014 NAHL Entry Draft. The selection process of potential junior hockey players will be Tuesday, June 3rd. The draft will feature all 24 NAHL teams. One team will have a new name, new location, and new colors as the Port Huron Fighting Falcons have relocated and renamed themselves the Keystone Ice Miners. The team will remain in the NAHL North Division.
Last year, the Wings selected defenseman Mitch Reinke with the 7th overall pick in the 1st Round of the 2013 NAHL Draft. Reinke commited to Division I Michigan Tech. Drafted players that suited last season for the Wings included forward #19 Colin O'Neill (F-Odenton, MD) who was selected 15th overall in the 1st Round. O'Neill had 4 goals and 15 assists in 59 games in 2013-2014 for the Aberdeen Wings. He has commited to play Division I hockey for the University of Massachusetts-Lowell. Wings defenseman #23 Derek Famula (D-Colorado Springs, CO) was selected 81st overall in the 4th Round and played in 37 games in Aberdeen last season. Famula attended the 2013 Wings Pre-Draft Tryout Camp.
The Aberdeen Wings just recently completed the 2014 Pre-Draft Tryout Camp held at Mendota Heights, Minnesota. Over the weekend, potential junior hockey players showcased their talents for the Wings coaching staff, scouts, and player personnel staff in hopes of being selected in the 2014 NAHL Entry Draft. This camp is a great opportunity for players to use the skills, techniques, and experience they have received at the high school, major midget, and AAA levels. Some of the staff members for the Aberdeen Wings in attendance included Director of Hockey Operations Travis Winter, Director of Player Personnel Francis Anzalone, and Director of Player Development Mike Grattan. The entire Wings hockey operations staff and scouting department will take their evaulations and projected needs into the draft to select the right players, perfect for the Wings organization and development process.
The Aberdeen Wings organization is proud of having 21 players make Division I commitments in just the four seasons of existence, so far. Under current head coach Travis Winter, 14 players have made Division I commitments in the past 18 months. Coach Winter and the Aberdeen Wings are also proud that a former goaltender Zach Nagelvoort has been determined one of the top goaltending prospects for the upcoming NHL Pro Entry Draft. Along with collegiate placement, the Wings pride themselves on developing the player in skills on the ice, conditioning in the Wings Training Facility, and as role models off the ice with involvement in various community activities. The dedication to its players and atmosphere is top priority of the Wings ownership, business staff, hockey staff, and community.