Tuesday, the United States Hockey League held their 2014 Entry-Draft. The USHL is the tier-1 junior hockey league nationwide. Some Aberdeen Wings players were selected in the draft.
In the 1st Round of the 2014 USHL Draft, with the 13th pick overall, the Sioux Falls Stampede selected Aberdeen Wings defenseman Dillon Eichstadt. This season, Eichstadt joined Wings captain Jake Horton as linemates. He scored 4 goals and was 2nd on the team in assists with 31 for a total 35 points. Eichstadt led all NAHL defensemen for a majority of the early season in assists. This season, he was also called up to make an appearance in the USHL for the Sioux City Musketeers. In February, he was selected to the 2014 NAHL Top Prospects Tournament representing Team Central. Eichstadt also played for the Kalamazoo Jr. Wings and the Wenatchee Wild of the NAHL.
“Dillon is a player that has really improved and come along way this season,” said Wings head coach Travis Winter. “He is a player that is still improving and gaining a lot of interest.”
Wings forward TJ Roo was selected in the 6th Round, 93rd Pick Overall by the USHL’s Fargo Force. Roo is coming off one of the most impressive seasons in Wings history that saw him score 22 goals and 32 assists. Earlier this week, Roo was named to the 2013-2014 NAHL All-Rookie First Team. On Tuesday, Roo was named to the 2013-2014 NAHL All-Central First Team.
“TJ had a great rookie season in the NAHL and he has been recognized for that,” added Winter. “He was an impact player for us all season long.”
Wings defenseman Daniel Billett was selected by the Fargo Force in the 16th Round, 248th Pick Overall. Billett scored 2 goals with 11 assists in his rookie season with the Aberdeen Wings.
"Daniel really progressed this season for us," added Coach Winter. "I am excited to see the player he will become with continued hard work."
Throughout the season, the Aberdeen Wings tendered high school and AAA midget major players meaning those players agreed to play for the Aberdeen Wings when the league required playing age was met. Some of the tendered Wings players were selected as well.
Jack Nile – Forward (Chicago Fury AAA) – 15th Round, 235th Pick Overall by the Des Moines Buccaneers.
Ronnie Hein – Forward (Lansing Capitals AAA) – 15th Round, 247th Pick Overall by the Waterloo Blackhawks.
“Both Jack and Ronnie were recognized for having great years in midget hockey,” stated Travis Winter, head coach of the Aberdeen Wings. “They will be great additions to our team."
All players drafted will have invitation to report their USHL team’s main camp. Players can remain with the Aberdeen Wings if they choose to do so.
Others selected from the NAHL Central:
Trey Dodd – Austin Bruins – 3rd Round, 46th Pick Overall by the Fargo Force
Niko Hildenbrand – Austin Bruins – 5th Round, 89th Pick Overall by the Waterloo Blackhawks
Garrett Forrest – Brookings Blizzard – 11th Round, 181st Pick Overall by the Sioux City Musketeers
Evan Giesler – Bismarck Bobcats – 19th Round, 299th Pick Overall by the Des Moines Buccaneers