Pair of CJHLers headed to NHL draft combine

CALGARY, Alberta (May 28, 2014) – Defensemen Jake Walman of the Toronto Jr. Canadiens (OJHL) and Brandon Hickey of the Spruce Grove Saints (AJHL) are participating in the 2014 NHL Scouting Combine in Toronto this week. Walman is listed at No. 47 amongst North American skaters while Hickey is listed at No. 63.
 
Developing the invite list for the 2014 NHL Combine adopted a two-stage process as compared to other years. In the initial stage, the top 75 players on the NHL Central Scouting Players to Watch List were invited and in the final stage, the NHL clubs voted on the remaining 45 players. The number of invites increased this year as compared to past years.  The Combine is split into three parts – an interview phase on May 26-30, followed by medical exams on May 30 and fitness testing on May 31 at the Toronto International Centre.
 
Jake Walman is the top-ranked OJHL and CJHL Prospect for the 2014 NHL Draft, and was recently named winner of the OJHL and CJHL Rookie of the Year Awards.  The 18-year old defenceman was one of the biggest surprises on the Jr. Canadiens blueline this season and shot up the NHL scouting radar throughout the course of his rookie OJHL season.   Walman recorded 26 assists and 33 points in 43 regular season games. Walman was named a member of Team Canada East for the 2013 World Junior A Challenge, and selected for the OJHL South-East Conference All-Star Team at the 2013 Central Canada Cup All-Star Challenge.  Walman is committed to join the Providence College Friars beginning with the 2014-15 season.
 
Brandon Hickey tripled his offensive output during his second year with the Spruce Grove Saints, recording 18 assists and 22 points in 2013-2014.  The 18 year-old defenceman was selected to represent Canada on Team West at the 2013 World Junior A Challenge in Yarmouth, Nova Scotia.  He is the highest ranked NHL Draft Prospect in the Alberta Junior Hockey League.  Hickey has committed to play for Boston University for the 2014-15 season.
 
The NHL Combine attendees include the top 101 North American players on NHL Central Scouting's final rankings as well as 18 international prospects. For the complete player list click here.
 
The 2014 NHL Entry Draft will be held on June 27-28 at Philadelphia’s Wells Fargo Center Arena.