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Busy Day for Ohio at 2020 NCDC Entry Draft

By Scott Harrington, 06/11/20, 1:30PM EDT

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Eight players drafted, more sign with top-level junior circuit

Eight players with Ohio ties were selected in the 2020 National Collegiate Hockey Conference Entry Draft on June 10.  The NCDC is the tuition-free top tier of the United States Premier Hockey League and consists of 13 teams in the eastern United States.

Sylvania Northview defenseman David Crandall (2002) was selected by the Jersey Hitmen where he will be joined by Toledo Cherokee teammate, 2001-born forward Bailey Byrd.  Byrd led the Cherokee in scoring this season with 51 points (25-26-51) in 44 gamespayed.

Hilliard native and former Hilliard Wildcat and AAA Ohio Blue Jacket forward Laith Abusalha was drafted by the Boston Jr. Bruins.

The Connecticut Jr. Rangers picked up blue liner Thomas Delisle (2002/Blainville, PQ) from the Gilmour Academy Prep team and another Cherokee player, forward Zeth Stelmaszek. Stelmaszek, a 2002-born forward, led Toledo with seven points (2-5-7) in four playoff games.

A pair of Youngstown products – both of them former Cleveland Jr. Barons – goaltender Nick Beck of the Pembroke Lumber Kings (CCHL) and forward David Rankin, who played last season with the Pittsburgh Penguins Elite 18U team, were drafted by the Northern Cyclones and Twin City Thunder, respectively.

Also of note:

Fort Wayne, IN native Jared Fisher, who scored 57 goals in 43 games for the USPHL’s Fort Wayne Spacemen last season, was also drafted by the Northern Cyclones.

Former Gilmour Prep defenseman Christian Tsao was picked up by the Utica Jr. Comets.  Tsao played two seasons in Gates Mills before joining the Pictou County Crushers of the Maritime Hockey League this past season.  

Prior to the draft, the South Shore Kings signed AAA Blue Jackets goaltender Trey Miller.

 

 

--- Scott Harrington for Ohio Hockey Digest