Evansville Jr. Thunderbolts Select Seven Players in Draft

As they look toward their second season as members of the NA3HL in 2016-17, the Evansville Jr. ThunderBolts have selected a total of seven players in the League’s annual Entry Draft which was conducted this week.

Jr. ThunderBolts first-year General Manager/Head Coach Mark Cody presided over his first-ever Entry Draft, selecting four forwards and three defensemen through the eight rounds as the ‘Bolts new bench pilot continues the process of stockpiling his players’ roster for the upcoming season. Three of Cody’s first four picks were members of the blue line brigade.

Looking to inject more scoring punch and power into the lineup, the ‘Bolts made forward GIANNI VITALI their #1 pick. A goal-scoring cannoneer from Fox Motors 18UAAA, VITALI is expected to advance and enhance the club’s offensive might immensely.

THE JR. THUNDERBOLTS DRAFT PICKS (#2 THROUGH #8)

#2—JAKE SUTTON, DEFENSE, FOX MOTORS 18UAAA
#3---THOMAS BREAZEALE, DEFENSE, GRANDVILLE HIGH SCHOOL
#4---JOHN AMES, FORWARD, GABRIEL RICHARD HIGH SCHOOL
#5---CAMERON NELSON, DEFENSE, COLUMBUS HIGH SCHOOL
#6---RORY SCOTT, FORWARD, LEO LIONS HIGH SCHOOL
#7---CONNOR SHARRETT, FORWARD, HSE VARSITY HIGH SCHOOL

The Jr. ThunderBolts did not have an eighth round choice, having moved the pick to the St. Louis Jr. Blues.

Presently, the ‘Bolts have tendered three players for their upcoming 2016-17 NA3HL campaign, including defensemen ANDREW WARE and JEREMY ROSS along with forward KODY KIFER.

Once again, in the 2016-17 season, the Jr. ThunderBolts will compete in the NA3HL’s Midwest Division along with the defending divisional kingpins, the St. Louis Jr. Blues, as well as the Cincinnati Thunder, Nashville Jr. Predators and Peoria Mustangs. Interdivisional opponents for the new season are expected to be South Division rivals, the Atlanta Capitals and Point Mallard Ducks; and from the Central Division, the Chicago Bulldogs.

The 2016-17 NA3HL game schedule is expected to be officially approved and released shortly.

Information courtesy of Terry Ficorelli, Evansville ThunderBolts VP of Broadcast/Media