The MHL draft was held on Saturday with the Rapids making a total of 13 picks, including 8 forwards, 4 defensemen and 1 goaltender.
Following is a complete list of those picks made in order from round 1 to round 10. Comments on each pick are from the Rapids general manager, Danny Braun.
Round 1
Grand Falls made a trade with Pictou County to move up from the 8th pick to obtain the 3rd pick overall.
3rd Pick overall: Joachim Matulu – Defence; Moncton Flyers MAAA
Born: 2003 6’0 170 lbs.
Hometown: Shediac, NB
Joachim (Jo) is a mobile, smart defenseman who moves the puck well, is smart positionally as a defender and has leadership qualities. He will be able to step into the Rapids lineup right away.
Round 2
14th Pick overall: Cole McKeigan – Forward; Charlottetown Knights MAAA
Born: 2003
5’10;165 lbs.
Hometown: Stratford, PEI
Cole McKeigan plays the game hard, is a tireless worker, can chip in offensively and is a great teammate. Cole will be a player that you love to have on your team but hate playing against.
Round 2
16th Pick overall: Evan Bellamy – Defence; Saint John Vito’s MAAA
Born: 2005
5’9; 160 lbs
Hometown: Hampton, NB
Evan is a left hand shot defenseman that has a good hockey IQ. He uses his stick and his body positioning very well when defending and has skill that allows him to be an effective puck mover.
Territorial Round 1
32nd Pick overall: Noah Ryan – Forward; Saint John Vito’s MAAA
Born : 2005
6’; 174 lbs.
Hometown: Rothesay, NB
Noah is an offensive player that always wants the puck. He is constantly moving to get open and has an accurate and heavy shot.
Round 3
39th Pick overall: Luke Patterson – Forward; Moncton Flyers MAAA
Born : 2005
6’0; 170 lbs.
Hometown: Moncton, NB
Luke is a quick, shifty offensive forward that is a threat every time he is on the ice. He has a good hockey IQ and his smarts continually result in offensive opportunities.
Round 3
44th Pick overall: Spencer Desveaux – Forward; Ridley College Prep
Born: 2003
6’2; 180 lbs.
Hometown: Miramichi, NB
Spencer is a big, power forward who has played on the wing at Ridley College in St. Catherine’s, Ontario the past two seasons. He will fit in right away in the Rapids lineup.
Territorial Round 2
56th Pick overall: Brett Arsenault – Forward; Charlottetown Knights MAAA
Born: 2005
5’11; 155 lbs
Hometown: Charlottetown, PEI
Brett has always been able to score. He battled through some injuries this past season but possesses a great hockey IQ; has lots of jump and has tremendous upside.
Round 4
66th Pick overall: Anton Topilnyckyj – Defence; Fredericton Caps MAAA
Born: 2005
6’2; 175 lbs.
Hometown: Oromocto, NB
Anton has good agility for a bigger defenseman. He has played on the power play in Fredericton and has an outstanding reach which helps when defending.
Round 4
68th Pick overall: Joey Hawco – Goaltender; Stanstead College
Born: 2005
5’10; 145 lbs.
Hometown: Halifax, NS
Joey Hawco is an athletic and technically sound goaltender who provides goaltending depth for the future. Joey is very familiar with Rapids goaltending coach Paul Drew and is excited to be joining the organization.
Round 5
73rd Pick overall: Cole MacWilliam – Forward; Fredericton Caps MAAA
Born : 2004
6’0; 165 lbs.
Hometown: Douglas, NB
Cole has good size and he skates well; protects and manages the puck well and has the ability to chip in offensively.
Round 5
80th pick overall: Angelo Fullerton – Forward; Saint John Vito’s MAAA
Born : 2005
5’10; 160 lbs.
Hometown: Quispamsis, NB
Angelo is a natural scorer and has all the tools to develop into an effective offensive player.
Round 6
92nd Pick overall: Bryce Thomson – Forward; Cape Breton West Islanders MAAA
Born : 2003
5’10; 165
Hometown: Antigonish, NS
Bryce played on a line all season with Rapids prospect Sam Beaton and was a participant in the Rapids’ training camp last season. Bryce has a good motor; works tirelessly; competes and has the skill to play up and down the lineup.
Round 8
116th Pick overall: Carson Rideout – Defence; Leo Hayes High School
Born: 2004
6’2; 175 lbs
Hometown: Woodstock, NB
Carson was recently awarded the top defenseman award at Leo Hayes as a grade 11 student athlete. He played his Bantam hockey with the Northwest Bulls organization and is looking forward to joining the Rapids organization.
Patrick Thibault