The Hawkesbury Hawks drafted seven prospects and protected two Bantam AAA players last Wednesday, May 19th at the annual CHL draft held in Gloucester. All nine players will be attending the Hawks pre-camp July 2nd to the 4th in Orleans. Here are the profiles of the new Hawks members:
Alexandre Gendron is a power forward who should make a good run at making the big team this season. He possesses a good scoring touch and isn’t shy to throw his body around. He’s a left winger with an excellent wrist shot and was drafted in the 13th round by the Sarnia Sting in the OHL draft.
Jesse Lussier is a big bodied defenseman who was on several team lists. A 12th round selection by the Kingston Frontenacs, Lussier has all the necessary tools to excel at the Junior A level. He is skilled in all three zones and shows a lot of maturity for a sixteen year old. If will improve game by game if he cracks the Hawks line-up this season.
Jean Dupuy is a 6’1’’ left winger who made great strides last season. He is a hard worker who finds a way to put the puck in the net at critical times. He enjoys handing out solid bodychecks, a skill that would help improve the Hawks over last season. He should open some eyes at the upcoming training camp.
Justin Blanchard-Pellerin is a 5’11’’ centreman who possesses tremendous game sense and is projected to be an excellent defensive forward at the Junior A level. His defensive skills are coupled with the ability to produce offensively.
Pier-Olivier Fournier is a Lefaivre, ON native who also loves the physical side of the game as he patrols the left wing. He also made tremendous strides this past season and will be a player to watch at training camp.
Ramsay Wheeler is a 17 year old right winger who will be in the mix for a starting position this coming season. He is ready to make the jump to the Junior A level after a season with the Char-Lan Rebels Junior B team.
Brandon Gilmour a compact centreman, Gilmour enjoyed a lot of success this past season with the Junior C, Maxville Mustangs. With few more pounds gained in the weight room this summer, the swift skating Gilmour will be ready for training camp.
Patrick Crampton is a big, 15 year old defenseman who is slated to be on the Hawks’ roster in the fall of 2011. Next season, he will be playing with the Ottawa 67’s Midget Minor AAA team and is only eligible to suit up for five games with the Hawks this season.
Kevin Giroux is also from Rockland, ON along with Crampton. He is a 15 year old, 5’11’’ left winger who was also protected by the Hawks. Giroux has an excellent shot and is tough in the corners. He is expected to be with the Hawks in the fall of 2011.
