They said it
Multiple players with ties to Sault Ste. Marie and the Ontario Hockey League were among those who were selected at this weekend’s 2014 National Hockey League draft.
Following is some of what three of them had to say after being drafted.
“I think for being such a big guy, being able to skate is everything. I feel like my skating is elite. I would like to get to 215 or 220 pounds while trying to keep my skill and speed. That would be a pretty lethal combo.” — Niagara Ice Dogs left winger Brendan Perlini, a 6-foot-3, 210 pounder who was selected in the first round, 12th overall, by the Arizona Coyotes. Perlini’s parents, Fred and Vicki, were both born and raised in the Soo.
“I started bawling my eyes out. I couldn’t stop crying. I sat there and I couldn’t believe it. I hugged my dad and I saw tears in my dad’s eyes.” — Soo Greyhounds goalie Brandon Halverson, after being selected by the New York Rangers in the second round, 59th overall.
“I can’t even put it into words. I didn’t know where or when I was going. ” — North Bay Battalion centre Michael Amadio, a Sault Ste. Marie native, after being taken by the Stanley Cup champion Los Angeles Kings in the third round, 90th overall.
PHOTO: Michael Amadio of the North Bay Battalion. (Photo by Denis Dubois.)