CANES DRAFT REVIEW Part 2

CANES ADDRESS DEFENSIVE NEED WITH TWO STUDS
CAROLINA

With their second and third overall picks, the Carolina Hurricanes quickly solidified a future need on the blueline. With a looming graduation of as many as 9 defensemen from the current junior Cane roster, the Hurricanes looked to heavily draft defense and they did it early.

The Hurricanes selected, from the Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds, defenseman Jordan Smith. Smith, 18, is known as a heavy hitter and a defensive rock. Smith has twice been named as the OHL’s Western conference’s best open ice body checker and has a reputation for not backing down from anyone.

Smith began his OHL career as a local kid drafted in the second round of the Ontario Hockey League’s bantam draft. By picking young Smith, the Soo was banking on his development in size and strength and Jordan has worked hard in that aspect. The former under 17 Ontario rep quickly turned heads as one of the OHL’s better up and coming defensive defensemen and has turned heads ever since.

“Jordan has a knack for simply pounding players,” said head of scouting Barry Trapp. “He makes a solid first pass, he is not afraid of anyone and will let you know if he is not happy with you. He has fought every heavy weight in the OHL and stood tall with all of them. I think Jordan’s character and desire are evident and he’ll be a solid contributor for seasons to come.”

With the third choice of their draft, the Canes selected Minnesota Golden Gopher Alex Goligoski. The offensive defenseman has made a name for himself as a smallish blueliner with huge offensive upside. Comparisons of Keith Ballard have come easily to many as both possess the offensive tools to be impact players in the pro’s.

Alex, 19, is a slick playmaking defenseman with a big shot and a knack for creating offensive opportunities. Given the right environment, Goligoski will surely find a spot on most team’ spower plays as a quarterback.

“We liked the way he moved the puck in college,” said Trapp. “We are really excited about having him with our organization. He has the tools needed to be an impact guy and with our current group of aggressive defenders in junior, he should be a welcomed addition.”