CANES SELECT MEMBER OF TEAM CANADA, AGAIN.

TEAM CANADA SPEEDSTER JOINS TEAM MATES IN CAROLINA
CAROLINA

Before the draft began, the Carolina Hurricanes had their eyes on two members of Team Canada’s gold medal winning team from 2004-2005. The first was goaltender Jeff Glass, who was quickly selected by the St. Louis Blues mid-first round.

“We wanted Jeff Glass but the Blues apparently wanted him more,” said head of scouting Barry Trapp. “Glass is a solid competitor with an easy going nature. Rarely gets rattled. If he would have been available at the 30 spot, he was ours but taking him at 14, where we selected Drew Stafford, was simply not an option for us.”

In the third round, however, the Canes got their man in speedy 2-way forward Stephen Dixon. Dixon, 19, is often thought of as a high energy, defensively conscious winger who has made strides to being one of Canada’s best young penalty killers. His efforts shone in the World Juniors for the past two seasons as Dixon continued to deliver with big shift after big shift. Often teamed with fellow Cane Colin Fraser, Dixon has excelled at many avenues of the game. He has produced timely scoring for his Cape Breton Screaming Eagles in the Q and has shown why he was an easy choice for Team Canada.

“When I heard my name called,” said Dixon,” I was pretty happy. I knew they were trying to get us all and when I saw Jeff picked, I thought maybe they were looking elsewhere, but I’m glad they chose me. I’m looking forward to making a new start in Carolina.”

With Dixon chosen, the Canes seem to be on a path for a very successful future squad in the pros. Dixon was a key to the defensive aspect of the gold winning club and his efforts will likely compliment Jeremy Colliton on the junior squad either this year or the next.