Minot, ND – The North American Hockey League 2017 Draft is tomorrow at 1:00 p.m. and the Minotauros will be looking to add to their division championship roster. For the second year in a row the Tauros will pick 19th overall. Last year the Tauros took Reid Stefanson with the 19th pick in the first round.
The Tauros have 14 players from last season’s roster eligible to return as well at nine players already signed to tender agreements for next season. If the Tauros protect all of those players they will have 23 players under control; teams draft until they have 30 players on their protected list meaning the Tauros would have seven draft picks. The Tauros could see the number of picks increase if players leave early for school, are traded away, or if veteran players are left unprotected.
The draft has been a key to the Minotauros success over the last few seasons. The Tauros have found value both in the early and late rounds. Last summer the Tauros added Stafanson (1st round), Nolan Sawchuk (2nd round), Austin Dollimer (3rd round), and Charles Weiand (8th round). The 2015 Draft saw Cam McClure (1st round), James LaDouce (2nd round), and Grayson Gavin (6th round), all make an impact on the team. The 2014 Draft saw John Snodgrass (6th round) and Quinn Fuchs (9th round) make an impact the next season and also a pair of three-year Tauros added as well in Luke Davison (5th round) and Jake Dittel (13th round).
Tauros Head Coach and General Manager Marty Murray has also not been shy about draft day dealing having twice moved draft picks to acquire proven talent. In 2012 the Tauros traded for Tyler Parks and in 2013 Matt Seidel was acquired. Parks cost the team a first round pick while Seidel was acquired for two second rounders.
For live updates on the Minotauros draft selections and other news follow the Tauros on Twitter @MinotauroHockey. For a full recap of the draft check back here at www.minotauroshockey.com.