Dogs Take RNS Defenseman 17th

Proud to be apart of the saint john sea dogs organization.
— Will Thompson (@willthompson44) June 8, 2013

The Saint John Sea Dogs looked down the highway to find their second pick of the first round.

The Sea Dogs selected Rothesay Netherwood defenseman Will Thompson 17^th overall in today’s Quebec Major Junior Hockey League Entry Draft. Saint John also selected Shattuck St. Mary’s forward Nathan Noel with the third overall pick.

Thompson, a Fredericton native, was ranked 14^th by QMJHL Central Scouting, 16^th by International Scouting Services, and 15^th by HockeyProspect.com.

“The Fredericton native moves the puck well on the powerplay and possesses a good vision,” states HockeyProspect.com’s draft guide. “He also makes a good use of his precise slapshot. Here is another defenseman with the potential of becoming a solid two-way player in the QMJHL.”

“Will processes quickly and makes good decisions with the puck and is effective at carrying the puck into the offensive zone,” states ISS’ draft guide. “Although he needs to get physically stronger, he battles hard and doesn’t shy away from bigger players. Will’s skill set parallels many of the defensive players ranked ahead of him, the only thing holding him back is strength.”

According to Elite Prospects, Thompson had 11 goals and 25 assists in 47 games with RNS this past season.

Thompson was the first and only New Brunswick player taken in the first round.

So ends the opening round. Saint John picks again at No. 22.