Here today, NHL tomorrow! The Saginaw Spirit and other CHL member teams are looking ahead to this weekend, when the National Hockey League hosts the 2009 NHL Entry Draft. The Canadian Hockey League is one the major contributors to the NHL, with over 60% of active NHL'ers being drafted out of the Canadian Hockey League.
The 2009 NHL Entry Draft starts with the first round on Friday, June 26 at 7:00 PM (Versus/NHL Network) and resumes with rounds two through seven Saturday, June 27 at 10:00 AM (NHL Network).
The 2008 NHL Entry Draft saw 110 players taken in the seven round event, 37 in the first two rounds. Three Spirit players, defensemen Adam Comrie (Florida Panthers ), T.J. Brodie (Calgary Flames) and Nick Crawford (Buffalo Sabres), were selected in the 2008 draft.
Several players on the Spirit roster are eligible for the 2009 NHL Entry Draft, including NHL Central Scouting ranked goalie Edward Pasquale, forward Jordan Szwarz and defenseman Cody Sol.
This SaginawSpirit.com NHL Draft preview features defenseman Cody Sol
Cody Sol
Nickname & Why? Solly, it's my last name.
Minor Hockey Associations and years played: Woodstock MHA 7 Years/ Brantford MHA 3 Years
First hockey team: Woodstock Junior Navy Vets
Family or relatives with professional athletic/sporting backgrounds: N/A
When did you first begin playing hockey and how did you get started? I started playing at the age of 5. I wanted to play so my parents signed me up.
Who has had the most influence on your career & why? My dad; he always supported me and taught me how to relate hockey and my life as one.
Who do you pattern your game after and why? Chris Pronger; He gives his team a physical edge and aggressiveness. It makes teams scared to play against you.
What jersey number do you wear & significance? I wear the number 41. It's always been a number I liked, and 4 was already taken.
Do you have any pre-game rituals or superstitions? I always put the left side of my equipment on first. It seemed to work, so I stuck with it.
If you could have dinner with any three people, who would they be & why? One would be Taylor Swift. She's gorgeous and a great singer. Another would be Bobby Orr because he's a hockey icon. My third would have to be Adam Sandler because he's so funny.
Most embarrassing hockey moment: Celebrating what I thought to be my first OHL goal. I realized while celebrating by myself that it was tipped in and everyone else was celebrating with the goal scorer.
Most embarrassing song on your iPod: Listen to your Heart - DHT
If you could play in any band or music group: Taylor Swift
Describe your dream car: Black and Chrome Hummer
If you could be on any reality TV show: Amazing Race
Hockey hero growing up and why: Chris Pronger because he was so big and intimidating.
Favorites:
NHL Team: Montreal Canadiens
NHL Player: Dion Phaneuf
Shootout Move: Fake shot, bring puck to backhand, slide through the five-hole.
Goal Celebration: Fist pump with an ice grab.
Video Game: NHL '09
Movie: Remember the Titans
TV Show: Family Guy
Actor/Actress: Adam Sandler
Cartoon: Family Guy
Website: Facebook
Book: Lord of the Flies
Pump-up Song: Thunderstruck : AC/DC
Restaurant: Pancake House
Sport (other than hockey): Golf
Activity away from the rink: Camping
Breakfast food: Eggs, Bacon, and Toast with strawberry jam.
Superhero: Superman