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 of 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 eligilble for the 2009 NHL Entry Draft, included NHL Central Scouting ranked goalie Edward Pasquale, forward Jordan Szwarz and defenseman Cody Sol.

This SaginawSpirit.com NHL Draft preview features goalie Edward Pasquale

Edward Pasquale

Nickname & Why? Squals : Short for Pasquale

Minor Hockey Associations and years played: Toronto Red Wings : 2 Years/ Toronto Junior Canadians : 5 Years

First hockey team: Knights of Columbus House League

Family or relatives with professional athletic/sporting backgrounds: My cousin Mike Rice played for Brampton, Erie, and Oshawa in the four years of his OHL career.

When did you first begin playing hockey and how did you get started? I first began learning to skate at the age of 6. My father, brother, and cousins all played hockey so it ran in the family.

Who has had the most influence on your career & why? My goalie coach Piero Greco. He's always there to talk too when things are good and bad.

Who do you pattern your game after and why? I tend to pattern my game after Cristobal Huet. He plays very relaxed and is one fo the top NHL goaltenders.

What jersey number do you wear & significance? I wear the number 40. I grew up watching Andy Chiodo and he wore that number.

Do you have any pre-game rituals or superstitions? I tend to stretch a lot and listen to the same music. I also keep to myself on game days and don't talk to anyone.

If you could have dinner with any three people, who would they be & why? One would be Cristobal Huet because he's my idol. After that, Will Ferrell because he's so funny and Tiger Woods because he's the best athlete in the world.

Most embarrassing hockey moment: This year I came out after I was selected as a star of the game and fell as I was stepping onto the ice.

Most embarrassing song on you iPod: These Boots are Made for Walking

If you could play in any band or music group: Play with Kenny Chesney

Describe your dream car: Audi R8

If you could be on any reality TV show: Survivor

Hockey hero growing up and why: Curtis Joseph; he was unbelievable when he played for the Maple Leafs.

NHL Team: Toronto Maple Leafs

NHL Player: Cristobal Huet

Shootout Move: Anything Hossa pulls off.

Goal Celebration: Alexander Ovechkin when he silences the crowd with his finger.

Video Game: NHL '09

Movie: Step Brothers and The Dark Knight

TV Show: Two and a Half Men

Actor/Actress: Will Ferrell/ Angelina Jolie

Cartoon: The Simpsons

Website: NHL.com, Facebook, Ontario Hockey League

Book: Goalie World

Pump-up Song: Bleed it Out : Linkin Park

Restaurant: Olive Garden

Sport (other than hockey): Golf

Activity away from the rink: Video Games

Breakfast food: Cereal

Superhero: The Hulk