Two Giants drafted
Two Vancouver Giants were selected in the second and fourth rounds of the 2012 NHL Entry Draft June 22 and 23 in Pittsburgh.
Centre Jordan Martinook was picked in the second round and went 58th overall to the Phoenix Coyotes. The 19-year-old from Leduc Alta. wasnt overlooked in the WHL bantam draft and joined the Giants for their 2010-11 season. In his second year with the Giants, he scored 40 goals and added 24 assists.
Martinook stands six-foot-one at 200 pounds and turns 20 next month, meaning he is eligible to play in the NHL next season. The Coyotes host a prospects camp this week and will decide if Martinook skates a third season with the Giants or if he joins the Phoenix development system.
Defenceman Brett Kulak wont travel far from home to join the Calgary Flames. The native of Stony Plain, Alta. was selected in the fourth round, 105th overall by the Flames. Kulak played in all 72 regular season games for the Giants and registered nine goals, 15 assists and a team-best +29 rating. The 18-year-old becomes the third Giant in club history selected by the Flames organization.
Giants executive VP and general manager Scott Bonner congratulated the players and their families.
Were really proud to see both players chosen today, he said in a news announcement.
Being passed over in the WHL bantam draft is no indication a players hockey career is over, he said.
Its a real testament to their character and its proof that regardless of where or if youre chosen in the bantam draft, you can still realize your dreams with hard work and a good support system around you. Its also a proud day for our scouting and player development staff, as we continue to build on our track record of making strong late-round Bantam Draft and list player decisions. Congratulations to Jordan, Brett and their families.
Twitter: @MHStewart
