Logan Nelson Interview - (Pre-Draft)

I caught up with Royals Forward Logan Nelson and talked about his experience at the past NHL Combine, his off season activities, as well as excitement for the upcoming NHL Draft June 22-23 in Pittsburgh.

Logan Nelson, #19 F Victoria Royals

From Rogers, Minnesota, he's ranked 73rd among North American skaters in NHL Central Scouting’s final draft rankings, with teammate Steven Hodges at 85th.

He recently graduated, works at a local sporting goods store, and hits the gym with fellow teammate Ben Walker.

His favourite NHL team is the Flyers, and was excited to get interviewed at the Combine by them.  After the draft, Logan will prepare for his try-out for the World Junior Team, in Lake Placid in early August.  He could be back in Victoria by mid-August.

Logan won’t be attending the NHL Draft, instead he’ll be playing in a local charity tournament.

Nelson on the NHL Combine Interviews:
 

Nelson on the NHL Combine Physical Testing:
 

Nelson on excitement of the Draft and if he'll attend:
 

Nelson's favourite NHL team and if they interviewed him at the Combine:
 

Nelson on what type of player the team that drafts him will get:
 

Nelson's summer itinerary:
 

Nelson's expectations of next season in the WHL:
 

Logan Nelson - Combine Experience

Logan Nelson ranks 73rd in upcoming NHL Draft

Andy Neal caught up with Victoria Royals Forward Logan Nelson following the NHL Scouting Combine.

http://www.victoriaroyals.com/article/nelson-on-combine-whl-ties-to-kings-cup/123524

Andy Writes:

Hopefully the 105 players that attended the 2012 NHL Scouting Combine have recovered from their rigorous physical tests and plenty of interviews while at the event at the end of May and into June. One of those players was Victoria Royals’ forward Logan Nelson of Rogers, Minnesota, who is ranked 73rd among North American skaters in NHL Central Scouting’s final draft rankings, with teammate Steven Hodges at 85th. Nelson is back home in the summer, working at a sporting goods store, which usually has him busy after a morning work-out, as he prepares for his second season in the WHL for the Royals. Nelson finished tied for fourth in WHL rookie scoring with 62 points, 23 of which were goals.

In a phone call with Nelson earlier today, he said the first day of the combine saw him go through nine interviews with NHL teams, the second day was going through Bauer and Reebok hockey equipment and the final day was physical tests. Off the top of his head, Nelson said he spoke with the Edmonton Oilers, Ottawa Senators, Chicago Blackhawks, Philadelphia Flyers, Winnipeg Jets, Florida Panthers and the Buffalo Sabres. The interviews were one after the other and he said he had hardly any time for a break. Nelson said the high ranked prospects, such as Nail Yakupov and Everett’s Ryan Murray, had over 20 interviews that they were requested to do. Most people get nervous for one job interview, let alone nine in one day, as what Nelson had to deal with.

The next day, Nelson and other prospects were met by representatives of Bauer and Reebok and were able to go over some their hockey equipment, like skates and sticks. Sounds like it was a fruitful day for the players, as they came away with some free new swag.

The following day is by far the most intriguing for those watching, and likely the most dreadful for those taking part. Logan said there is no amount of physical preparation that can possibly prepare you for the tests that players go through at the combine. Nelson said he scored average to above average in most of the tests and his best results were in the push-ups and long jump. When asked how many push-ups he did, Nelson thinks he managed 39, but was so exhausted that he lost count and just laid on the floor until he could muster the strength to get up. Chandler Stevenson of the Regina Pats recorded the most push-ups of the players that took part with 52 and Kenton Helgeson of the Calgary Hitmen had the third most with 46. The average was 30, so Nelson did pretty well if he pulled off 39.

The bike tests are quite the ordeal with the wind and VO2 tests. The wind test is just all out cycling for 30 seconds, with a 25-pound weight dropped on the front tire. The VO2 test is complex how it measures the amount of air you breathe and where your heart rate is at and is where the players have the tube coming out of them. Someone plugs their noses for 30 seconds during the test and by all accounts, is the least favourite thing to do for all involved.

But with the hard part over, now it’s a wait and see come draft day, or draft weekend in Pittsburgh, with round one on June 22 and the following six rounds the next day. Nelson will for now stay at home when the draft arrives, but he did say that if he knew for sure he’d be drafted and when, he would head to Pittsburgh. Logan is also very excited about returning to Victoria for the 2012-13 campaign and said he’s jealous of players that will be arriving in the BC Capital early prior to the start of training camp. Nelson is optimistic about next season for the Royals with a number of returning players coming back and the fact that the team began to feel like they were headed in the right direction on the ice at the end of the season.

The Royals are likely excited to see him back for next season, too.

Rintoul, Soudek - Updates

The Victoria Royals issued the following releases:

 

ROYALS’ ALUMNUS ROBIN SOUDEK SIGNS WITH CESKE BUDEJOVICE

Soudek signs with former team in Czech Republic.

Friday, May 25, 2012

Victoria, BC – The Victoria Royals congratulate graduating import forward Robin Soudek who has signed a professional contract with Ceske Budejovice of the Czech Extraliga.

Soudek, 20, recently completed his WHL career with the Royals, posting 59 points (29G+30A) in 69 games during the 2011-12 season and 2012 WHL Playoffs. As a member of the Chilliwack Bruins in 2010-11, Soudek recorded 60 points (27G+33A) throughout the regular and post seasons.

After being drafted 12^th overall in the 2008 CHL Import Draft by the Edmonton Oil Kings, Soudek notched 39 points (19G-20A) during the 2008-09 and 2009-10 seasons before being acquired by Chilliwack. From 2005 to 2008, the Czech Republic native played within the Ceske Budejovice youth development system. 

ROYALS’ GRADUATE HAYDEN RINTOUL COMMITS TO UNIVERSITY OF LETHBRIDGE
Former captain joins Pronghorns following four-year WHL career
Wednesday, June 6, 2012

The Victoria Royals congratulate graduating team captain and defenceman Hayden Rintoul who has committed to the University of Lethbridge Pronghorns for the 2012-13 Canada West season.

Rintoul, 21, recently completed his WHL career with the Royals, posting a career high 51 points (17G+34A) in 72 games during the 2011-12 season. Rintoul also added two assists over four games in the 2012 WHL Playoffs. The Calgary, AB native led all WHL defencemen last year with 13 power play goals. As a member of the Royals, Rintoul participated in every game last season after being acquired on July 12th, 2011 in a trade with the Kootenay Ice.

During his four-year WHL career, Rintoul amassed 144 points (36G+108A) over an impressive 260 regular season games played. Rintoul also registered 12 points (2G-10A) in 33 post-season appearances.

Drafted in the fourth round, 79th overall in the 2006 WHL Bantam Draft by the Kootenay Ice, Rintoul played three seasons for the Cranbrook-based team between 2008 and 2011. In 2010-11, Rintoul was an integral member of an Ice team that would go on to capture an Ed Chenowyth Cup as WHL Champions and earn a berth in the 2011 MasterCard Memorial Cup tournament.

Bantam Draft: Press Release

ROYALS SELECT 10 PLAYERS IN THE 2012 WHL BANTAM DRAFT

Victoria has a successful day including drafting first ever hometown player.

Calgary, AB – The Victoria Royals are proud to announce that they have selected 10 players in the 2012 WHL Bantam Draft which included two first round draft picks.

Victoria native and goaltender Markus Daly became the Royals’ first local draftee and one of three BC born players chosen. Alberta supplied Victoria with four picks while two Saskatchewan products and one American (Oregon) selection rounded out the Royals’ 2012 draft class. By position, Victoria picked up five forwards, four defencemen and one goaltender.

“Every draft you look back on what you’ve done as soon as it’s over,” Director of Scouting Garry Pochipinski said. “While the draft is still fresh in our minds, our staff are very pleased with this year’s selections and the players are genuinely excited to be a part of the Royals organization.”

Round 1

Victoria began the day by choosing centre Tyler Soy with the 8^th overall selection. The Surrey, BC native spent the 2011-12 season as captain of the Cloverdale Colts Bantam A1-T1 team where he amassed 65 points (24g-41a) in just 20 games played. The 5-11, 160 lb forward was named Tournament MVP and Top Forward of the John Reid Memorial Tournament in St. Albert, AB where he led the Colts with 20 points (9g-11a) on route to a tournament victory.

“Tyler is an offensively dynamic player who possesses leadership skills and we view him as the total package,” Pochipinski said.

With the 13^th overall pick in the first round, the Royals selected defenceman Chaz Reddekopp. The West Kelowna, BC native skated with the Pursuit of Excellence Bantam Team 1 where he collected 59 points (18g-41a) along with 72 penalty minutes. The 6’2, 188 Ib defenceman also participated in nine games with the Pursuit of Excellence Midget Team 3 where he recorded seven points (2g-5a) and eight minutes in penalties.

"We had Chaz rated as the top defenceman in the draft," Pochipinski said, "and to have him still available at 13 was both surprising and great news.”

Round 2

Victoria took forward Regan Nagy with the 27^th overall pick. The Ogema, SK resident dressed for the Weyburn Energy Wings Bantam AA team in 2011-12 where he scored 46 points (30g-16a) and had 77 penalty minutes in 23 games played. The 5-11, 148 lb Nagy also played four games with the Moose Jaw Generals Midget AAA team.

“Regan is an exceptional player in all areas of the ice," Pochipinski said. "In my mind, he's a very special player that we were thrilled to get at the 27th spot. Regan is a very intelligent player who has great vision and a good shot."

Round 3

The Royals used their 49^th overall pick to select Matthew Campese. Born in Prince Albert, SK, Campese is the son of Prince Albert Raiders’ General Manager Bruno Campese. The 5’10, 167 lb forward played for his hometown Venice House Raiders Bantam AA team where he notched 53 points (32g-21a) along with 98 penalty minutes in 23 games last season.

“Matthew is a natural born leader who possesses a very high compete level,” Pochipinski commented. “He led his team to a number of post-season upsets which speaks to not only his talent but his leadership ability.”

Round 4

Victoria selected Edmonton, AB native Matthew Dykstra at the 71^st overall position of the draft. In 2011-12, the 6-1, 170 lb centre from Edmonton’s Canadian Athletic Club Bantam AAA team collected 34 points (16g-18a) and 86 penalty minutes over 33 contests in the Alberta Major Bantam Hockey League.

“Matthew is a hard-working power forward that loves to go to the net,” Pochipinski emphasized. “Matthew is also a very committed player which will serve him well as his career progresses.”

Round 5

Victoria native Markus Daly was taken with the 93^rd overall pick in the draft to become the first ever hometown draft pick in franchise history. The 5’11, 165 lb Victoria Racquet Club Bantam Team 1 netminder posted a 1.73 goals against average and a 2-1 record before being named team MVP at the 2011 Rick Lapointe Memorial Bantam Showcase Tournament.

“Markus is highly regarded by our scouting staff,” Pochipinski said. “He is a very sound goaltender in all areas that competes hard to make every save.”

Round 6

Victoria drafted their first USA born player in Hermiston, OR native Keith Anderson with the 115^th overall pick. The 6-0, 200 lb right winger dressed for the Phoenix Firebirds. Anderson participated in the Wild West Showdown Tournament in Phoenix, AZ where he recorded 10 points (4g-6a) and five penalty minutes through six games played. He also notched four goals and four penalty minutes during the Phoenix Firebird Invitational.

“Keith is a power forward that brings another dimension to the game with his size and skill,” Pochipinski said, “he really impressed us at the Los Angeles U.S. Prospects Camp.”

Round 7

The Royals used the 137^th pick to draft defenseman Devon Brooks from Edmonton’s Southside Athletic Club Bantam AAA team. The 5-10, 150 lb resident of Edmonton, AB played in 33 games last season, recording 23 points (4g-19a) along with 34 penalty minutes.

“Devon is a very steady defenceman with good vision that continually demonstrates the ability to make the right decisions,” Pochipinski described.

Round 8

Victoria’s eighth round pick was traded to the Spokane Chiefs in 2010 by the Chilliwack Bruins in exchange for centre T.C. Cratsenberg.

Round 9

With the 181^st pick, the Royals selected Calgary, AB born defenceman Oliver Lester. The 5-11, 155 lb rearguard played with the Calgary Bisons Bantam AAA team where he appeared in 30 games, collecting 16 points (3g-13a) and 44 penalty minutes.

“Oliver stood out to us as a real character player,” Pochipinski said, “he is an intelligent hockey player with good puck skills and skates well.”

Round 10

At the 203^rd overall position, Victoria selected defenceman Brendan Grier from Calgary, AB. The 6-5, 197 lb Grier dressed for the Calgary Northstars Bantam AAA team in 2011-12 where he recorded one assist and 44 penalty minutes in 23 games played.

“Brendan’s size is a clear advantage,” Pochipinski stated, “but he also moves the puck very well and is a really tough individual to play against.” 

The Royals passed on their remaining picks of the 2012 WHL Bantam Draft at 225^th (11^th round), 247^th (12^th round), 269^th (13^th round), 291^st (14^th round) and 313^th (15^th round).

2012 Bantam Draft

The Victoria Royals made two selections in the first round of the 2012 Bantam Draft, taking forward Tyler Soy, the Cloverdale Bantam A Colts Captain with their 1st pick, 8th overall and 6'2, 188 lb defenseman Chaz Reddekopp with their 2nd pick, 13th overall.

Director of Scouting Garry Pochipinski on the Victoria Royals 2 first round selections at the 2012 Bantam Draft:
 

The Royals acquired a netminder in the 5th round, local product Markus Daly who plays goal for the Victoria Racquet Club.

Overall, the Royals made 10 picks, selecting 5 forwards, 4 defenseman and 1 netminder.  

***********************************************************************************

Tyler Soy was named tournament MVP and top forward after the Colts won the John Reid Memorial Tournament in St. Albert.  He was also very good in the provincial final, but lost in a tight game to the Burnaby Winterclub.

"He’s a leader, a captain, he does everything, he proved that in the St.Albert Tournament...tremendous young man, we’re really excited about getting him on.” According to Garry Pochipinski, Director of Scouting.  “…He’s the total package, he can score, he can finish, good skater, intelligent, shares the puck, goes in the tough areas…”

Tyler Soy
Position: F
5’11, 155 lbs
Born: 1997-02-10
Hometown: Surrey, B.C.        
Previous Team: Cloverdale Bantam A1-T1    

Pochipinski, with more on Tyler Soy:


Pochipinski`s comments at the draft about Tyler Soy:
 

According to the Royals Press Release:

The Surrey, BC native spent the 2011-12 season as captain of the Cloverdale Bantam A-1 Colts where he recorded 65 points (24g-41a) in just 20 games played. In total, Soy amassed 159 points (53g-106a) over 46 games played to go along with a rating of +121 in 2011-12 including regular season, tournament and playoff action.

The 5-11,155 lb forward helped his team to three tournament titles during the 2011-12 Bantam season. Soy notched 21 points (7G-14A) in five games during the Dallas Saunders International Bantam AAA Tournament in Abbotsford. Soy also attended the 49th Annual International Bantam Christmas Tournament in Burnaby and was named a member of the Second All-Star Team. 

In January, Soy was named Tournament MVP and Top Forward of the John Reid Memorial Tournament in St. Albert, AB. Soy led the Colts to victory while recording 20 points (9G-11A) in six games.

At the 2012 U-16 BC Cup last month, Soy was tied Soy for second in scoring at the 10-team tournament with five points (2g-3a) in four games.

***********************************************************************************

2nd pick, 13th overall selection,
D Chaz Reddekopp
Position: Defenseman
Shoots: L
6’2 188
Pursuit Of Excellence Bantam Team 1 - Tier 1    
Born: 1997-01-01
Hometown: West Kelowna, BC

Associate Director of Scouting Jim McInnes on Reddekopp, “…Big strong defenseman that we felt was a top defenseman in the draft this year, sort of a take control type defenseman, shut down guy and he has an offensive side to him as well….”

Associate Director of Scouting Jim McInnes on Reddekopp
 
Garry Pochipinski, Director of Scouting on Reddekopp, “Big, mobile defenseman that has offensive upside, he’s tough, physical, he’s 6’2 right now and he’s projected to get even bigger.  He’s got great vision, shares the puck, got a great shot and has the potential to be a great defenseman.”

Garry Pochipinski, Director of Scouting on Reddekopp:


Pochipinski on Reddekopp`s size:
 
According to the Victoria Royals Press Release on Chaz Redekopp:

The 6-2, 188 lb native of West Kelowna, BC spent the 2011-12 season as a member of the Pursuit of Excellence Bantam Team 1. Reddekopp tallied 59 points (18g-41a) to go along with 72 minutes in penalties over 62 contests. Reddekopp also had seven points (2g-5a) and eight minutes in penalties through nine games for the Pursuit of Excellence Midget Team 3.

Reddekopp helped lead Pursuit of Excellence to the Kamloops International Bantam Ice Hockey Tournament (KIBIHT) title where he amassed two points (1G-1A) along with four penalty minutes in six games. The Westside Minor Hockey product also participated in the 2012 John Reid Memorial Tournament in St. Albert, AB where he collected two points (1G-1A) in six games.

At the U-16 BC Cup last month, Reddekopp was tied for first in scoring amongst defencemen with four points (2g-2a) in the 10-team tournament.

Reddekopp, along with forward Tyler Soy, who was selected 8th overall, are the Royals’ first two picks in the 2012 WHL Bantam Draft.

The Royals acquired the 13th overall pick on January 9th in a trade that sent Kevin Sundher to the Brandon Wheat Kings in exchange for the selection, defenceman Jordan Fransoo and forward Dakota Conroy.

2nd round, (27th overall)
F Regan Nagy
Position: Centre
5’11 148 lbs
Weyburn Energy Wings Bantam AA
Hometown: Ogema, Sask.,
1997-05-11

3rd round, (49th overall)
F Matthew Campese   
Left Wing   
Hometown: Prince Albert, Sask.   
5’ 9.5 167 lbs
PA Venice House Raiders Bantam AA   
DOB: 1997-12-10

4th Round (71st Overall)
F Matthew Dykstra
Position: Centre
Hometown: Edmonton, Alta.  
6’ 1 170 lbs  
Edmonton CAC Bantam AAA  
1997-02-14

5th Round (93rd overall)   
G Markus Daly   
Goaltender   
Hometown: Victoria, B.C.   
5’ 11    165   
Victoria Racquet Club Bantam Team 1
1997-01-27

6th Round 115th overall
F Keith Anderson    
Position: Right Wing    
Hometown: Hermiston, OR    
6’  200 lb
Phoenix Firebirds U14    
1997-04-18

7th Round (137th )   
D Devon Brooks   
Position: Defence   
Hometown: Edmonton, Alta.   
5’10 150 lbs
Edmonton SSAC Bantam AAA   
1997-05-27

9th Round (181st)
D Oliver Lester    
Position: Defense
Hometown: Calgary, Atla.    
5’11     159 lbs   
Calgary Bisons Bantam AAA    
1997-04-13

10th Round (203rd )    
D Brendan Grier    
Position: Left Defence    
Hometown: Calgary, Alta.    
6’5 197 lbs
Calgary Northstars Bantam AAA    
1997-08-03

NHL Central Scouting released its final rankings, with Victoria Royals forwards making the list.

Logan Nelson (73)
Steven Hodges (85)

Full Lists

North American Skaters:
http://whl.ca/uploads/assets/WHL_EN_SITE/2011_12_WHL_Season/WHL_Documents11_12/2012%20NHL%20CSS%20Final%20%28Skaters%29.pdf

North American Goaltenders:

http://whl.ca/uploads/assets/WHL_EN_SITE/2011_12_WHL_Season/WHL_Documents11_12/2012%20NHL%20CSS%20Final%20%28Goaltenders%29.pdf

Announced a few days ago...

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE / WEDNESDAY, APRIL 4^th, 2012

WHL ANNOUNCES HOST CENTRES FOR 2012 SUBWAY SUPER SERIES
Victoria Royals/Save-On-Foods Memorial Centre and Vancouver Giants/Pacific Coliseum

Toronto, ON – The Canadian Hockey League in association with SUBWAY® restaurant chain and the Western Hockey League today announced that the WHL’s Victoria Royals and the Vancouver Giants will host the final two games of the 2012 SUBWAY® Super Series.

Victoria’s Save-on-Foods Memorial Centre, which hosted the event in 2009, will play host to Game 5 of the series on Wednesday November 14, 2012.  Game 6 of the series will be played Thursday November 15, 2012, at Vancouver’s Pacific Coliseum which will host the event for the first time.

The 2012 SUBWAY® Super Series marks the tenth straight year that regional teams of CHL All-Stars will compete against the Russian National Junior Team as part of a six-game series.  The first two games of the series will be hosted by the QMJHL beginning November 5, 2012, followed by two games in the OHL, with the series wrapping up with two games in the WHL.  The SUBWAY® Super Series is an integral part of the identification process for Team Canada prior to the IIHF World Junior Hockey Championship which will be played in Russia next season.

Last season the CHL edged Team Russia with a 3-2-1 record to win the series by a 10-8 margin in points, just one year following Russia’s first ever series victory in 2010.  Canada and Russia would later meet at the 2012 IIHF World Junior Championship hosted by Calgary and Edmonton, AB, with Russia winning the semi-final contest with a roster that included 16 players from this event.  19 CHL players from the 2011 event competed on the bronze medal winning Team Canada. 

All six games of the SUBWAY ® Super Series will be broadcast nationally on Sportsnet with TVA Sports televising both games from the QMJHL.

The 2012 SUBWAY® Super Series is supported by CHL associate sponsors, Bank of Montreal and CCM.

2012 SUBWAY® Super Series Schedule of Games:

Game 1 – Monday November 5 at QMJHL Host TBA

Game 2 – Wednesday November 7 at QMJHL Host TBA

Game 3 – Thursday November 8 at OHL Host TBA

Game 4 – Monday November 12 at OHL Host TBA

Game 5 – Wednesday November 14 at Victoria, BC

Game 6 – Thursday November 15 at Vancouver, BC

For more information please www.subwaysuperseries.ca

Radio Recap: The Zone Hockey Show

In case you missed Monday nights  'The Zone Hockey Show', a radio segment recapping the Royals past week with audio highlights.