Whalers earn commitments from three 2013 draft picks
By Michael Caples –
The Plymouth Whalers announced that three of their most recent draft picks will be joining them next fall.
Head coach and GM Mike Vellucci announced that forwards Cullen Mercer and Bryce Yetman, along with goaltender Zach Bowman, have signed Standard Ontario Hockey League Player’s Agreements with the club.
Mercer, a 16-year-old center, was selected by the Whalers in the third round, 57th overall, in the 2013 Draft. He recorded 37 goals and 36 assists for the Huron-Perth midget minor squad last season, and he played for Team Alliance in the Ontario Hockey League’s Gold Cup tournament last spring.
“Cullen’s a good two-way center who plays an intelligent game,” Vellucci said in a statement. “With experience, he should develop into a young man who can be used in all situations.”
Yetman, a 16-year-old right winger, was the club’s fourth-round pick, taken 73rd overall. He registered 15 goals and eight assists in 36 games last year for the Whitby Wildcats midget minor team. Yetman received an invitation to the Ontario Minor Hockey Association’s Under-16 Program of Excellence selection camp.
“Bryce is a young man who is still growing and developing as a player,” Vellucci said. “We see him maturing into a power forward. Bryce has an excellent offensive up-side.”
Bowman, who will turn 16 later this month, was selected three picks after Yetman, at No. 76 overall. He’s also an invitee to the Ontario selection camp.
“Zach plays his position with good lateral movement and solid reflexes,” Vellucci said. “We know he’s committed to getting better and should improve within our system.”
The trio of draftees join four other players who have committed to the Whalers for the 2013-14 season – Connor Chatham (fifth round, 2011), Josh Wesley (fifth round, 2012), Mathieu Henderson (seventh round, 2012), and Spencer Lee (11th round, 2011).