NORTH RICHLAND HILLS, TEXAS — Five Texas Jr. Brahmas skaters were selected during the 2020 NAHL Entry Draft on Tuesday. Among those chosen were forwards Tyler Blanchard, Cal Couell and Leevi Selänne, left wing Gabe Potyk and goaltender Kayden Hargraves. Read on to learn more about the players picked up by NAHL organizations and hear from Texas Jr. Brahmas Head Coach Ryan Anderson.
Kayden Hargraves, goalie
Drafted in the sixth round at pick #160, Hargraves was selected by the Fairbanks Ice Dogs. Touting a .937 save percentage and a 1.46 GAA for the Texas Jr. Brahmas during the 2019-20 season, the goaltender recorded nine shutouts and a 19-3-0 record. Hargraves is from Denver, Colo.
Coach’s comments: ”The Texas Brahmas couldn’t be more happy for Kayden. The Fairbanks Ice Dogs are Robertson Cup contenders every season and Coach Stewart does an amazing job for his players. The Ice Dogs are getting a young goalie and I look forward to watching Kayden’s success over the next few seasons.”
Tyler Blanchard, forward
Blanchard doesn’t have to travel far, as he was picked at #162 in the sixth round by the Lone Star Brahmas. A native of NYTEX Sports Centre already, the forward recorded 25g-36a in 41 games played for the Texas Jr. Brahmas during the 2019-20 season. Blanchard was a veteran member of the squad, as he played for the team during the 2018-19 season where he also amassed 61 points (29g-32a) in 42 games played. The skater hails from San Jose, Calif.
Coach’s comments: ”Tyler has been an integral member of the Texas Brahmas for the past two seasons. He was a key contributor during our Fraser Cup championship and has worked tirelessly to add elements to his game that will make him successful in the NAHL. I am very excited to watch Blanch pull on a Lone Star Brahmas jersey for Coach Wildfong.”
Gabe Potyk, left wing
Potyk was the 222nd pick during the ninth round of the NAHL Entry Draft, selected by the Corpus Christi IceRays. The left wing totaled 31 points (13g-18a) in 18 games with the Texas Jr. Brahmas during the 2019-20 season. Poytk also played 46 games with the Lone Star Brahmas during the 2018-19 season. The skater is a Lake Orion, Mich. native.
Coach’s comments: ”I am really proud of Gabe and how he handled the adversity he went through last season. He has completely reshaped his mindset and body to earn the opportunity to be drafted by Corpus. Corpus Christi is a great city and the fans in Corpus will love his style of play.”
Leevi Selänne, forward
Selänne was drafted in the tenth round of the draft at pick #264 by the Bismarck Bobcats. The forward put up 52 points (25g-27a) in 46 games played during the 2019-20 season, averaging 1.13 points per game and ended the season with a +43. Selänne is from Los Angeles, Calif.
Coach’s comments: ”Bismarck is getting a one of a kind guy in Leevi. In the year he spent with the Texas Brahmas, he brought fun and energy to the rink every day. He was extremely productive and valuable to our program last season. He has the ability to score as well as an ability to mix it up. The Bobcats fans will love watching him play.”
Cal Couell, forward
Selected by the Danbury Jr. Hat Tricks, Couell was picked up in the fourteenth round at pick #364. The forward ended his second season with the Texas Jr. Brahmas with 24 points (4g-20a) in the 2019-20 season, after recording 11g-24a in his rookie season of 2018-19. Couell is an Orchard Park, N.Y. native.
Coach’s comments: ”Danbury is getting a dynamic two-way defenseman with Cal. He was a member of our Fraser Cup championship team in 2019 and was huge for us down the stretch last year. I am excited for Cal to be able to play in the NAHL in a location closer to home so his family can enjoy watching him play for Danbury.”
“I couldn’t be more proud to have five players drafted off our team from last season,” said Head Coach Ryan Anderson. “Our group always talked about celebrating each other’s success and each and every member of our team helped the drafted players earn the honor of being drafted. I am very excited about the future of our program and can’t wait to get the 2020-2021 season started.”
NAHL teams’ main camps begin between the end of July to the middle of August.
Sydney Johnson is a media and content intern with the Lone Star Brahmas and Texas Jr. Brahmas.
