Anaheim Assigns 18 Players To Norfolk
By Ted Warren
Mar 14, 2012; Anaheim, CA, USA; Anaheim Ducks right wing Kyle Palmieri (51) celebrates with his team after he scores a goal against the Detroit Red Wings during the second period at the Honda Center. Mandatory Credit: Kelvin Kuo-US PRESSWIRE
With the NHL lockout now a reality the Anaheim Ducks have assigned the following players to their AHL affiliate the Norfolk Admirals.
Goaltenders
- Frederik Andersen– 22-year-old from Denmark 6’4” 247-pounds. Huge goalie that bolstered a 1.62 GAA in 39 gp in the Swedish Elite League.
- Igor Bobkov– 21-year-old from Russia 6’5” 240-pounds appeared in 4 contests with the Crunch last year after his junior career ended.
- Marco Cousineau– 22 years of age 6’0” 190-pounds. The Quebec native played in 6 games with the Crunch with a .904 save %
Forwards
- Josh Brittain (LW) – 22-year-old, 3rd round draft pick spilt time between the American League and the ECHL. The bruising forward is listed at 6’5” 231-pounds.
- Corey Elinks (C) – 1985 born checks in at 6’2” and 186-pounds. Put up amazing numbers his senior year as a Buckeye with 41 points. Elinks played in the Kings organization before taking his game overseas. This season is Elinks’ 3rd stint in the AHL.
- Emerson Etem (RW) – Drafted in the 1st round by the Ducks in 2010 the 6’ winger played 2 games with the Crunch after his junior season ended in 2012. Emerson put up amazing point totals his last junior season with the Medicine Hat Tigers totaling 107 points in 65 games.
- Peter Holland (C) – 2009 1st round draft pick. Holland was one of the AHL’s stand out rookies. Holland totaled 60 points in 71 games played with the Crunch last year.
- Matt Kennedy (RW) – Kennedy is entering his 3rd season in the American League at 6’2” 203-pounds. Kennedy will provide veteran leadership.
- Ryan Lasch (RW) – Lasch calls Southern California home, Lake Forest to be exact. The 5’9” forward is noted as a player maker. The 181-pound winger played 4 years at St. Cloud State, then took his game overseas. This is his 1st time playing in North America since college.
- Brandon McMillan (LW) – 1990 born is a versatile forward who also excels at the center position. One of the smaller players on the roster 5’11” and 185-pounds. Spent a majority of his career in the NHL with the Ducks although he has seen time in the AHL with the Crunch.
- John Mitchell (LW) – Wisconsin born Mitchell had a 4-year stint at the University of Wisconsin. Mitchell is a grinder who racks up the PIMS. John will also provide veteran leadership in Norfolk.
- Kyle Palmieri (RW) – Palmieri was one to watch going into camp this year. The 5’10” winger who also plays center took the league by storm last year. The 1st round draft pick was an AHL All-Star. Split time between the Ducks and the Crunch last year. The New Jersey native is one of the Ducks young guns and can eventually become a Ducks franchise player.
- Devante Smith-Pelly (RW) – At only 20 years of age, Smith-Pelly is one of the youngest players on the Admirals roster. Noted for his defensive mind-set Devante will see his game grow this year in the AHL.
- Chris Wagner (C) – New England born Wagner will embark on his rookie campaign in Norfolk. Wagner played 2 seasons is college before making the jump to the pro game. The 6’ center shoots right and weighs 205-pounds.
Defensemen
- Sami Vatanen – Norfolk’s smallest defenseman stands at 5’10” and weighs 176-pounds; however that comes with upside. Vatanen is a great skater and can move the puck well. Noted are his power play skills and offensive ability. The Finnish native needs to excel in the physical game also.
- Mat Clark – Colorado native was selected by the Ducks in 2009 37th overall. The next season Clark would turn pro with the Syracuse Crunch. This year will mark the 3rd season in the AHL for the 21-year-old.
- Jordan Hendry – This will be Hendry 3rd season with the Admirals organization. The 2 seasons before were when the Admirals were affiliated with the Chicago Blackhawks. Hendry comes back with some hardware a Stanley Cup ring which he won with former Admirals alumni in 2010. Jordan may not seem to do a lot on the ice to the untrained eye; however; he does the little things on the ice that count.
- Hampus Lindholm – This year’s 1st round draft pick for the Ducks. Lindholm has quick feet for a defenseman his size. The 6’2” Swede is noted for his hockey IQ on the PP and the PK. Hampus is also known not to back down from the physical side of the game. The 18-year-old shows that he is not to overly aggressive with his physical game.